Car Insurance – Alberta
Your vehicle is much more than an investment in your life; it’s your freedom. Let us help navigate which auto insurance is right for you. When you buy car insurance in Alberta, you have many product options. We can help find the right coverage for you either by email, phone, or in person at any of our Alberta locations.
As your local insurance experts, we know that each vehicle in Alberta is unique in its own way. From those who commute to work every day, to those who are out on the open road catching sunset views, we’ve got you covered.
We understand it’s vital to protect what’s most important to you and your family. Our expert insurance advisors are here to ensure you’re protected and provide peace of mind so you can focus on what’s important in your life.
Alberta will adopt a Direct Compensation for Property Damage system for all auto collisions starting January 1, 2022. For more information click here.
Why Choose Westland?
We know that your insurance needs to match your goals, your lifestyle and your budget. Our expert insurance advisors get to know you, so that they can tailor a policy to your exact needs.
We’ll find the best coverage for you at the right price so that you can continue to live your life the way you want to.
Insurance can be complex sometimes. Let our expert insurance advisors do the heavy lifting! We’ll help you find a policy that you feel is the best fit and provides peace of mind. To learn more about the benefits of being a Westland client, click here.
Alberta Car Insurance Explained
In Alberta, car insurance is sold through private insurance companies and not provided through the government as in some of our neighboring provinces.
Yes! If you fill out our car insurance quotation form we can assist with car insurance quotes. One of our auto advisors will be in touch to check your details and provide you with an auto insurance quote.
A deductible is an amount that you have to pay when making a claim regarding damage or theft of your vehicle.
The big question on everyone’s mind, and the answer is…it depends. Your cost is mostly based on the type of vehicle, use, driving history and coverage that you choose. Other factors that are used to determine the price are your claims history and number of years insured. The better your driving history, the better the rating. It definitely pays to drive safely!
Third Party Liability Explained. Here’s Why You Need It.
Another part of your auto policy is third party liability. In short, it covers you for injuries or property damage you may cause as well as damage to other people’s vehicles in Canada and the United States. Did you know that if you are in an accident, you can be legally liable and sued for bodily injury? If you are in an accident outside of Alberta, whether in another province or the United States, you can be sued, which could be a large sum of money in certain circumstances.
Third Party Liability is the coverage that will pay for bodily injury, death or property damage that an insured causes a third party and for which the insured is legally liable. Expenses such as legal and defense costs are covered in addition to the limit of coverage stated on your policy.
Included in your basic insurance policy is $200,000 third party liability (TPL) with the option to increase it, which we recommend. Depending on the use of your vehicle, you may feel confident leaving your TPL at the basic amount. If you choose to keep it at the minimum and have an accident that is over and above $200,000 you will personally be responsible for paying the difference. For example, you could be driving down an icy road, not far-fetched in Alberta, and lose control and run into a business’s building. Rebuilding costs, lost wages, structural damages, and more could easily cost more than $200,000. If you had higher liability limits, you would be better covered and less likely to have to pay out of pocket.
The third party is the person who is bringing legal action against the insurer. This is usually the person or business that sustained damage or injury due to your accident.
Accident Benefits
This mandatory auto insurance coverage provides compensation for injury expenses you might incur due to an accident. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, your insurer will provide compensation for your injuries regardless of how the accident happened or who was at fault. Coverages include:
- Medical Expenses
- Rehabilitation Expenses
- Occupational Therapy
- Loss of Income
- Total Disability
- Funeral Expenses
- Death Benefits
Physical Damage
What happens if you’re in an accident? Will you be covered for repairs to your vehicle? There are three options when it comes to physical damage coverage for your vehicle:
If your vehicle is damaged in an at-fault collision, hit and run, or if an uninsured third-party is at fault, this coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Found yourself stuck in a hailstorm? Windstorm? Hit a deer? Is your vehicle stolen? Vandalized? This will cover your damages.
This combines the coverage of both collision and comprehensive. The best of both worlds.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverages Available
Car in the shop being repaired due to an insurance claim? This coverage allows you to rent a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired.
No matter how carefully you drive, sometimes you’re involved in a collision where another driver is at fault. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have any or enough insurance, this coverage makes up the difference to make sure that you and your family have access to the funds you need to fully recover from an injury. This coverage also is available if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident as a pedestrian.
Renting a vehicle? This coverage will extend your insurance to the rental vehicle.
This coverage is available for newer vehicles. In the case where your vehicle is damaged beyond repair, this coverage replaces your vehicle with a new one.
Provides limited glass coverage under your comprehensive policy for a reduced premium in your Comprehensive coverage. However, full glass coverage can be purchased under a separate policy.
This protects your driving record and insurance premiums from being affected by a first “at-fault” loss.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates
Do you take your vehicle to work every day? Do you take public transportation? Is your vehicle sitting during certain seasons? Different types of vehicle use will affect your annual premium. Here’s some more info on each to ensure you have the proper use selected for your lifestyle.
- Driver/Claim History
We’ve heard it before; a good driving record is important. Especially when determining insurance premium rates. If you have a good driving record, you will receive a discount on your insurance rates. - Location
Your location and where you live also determine how much you pay. Some areas of Alberta, such as urban, high population areas, will have a higher volume of people on the road, leading to more accidents and a more significant statistic of vandalism and theft. - Use of Vehicle
Your rates will be different if you only use your vehicle for errands and vacation instead of commuting to work every day. Inherently, you’re more at risk while out on the road every day for work compared to someone who may not drive as much.
Yes, if you plan to take your vehicle off your personal property, third-party liability and accident benefits insurance is required.
There are several things that you can do to help lower your car insurance. Ask your insurance advisor to comparison shop for you. Discounts may be available when combining insurance plans. Cheaper cars cost less to insure. Drive responsibly and keep a clean driving record. Increase your deductible and limit who can drive your vehicle.
Review Your Insurance and Get a Quote with Westland
Ready to discuss your insurance needs? Our expert advisors are here to review your current insurance policies, discuss your unique needs, and find the perfect auto insurance policy for you. Whether it’s over email, the phone or in person we are ready to help! To get started on a quote now and see price estimates for your auto coverage, click the button below. Our advisors will contact you right away and help navigate your risk management needs. Of course, we are always available to talk over the phone or in person. Check out our locations page to connect with an office closest to you!
Ways to Save on Your Auto Insurance
- Look at Bundling Your Insurance
See if you can bundle your auto insurance with your house insurance. You can even bundle your auto insurance if you have two or more vehicles. - Ask If You’re Eligible for Any Discounts
For example, Mature Discounts (for drivers 65 years of age or older). - Drive Safely
This may seem like common sense but having a clean driving record can save you the most on your auto premium. - Don’t Let Just Anyone Drive Your Car
Since careful driving is essential, other people who drive your vehicle should be safe drivers, too. If someone has an accident in your car and they’re at fault, it’s your auto premium that will be negatively affected. - Protect Your Vehicle from Theft
Receive a discount on your auto insurance by installing a qualifying anti-theft device in your vehicle. - Choose Your Coverages Carefully
The condition and age of your automobile can determine what kind of coverages you need. Make sure your broker reviews your auto policy every renewal to ensure you have the right type of protection. - Ask About Raising Your Deductibles
Consider increasing your deductibles so you can still carry the coverage you need at a more affordable price. - Take Another Look at What Type of Vehicle You Drive
The kind of vehicle you drive is one factor that influences the amount of premium you’ll be paying. The higher the average repair costs for your make and model of car, the higher your insurance premium will most likely be. - Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Rated According to Its Proper Use
Ensure your insurance correctly states how you use your vehicle. This is another factor that influences the amount of premium you pay. If your car is insured for travel to-and-from work, but you’re only using it for pleasure, let your broker know.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re looking for insurance for your first home or wanting to discuss your existing policy, our team is ready to help. Connect with us today.
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