Alberta Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Alberta"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the province of Alberta?
• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Alberta?

Alberta has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways.

To meet Alberta's Auto Insurance Ruales, your must...

In Alberta, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker meeting the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. Alberta requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In Alberta, you must have at least $200,000.00 of third party liability insurance to meet the minimum requirements, but if you are, sue for both injury and damages, and found responsible for more than $200,000.00 by the courts, your insurance company will pay no more than $10,000.00 towards the property damage portion.

2. In Alberta, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. If you are in an accident and you are not wearing your seat belt, which is mandatory in Alberta, your insurance could be void and you would be responsible for all damages that occur.

Important Fact About Auto Coverage in Alberta:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Alberta

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: What does Canadian Direct Insurance (Alberta) Auto SEF CDI 1 Travel Protection cover me for? US Rental Cars?
Renting a car in the states, have collision, liability etc on my policy along with these SEF's. Do I need to buy any coverage in the states? SEF CDI 1, 2 and 3, SEFs # 18,20, 23A, 27, 35, 37, 44

Answer: SEF 27 is legal liability coverage for damage to non-owned vehicles. This information is from an Alberta government website. Why has your insurance broker not explained the coverages, which should all be listed by name in your policy, not just number? As a retired Manitoba broker, I can tell you I never let a policy holder leave without having an explanation of the basics of his policy. I can also tell you it went in one ear ona out the other for many people. More than once the signature on the application was used to protect brokers from accusations that limits or charges for optional coverages were never explained. This is the problem with on-line coverages. 9 times out of 10 the person on the phone is not licenced at all, which is why you are occasionally referred, right at the end, to a licenced broker, or, more often, the person is only a level 1 broker, working in a boiler room with several level one brokers, under the supervision of a level 2 or 3 broker.

Question: What is better and cheaper for Auto Insurance in BC vs. Alberta?
I'm purchasing a new car, and i'm currently in British Columbia, i have two residences, one in BC and one in Alberta as i go to school in Alberta. I'm wondering what should i do with insurance would it be better to insure it under BC or Alberta?

Answer: British Columbia has better rates.

Question: Alberta auto insurance laws?
Here is the situation: My parents have 3 cars and I will be getting my drivers license soon. When I called my insurance agency and asked to get auto insurance, the broker told me that I MUST be registered as a primary driver on one of the vehicles instead of an occasional driver. I am a dependent high school student living with my parents and they have no intent of giving me the car. So my question is that if the broker is lying to me or not because I think that it's unreasonable that I MUST be registered as an PRIMARY driver on one of the cars instead of a occasional driver. P.S: Can't I just be added to their policy as an occasional driver?

Answer: if there were2 cars on the policy you would be able to be rated as an occasional driver. Once there are three cars and three drivers everyone on the policy would be rated on a car, they can not guarentee that you will be in the car only some of the time. get a car with liablility only that should help you out.

Question: Cheap auto insurance in Alberta?
I just got my first car and I am looking for auto insurance for the first time. Which companies offer the best rates? My car is 1988 mazda, how much does the insurance usually cost for my situation per month?

Answer: Hey, I just searched for car insurance last month, and it seems that RBC auto insurance offers the best rates (they were $500 cheaper then the next best company!). You also get a 5% discount if you get a online quote before you call and sign-up. My advise is to go with them. In order to get a ballpark figure I would need to know your age, how long you have had your license, if you have taken driver's ed. etc. There are many factors that affect insurance. Also if you are a student, there are many places like TD Meloche Monnex, and State Farm that offer discounts for students. The best bet is to get an online quote, then check out a couple local brokers. I believe that RBC auto insurance will be the cheapest however, so be sure to check them out!

Question: Do police in Calgary Alberta report car accidents to auto insurance companies?
Hi All - Got myself into some trouble with a fender bender. Unfortunately I rear ended someone. There was minor damage to the other driver's bumper and I agreed to pay for the damages out of my pocket. And he agreed not to tell my insurance company. We also ended up filing a police report. I'm a little worried the police will tell my insurance company and my rates will still go up, even if I pay for the damages myself.

Answer: Insurance company will find out because they are plugged into the data base. They probaly will raise your rates even though your accident didn't cost them a dime. The insurance companies could give lessons to Shylock when it comes to greed. Oh, and by the way, your points (if any) will come off your license in a couple of years. But the insurance company has a long memory and will continue to charge extra on premium.(one of the questions they probably asked when you first signed up was "Have you had any tickets in the last FIVE years")

Question: Has anyone used Canadian Direct Insurance and experienced any issues or problems?
They offer great rates for auto insurance but before considering switching to them I'm curious as to whether other people in Alberta or British Columbia have had pleasant or unpleasant experiences with them.

Answer: I don't know anything about that particular company, but you could probably check their stability with A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's. Does your province have an Insurance Regulator? You may be able to check with them for consumer complaints against the company.

Question: aussie tourist: I want to buy a car & drive it to Alberta, Canada. what's my best options for ins & reg??
I will be living in Alberta for 6 months. I want to travel within the USA for one month prior to arriving in alberta and possibly 2 months after i leave alberta. Can i get auto insurance through a canadian ins company if i want to register it in california? also can anyone suggest the names of any decent insurance companies to go through. i am 23 and have a good driving record

Answer: As far as I know the INS here in Alberta will cover you in the states as well. However, a good option would be to phone or check out: www.ama.ab.ca it's the Alberta Motor Association. I personally have it, it's a wonderful company for INS and travel issues. Plus they're all super friendly and helpful. You can also pick up a booklet for any province and/or state you plan on driving in, and it tells you all the best places to stay and eat and visit.

Question: Can I buy a car on Alberta Class 7 license?
Hi all, Things can't get more complicated. I have my basic Alberta road test in four weeks time. So two weeks ago, I decided to start looking for a car. I have found one and I have even paid the money. Now, The problem is that I still have Class 7 license and the previous owner is getting impatient. So can I get auto insurance on Class 7 license. If yes, can I then go ahead and transfer the vehicle to my name. If no, is there any work around. Kind Regards,

Answer: I assume your in Canada, call an ins. co. they should be able to help you.

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