Who sets auto insurance rates in Alberta?
Alberta has a private auto insurance market, but insurance rates themselves are regulated by the provincial government. Two agencies, the Automobile Insurance Rate Board and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance, oversee car insurance rates in Alberta.
In 2004, Alberta imposed a premium grid on auto insurers, which sets maximum premium levels for basic coverage. The grid accounts for where you live, how many years you've been licensed, how many claims you've had in the last 6 years, and the number of driving convictions on your record.
But even with the premium grid, Alberta auto insurance rates can vary wildly. That's why it's important to shop around.
What factors determine auto insurance rates in Alberta?
Auto insurance rates in Alberta are determined by a variety of factors:
- Your driving record.
- Your age and gender.
- Your driving experience.
- The type of vehicle you drive.
- Use and location of your vehicle.
- The amount of coverage you've selected.
How do Alberta auto insurance rates compare to other provinces?
Alberta auto insurance premiums are about average among provinces in Canada.
Average auto insurance rates by province
| Province | Average Rates |
|---|
| Ontario | $1,445 |
| British Columbia | $1,680 |
| Alberta | $1,251 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $1,132 |
| Manitoba | $1,080 |
| Northwest Territories | $978 |
| Nunavut | $963 |
| Yukon | $812 |
| Nova Scotia | $842 |
| Saskatchewan | $936 |
| New Brunswick | $819 |
| Prince Edward Island | $796 |
| Quebec | $661* |
Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2017
*2016 data
Will auto insurance rates in Alberta go down anytime soon?
Car insurance premiums in Alberta have been on the rise this year. In the first quarter of 2019, drivers paid 4% more for basic coverage when compared to the previous quarter. On a year-over-year basis, drivers were paying 11% more. It’s hard to tell where rates will be in the future. Below, you can see auto insurance price trends for Alberta from the past 10 years.
| Year | Rate change |
|---|
| 2008 | +2.5% |
| 2009 | +3.6% |
| 2010 | -1.35% |
| 2011 | -1.0% |
| 2012 | +1.6% |
| 2013 | +2.4% |
| 2014 | +3.6% |
| 2015 | +2.3% |
| 2016 | +2.5% |
| 2017 | +3.5% |
| 2018 | +6.9% |
Source: www.airb.alberta.ca
How can I get cheap auto insurance in Alberta?
There are several ways to get cheap auto insurance in Alberta:
- Shop around for the best quote.
- Pay premiums on time.
- Maintain a good driving history.
- Choose the right insurance coverage.
- Complete a certified driver training program.
- Insure all your vehicles with the same company.
- Bundle your home insurance with your auto insurance.
- Use winter tires when needed (insurers offer discounts)
Is auto insurance required in Alberta?
Yes. Drivers are required by law to carry insurance on their vehicle.
What's the minimum requirement for auto insurance in Alberta?
You're required to carry $200,000 in third-party liability insurance on your vehicle. Without the minimum amount of coverage, you won't be able to register your automobile.
What kind of auto insurance system does Alberta have?
Alberta operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. That means your insurer will pay for your damages regardless of who's at fault in an accident.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Alberta?
If you're convicted of driving without insurance in Alberta, you'll have to pay a fine ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for your first offence, plus a 15% fine surcharge. Second offence fines range from $5,000 to $20,000, plus a 15% surcharge. Repeat offenders could also face up to 60 days of jail time and a licence suspension if convicted.
Once you're convicted of driving without the minimum auto insurance coverage, you'll be identified as high risk, and you may face higher auto insurance rates in the future.
What's the minimum legal driving age in Alberta?
In Alberta, you can begin the licensing process when you turn 14.
To get a learner's licence in Alberta, you must pass a written rules of the road knowledge test and a vision test. Once you pass, you'll be issued a licence, but you must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver who is 18 or older. Of course, as a learner, you can only operate your vehicle while maintaining a 0.0 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
How do I get a probationary licence in Alberta?
First, you must be 16 or older and have held your learner's licence for at least 1 year. Then you have to pass the Alberta Class 5 road test.
How do I get a full licence in Alberta?
After holding the probationary licence for 2 years, you must pass an advanced road test. Once you pass, you get your Graduate Driver's Licence.
Is ride-sharing insurance available in Alberta?
Yes. Provincially approved ride-sharing insurance is available in Alberta, both as an extension on personal policies and as a blanket policy for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). That means drivers for Uber and other ride-sharing companies can get the right coverage and stay protected on the road.
Is usage-based insurance available in Alberta?
Yes. As of early 2016, Alberta was the first Western province to introduce usage-based insurance (UBI) policies. Now local drivers can lower their insurance premiums by opting into a UBI plan and driving responsibly.
