Car Insurance In Alberta

A: The term “limit” applies to the dollar amount of insurance available to pay all claims related to one occurrence for a specific coverage.  For example, if your policy provides a $1,000,000 limit for Third Party Liability, this is the most the insurance company will pay for all third party injuries and property damage combined in any one accident. 

The term “deductible” refers to the dollar amount you are responsible to pay, first, in the event of a claim. The insurance company is responsible for the amounts in excess of the deductible.

A:   In general, the higher the limit of insurance purchased the more premium you will pay.  On the other hand, having higher deductibles on your policy may result in lower premiums.

A: In general, as long as you have given permission for this individual to drive your car and they have a valid operators licence, your policy will respond to a claim for damages caused when they were driving your vehicle.  In some circumstances, specific individual drivers have been excluded from coverage when driving your car.  If you have any question regarding who is covered by your policy when driving your car, please call your insurance broker to discuss. 

A:  Not in all circumstances.  To ensure you receive a replacement vehicle whenever your car is in the garage or auto body shop for repair because of damage caused in a claim being covered by insurance, ask your broker for “Loss of Use” coverage.  Various limits of insurance, per occurrence, are available for only pennies a day. . 

A:   When the accident occurs during our office hours or even after hours when your vehicle continues to be drivable and there are no apparent injuries, we recommend you contact your broker who, after collecting the information they need from you, can report the claim for you to the insurance company.  

If, however, the accident happens after hours and there is considerable damage and/or possible injuries caused in the accident, please call your insurance company’s after hours emergency claim number for assistance.  This number can be found on your insurance company’s website or, in some cases, on your insurance pink card.

A:  As personal items such as luggage, clothing, purses, briefcases, c.d.’s etc. are intended to be covered under a home owner, tenant or condominium unit owner’s policy, they are not covered under your automobile policy.  Items that, in general, are specific for use with a vehicle, such as a child car seat or your spare tire, would be covered for theft under your automobile policy if you had purchased All Perils, Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage. 

A: It is important that you advise your broker of all household members who will be driving your vehicle.  It is also important to remember that, when you lend your vehicle to someone, you are also “lending them your insurance”.  This means that, in general, your policy will be rated the same for any accident caused by your driver as if you had been the driver.   Also, in the event a lawsuit is filed against your driver as a result of injuries caused in the accident, it is likely that you will be joined in the lawsuit as the registered owner of the vehicle.

A: Your history as a driver is one of the most important rating factors used in Automobile Insurance.  Follow the rules of the road to avoid driver’s licence infractions and being involved in accidents.  Protect your vehicle from the risk of vandalism, theft, hit & run, and wind or hail damage by parking as safely as possible, in your garage if available.  Consider higher deductibles.  Don’t hesitate to review your policy with your broker periodically to ensure you are being rated for the proper use of your vehicle (if you have changed the distance you drive your vehicle to work, this can impact your premium).  Consider purchasing a Claims Rating Protector that will protect your driving record and resulting premiums, should you ever suffer that first at fault accident.

A: Yes, Westland Insurance works with a number of insurance companies that offer programs tailored for the specific coverage needs of Motorcycles, Motorhomes and other recreational vehicles.

A: If your teen will only be driving your vehicles, you need to add them as a driver to your policy (before they drive once licenced).  If the number of vehicles in your household is less than the number of drivers, they can be added as an occasional operator if they only use your vehicles occasionally.   Principal operator rates usually apply if the number of vehicles you have is equal to or greater than the number of drivers.  The insurance applicable to your teen will be, in general, the same as provided to you under the policy.

If your teen is fortunate to own a vehicle, they will need their own policy.  We recommend a limit of at least $1,000,000 Third Party Liability Coverage; however, strong consideration should be given to increasing this limit. Increasing to $2,000,000 is surprisingly affordable and provides much greater protection in the event of an accident.  Whether collision coverage is purchased is a personal decision.  Factors such as the age and value of the vehicle to be insured and the premium cost should be weighed against the advantages of the coverage.  Comprehensive coverage (fire, theft, windstorm, hail etc.) should be considered as in many cases it is relatively affordable.  Your insurance broker can help you decide what works best for you and your teen.

A: Welcome!  Registration and Insurance for your vehicle are dealt with separately in Alberta.  If you brought a vehicle with you from out of province, it is likely you will need to have it inspected prior to registration.  You will need to (right click) Contact a Registry Agent for more detail on this.

Prior to contacting an insurance office, we recommend you have a copy of your driver’s licence conviction history for the past 3 years and your insurance experience including claims history and years insured, at least for the past 9 years if possible.  We will need this for all drivers of the vehicle(s).  With this information in hand, we will be able to get you your best possible terms.

A: Yes, it is required information when completing a standard insurance application.  All accidents, for all drivers of the vehicle(s) regardless of the vehicle driven in the accident and regardless of fault must be disclosed.  This includes accidents caused by any driver to whom you lent your car and also other types of claims such as hail, vandalism, glass, theft/attempted theft, hit & run, etc.  The application requires disclosure for all claims in the past 6 years; however, many insurers use up to the past 9 years to allow their best rating.

A: Insurance rates have always considered annual mileage in a very general sense.  Of late, insurance rating systems have become so fine-tuned that it is in your best interest to have a fairly accurate idea of the annual mileage you drive to ensure proper pricing.  

A: In general, this is not a rating factor.  There maybe a few companies that consider this in their rating.  Keeping your vehicle in a garage will reduce the risk of claims for hail, theft, break in, windstorm, vandalism, hit & run, etc.  These types of claims can have a negative impact on your premiums and can cause the deductible for the coverage to be increased so it is always a good idea to protect your vehicle when you can.

A: This often depends on the modifications you are making to your vehicle.  Some modifications, particularly those made to enhance speed, can lead to the cancellation of your insurance policy, which would likely result in your insurance being placed with the “Facility Association” at much higher premiums.  Please contact your insurance broker prior to making any modifications to ensure your vehicle will continue to be properly insured and at an insurance premium you can afford.

A: Please call or email your insurance broker with the details of the changes you wish to make.  Once your broker has all the information they need, they will contact your insurance company and have the necessary changes made to your policy.  

A:This is because statistically, new and young motorists are much more likely to be involved in an accident, so insurers cover this additional risk with higher premiums.  Consider taking an approved Driver Training Course as most insurers will allow a discount upon receipt of the Driver Training Certificate which confirms successful completion.  

A: Quite possibly.  Many insurance companies provide either a specific “Conviction Free” discount (over the past 3 years) or build in positive rating factors if there are no convictions in the past 3 years.  When they become aware of a driver’s licence infraction, it can negatively impact your rating on the next renewal.

A: Yes, most insurers offer an endorsement called “Limited Waiver of Depreciation (SEF 43R)”.  This endorsement waives the application of depreciation to damage caused to your new vehicle for the first 24 to 30 months (depending on the insurance company) that you own the vehicle.  In the event your vehicle is destroyed or is a “total loss”, this endorsement will pay the lower of the MSRP or the actual purchase price at the original date of purchase of the vehicle destroyed. 

Actual “Replacement Cost (SEF 18)” coverage for a new vehicle is offered by a few insurance companies.  It is generally a more expensive option as this endorsement will replace the destroyed vehicle with a new one with same (or similar if same is not available) specifications and equipment.  Your broker can help you decide which option is right for you.

A: The coverage available for your electric vehicle in Alberta is the same as for gasoline powered vehicles.  Some insurers offer a discount on “Hybrid” vehicles.  Contact your broker to see if this discount may be available to you.

A: In order to operate your private passenger vehicle on Alberta public road ways, you must purchase an automobile insurance policy for the vehicle that includes at least $200,000 Third Party Liability and Accident Benefits.  Westland Insurance strongly recommends Third Party Liability limits of no lower than $1,000,000 per occurrence, advising drivers to consider at least $2,000,000 as this is available to all drivers, usually at a very reasonable additional cost.  Remember that back alleys are public road ways and that, if you intend to park your vehicle for an extended period of time on the street or in the alley, you must continue to carry Third Party Liability coverage on the vehicle.

A: If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, stop at the scene.  If anyone has been injured in the accident or you suspect any other driver may be guilty of a Criminal Code offence, such as impaired driving, you need to call 9-1-1.  For more information, right click on What to do after an auto accident? ; this will take you to the Government of Alberta website.

A: It is likely you would see an increase in your premium as a result of an at fault accident.  Consider purchasing a Claims Rating Protector that will protect your driving record and resulting premiums, should you ever suffer that first at fault accident.   Your insurance broker would be pleased to discuss this option with you.

A: It is important to remember that, when you lend your vehicle to someone, you are also “lending them your insurance”.  This means that, in general, your policy will be rated for any accident caused by your driver as if you had been the driver.   Also, in the event a lawsuit is filed against your driver as a result of injuries caused in the accident, it is likely that you will be joined in the lawsuit as the registered owner of the vehicle.

A: When you finance or lease you agree to certain conditions with respect to insuring your vehicle.  A finance company will require that you purchase Collision and Comprehensive (or, alternatively, All Perils) coverage on the vehicle.  As owner of the vehicle, a leasing company will, in addition to Collision and Comprehensive coverage, stipulate the minimum Third Party Liability limit you must carry, normally no lower than $1,000,000 and in some instances, we see $2,000,000.  For both finance and leasing companies, the insurer agrees to notify them should the coverage on the vehicle be materially changed or cancelled for any reason.

A: Absolutely not!  We would be pleased to give you a quote for your car insurance needs.  Just call one of our offices at your convenience.

A: “Collision” coverage is purchased to pay for damage caused to your vehicle by upset (i.e. rolled) and/or in the event your vehicle collides with another object.  This coverage is normally subject to a deductible payable by you.

A: “Comprehensive” coverage is purchased to pay for damage to your vehicle caused by most perils other than by collision with another object or by upset.  Types of claims paid under “comprehensive” are fire, theft or attempted theft, windstorm, hail, vandalism and flood.  This coverage is normally subject to a deductible payable by you.

A: The cost of Alberta Auto Insurance varies significantly depending on the type of vehicle, coverage, and drivers experience. The best way to find of the cost of car insurance is to get a quote from an insurance broker. Request a quote online using our car insurance quote request form or call 1-888-259-2747.     

A: Alberta auto insurance can be purchased in any Westland Insurance branch, including Calgary, Brooks, Coaldale, Grand Prairie, High Prairie, Hythe, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Settler, Sundre and Valleyview. Visit Alberta Auto Insurance locations for a full list of Westland's Alberta offices.