GAH PAPERWORK

So a few months back, I applied to NEXUS. Its basically a cool little card that let's you skip longer lines at the airport/land crossings (and marine crossings, but I'm not familiar with that process). The initial application costs a few pretty pennies (~$50), and it takes 2-3 months for them to verify the initial application. After you've been verified, you have 30 days to schedule an interview.

Now, being from Toronto, the nearest interview center is at Pearson Int'l Airport. The wait list is abouuuut 3 months after your initial verification. I was able to schedule myself about 2 days after verification (I kept checking every minute for a cancellation and lucked out after 20 minutes).

Next began the gathering phase. As in, gather every piece of documentation that you need as proof. I arrived early (suited up, of course, but that proved to be unnecessary). I had 2 border agents (one Canadian, one U.S.) simultaneously ask questions or explain facts/procedures, but nothing stressful. Card should be in the mail soon.

After that and a coffee, I called up my car insurance agency to figure out something that's been causing me many headaches. My insurance broker had initially told me that I need new car insurance about a week after leave Canada and arrive in the states. BUT: assuming other companies have similar terms, then every other medical student I asked was breaking their policy contracts and lacked adequate car insurance.

So I called up a rival company, received a quote and asked the very same question. They told me I can easily spend a couple months in the states and still have adequate insurance. But they were also giving a much higher monthly quote than I'm currently paying. So I called up my current insurance brokerage company (On Saturday, when my regular broker isn't working) and asked another broker and someone in customer service.

It turns out, I can spend 6 months in the U.S. with my current insurance. Then, I need to come back to Toronto for a day and tell my insurance company I'm back. That's all it takes to leave for another 6 months with valid insurance.

So: is my regular insurance broker flat out wrong, or is their customer service + TD insurance wrong?

YOU DECIDE.

Actually, no. I decided. My regular broker is wrong.

Also, my apartment search has neared its end. But I'll write about that soon.