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Auto Insurance in Alberta

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Auto Insurance Made Easier with Access Insurance

For Albertans, having a secure auto insurance policy provides peace of mind on and off the road. Whether you’re driving on snowy streets in Edmonton or on a road trip with friends, accidents can happen. To be prepared in any scenario, Access Insurance helps you tailor your auto insurance policy to match your lifestyle and preferences.

 

Alberta’s private auto insurance industry is regulated, which means that drivers purchase their insurance from competing insurance companies. There are government rules that govern how insurance companies conduct business.

 

The Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) regulates the rating programs of automobile insurance in Alberta for both basic and additional coverage. The AIRB vision is to make insurance affordable, fair, and viable for all drivers in Alberta.

AIRB also enforces a price cap known as The Grid system which defines the maximum and minimum amount an insurer can charge for basic auto insurance. Basic auto coverage includes third party liability, accident benefits, direct compensation for damage to property, and direct compensation. Insurance companies are free to set their own prices for optional coverage.

The Grid shows the maximum amount that drivers can pay to insure their vehicles. Your rates as a motorist will increase or decrease depending on several factors. However, they can’t go over the maximum premium listed on the Grid.

Insurers are required to compare the grid-based base premium with the premium quoted by the policyholder and charge the lower of the two. At the same time, few Albertans pay the Grid rate.

Areas We Serve

What is Covered under a Mandatory Auto Insurance Policy?

In Alberta, by law you are required to have a standard auto insurance policy for your vehicle.

Here is a breakdown of mandatory car insurance in Alberta:

Third-Party Liability
This coverage protects you if you cause injury to another person or their property. When you cause an accident, third-party liability coverage pays legal fees and other fees if you are sued. $2 million dollars of coverage is recommended.
Accident Benefits
Accident Benefits insurance covers medical, rehab expenses and other expenses for injuries or deaths caused to third parties involved in an accident (occupants of your vehicle and pedestrians). Loss of income, medical services, funeral costs, and death benefits may also be covered.
Direct Compensation — Property Damage
This mandatory coverage, which went into effect January 2022, covers damage to your vehicle if you are at fault in a collision with another insured driver. Thanks to the Alberta Government’s Auto Insurance Reform, if you are in an accident, your insurance provider will cover the damages to your car regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Automobile Insurance
Uninsured or underinsured auto insurance coverage provides coverage for injuries or damage due to an accident involving a driver that is underinsured or uninsured.

Don’t wait for a car accident to happen. Call Access Insurance for auto coverage options now.

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Optional Coverage for Your Alberta Auto Insurance Policy

There may be additional policy options that you want to add to your vehicle insurance policy in Alberta. See below for your options:

    • Collision InsuranceCollision insurance covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by a rollover, collision or impact with another vehicle or object (e.g., guardrail).

  • Comprehensive InsuranceThis covers the costs of repairing your vehicle due to theft, vandalism and animal collisions.

  • Loss of UseHas an insurance claim for an insured event caused your car to be in the repair shop? Loss of use insurance allows you to rent a vehicle while your car is being repaired.

  • Family Protection EndorsementThis protection will cover you if the driver is at fault, the driver does not have enough insurance or lacks an insurance policy altogether. This endorsement ensures that you and your loved ones have the money you need to recover fully from an accident. This coverage also covers a hit and run driver.

  • Replacement CostReplacement cost insurance will replace your vehicle if it is damaged beyond repair.

  • RoofYour roof will be inspected by the insurer for its age and material. Standard asphalt roofs will begin to show signs of wear and tear in 10-15 years depending on the external conditions.
    Your roof may need to be repaired if it is weak or old to prevent leaks during wet and freezing months. Your house insurance may be reduced if you have a roof made of metal, as it is more resistant to wear..

  • History of Past ClaimsYour insurer will ask you how many claims you have submitted in the past 5 to 10 years. Your monthly premium may increase if you make frequent or unsuccessful claims. Before filing an insurance claim, always check to see if the problem can be fixed yourself.

  • GlassA glass policy covers any potential glass damage to your car and is a separate insurance policy. Glass claims will not affect your auto insurance premium.

  • Accident ForgivenessThis protects you from having your driving record or insurance rates affected by your first “at-fault” accident.

Protect your vehicle with a comprehensive auto insurance policy today. It’s simple and fast to get a free quote.
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The Cost of Auto Insurance in Alberta

Auto insurance rates are a highly customized product with variable rates in Alberta. Access Insurance aims to get you the most affordable rate without compromising coverage.

Compare Alberta auto insurance quotes online. Start by clicking on the Get a Quote button below. Access insurance helps you get an affordable rate by connecting you to an Alberta car insurance broker near you.
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 The Cost of Car Insurance Across Albertan Cities

Car insurance premiums can differ greatly depending on the city you live in. Certain cities are known for higher accident rates, while others have lower crime rates, which can impact your insurance rate. As a car owner, you want to make sure you’re not overpaying for insurance.

Let’s go over the Alberta cities with the cheapest and most expensive car insurance premiums so that you can make a more informed decision about your car insurance.

Edmonton

Edmonton is one of the most expensive cities in Alberta when it comes to car insurance premiums. The average insurance premium for a vehicle in Edmonton is around $2117.76 per year.

One of the reasons for the high cost of insurance in Edmonton is the high number of collisions that take place on the city’s roads. In 2019, there were over 42,000 collisions in Edmonton.

Calgary

Calgary, like Edmonton, is another city in Alberta where you can expect to pay higher insurance premiums. The average cost for car insurance in Calgary is around $ 1995.82   per year.

One of the factors that affect the cost of insurance in Calgary is the city’s location, as it’s situated close to the mountains, which can lead to more severe accidents. Additionally, there are more cars on the road in Calgary, which can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents.

Red Deer

Red Deer is a city that has seen a decline in the number of accidents in recent years, which means that insurance rates have also dropped. The average cost of insurance in Red Deer is around $1662.83 per year, making it one of the more affordable cities in Alberta to own a vehicle.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is another Alberta city with relatively affordable insurance rates. The average cost of car insurance in Lethbridge is around  $1618.17  per year. The city has a lower population density than other major cities in Alberta, which could play a role in the lower insurance rates.

Factors Impacting Auto Insurance Rates
in Alberta?

Alberta auto insurance rates are affected by many factors, including:

Age

Young or new drivers are deemed a higher risk for insurance companies. So, if you’re just starting to drive, your insurance rates will be pricier than a seasoned driver’s rates. You may also see your premium increase after the age of 70 because drivers in this age group are more likely to have larger claims and take longer to recover from accidents.

Driving History

Driving convictions and a large number of claims will lead to higher premiums. Finding a cheap car insurance policy in Alberta can be difficult if you are a high-risk driver.

Insurance History

Your insurance history may impact your rates. You may receive a higher priced quote if you have filed multiple claims, or you have a history of missed payments. New immigrants may also have issues finding affordable rates because they don’t have experience driving in Canada.

Driving Experience

According to demographic data, inexperienced drivers (less than 8 years in Alberta) are more likely to be involved in an accident, so their rates will be higher.

Vehicle Type

The price, make, model and age of a vehicle all affect your insurance costs.

How You Use Your Vehicle

Using your car for work may increase your premium. A broker will ask about the length of your commute to determine your rate.

Coverage Amount

Your premium will be higher, the more insurance coverage you have above the minimum amount.

Tips to Get Cheap Auto Insurance in Alberta

Are you looking to reduce your auto insurance rate? There is a myriad of ways to lower your rate, including:

    • Bundle home and auto insuranceSave time and money by combining your car and home insurance under one insurer.

  • Increase your deductible:Lower your monthly premium by increasing your deductible. This will help you save money if you don’t submit many claims.

  • Select a vehicle with safety features:If your car is equipped with safety features, such as blind spot monitoring, anti-theft or crash prevention, you can get cheaper insurance because you are less likely to be in an accident or have your vehicle stolen.

  • Reduce your mileage:Reduce the distance and frequency of your driving to lower your insurance rates. Use public transport or carpool whenever possible.

  • Combine policies:Have you got several family members, or even roommates who drive? You can lower your insurance premium by having them insured through the same company.

  • Where you Park Overnight:You can get a discount or reduced rates for parking your vehicle in a driveway or garage. This will protect it from vandalism or theft, as well as help you avoid car theft.

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Alberta Auto Insurance FAQs

The only time you can drive without insurance in Alberta is during a grace period of 14 days (about 2 weeks) once an insurance premium is due for you to pay to avoid a lapse in coverage.

The increase in auto insurance rates in Alberta is usually due to one or more of the following reasons; either there are more accidents happening in the city, occurrences of natural disasters, or any other extreme weather conditions resulting in considerable damage.

Any driver with a valid license can drive your car as long as you give them permission, and as long as your policy does not list that driver as being excluded from the policy.