Auto Insurance – Alberta
With over 150,000 collisions on Alberta roads each year, reliable auto insurance is critical for protecting you and your family. Alberta residents have many options for automotive insurance companies. Choice is great, but it can also be challenging to find the package and price that works best for you.
Westland Insurance is here to help you create the perfect auto insurance policy. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure you have the coverage you need, from provincially mandated coverages to optional coverages and increased policy limits.
Get InsuranceAuto insurance in Alberta, explained
In Alberta, personal auto insurance is sold through private insurance companies and not provided through the government, as in some of our neighbouring provinces. This means there’s more flexibility to shop around for the right coverage within your budget.
There are three mandatory coverages required for all auto policies in Alberta: Third-Party Liability, Accident Benefits, and Direct Compensation-Property Damage. However, there’s no “standard” policy for insuring your vehicle. There are a range of optional coverages you can add to your policy for extra protection.
Whether your insurance renewal is coming up, or if you just want to see what personal car insurance quotes in Alberta are like, our local insurance experts are ready to help.
Mandatory auto insurance coverage in Alberta
These coverages are required to drive in the province.
Provides coverage for bodily injury (including death) and property damage to a third party if you or someone driving your vehicle are at fault for an accident.
This coverage includes limited benefits for the driver, occupants and even pedestrians, that are injured or killed in an auto accident, regardless of who’s at fault. This can include medical and rehabilitation costs, funeral expenses, death benefits and income replacement.
Provides coverage for physical damage to your vehicle when you are not at fault in a collision accident. This coverage includes Loss of Use benefits as well as damage to contents in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Collision insurance in Alberta is a popular coverage drivers add to their policy. It’ll cover instances where your vehicle has been damaged due to a collision with another vehicle or object, as well as overturning the vehicle, when you are at fault.
This provides coverage for damages caused by incidents other than a collision. It includes losses such as impact with wildlife, flying or falling objects, fire, lightning, theft, explosions, earthquake, windstorm, hail, rising water, vandalism, and riot, amongst others.
This coverage is limited to only include coverage for fire, lightning, theft, windstorm, earthquake, hail, explosion, riot, falling and forced landing of an aircraft or its parts, rising water, and the stranding, sinking, burning, derailment or collision of any unit that the vehicle is being transported on by land or water. It’s important to note that it doesn’t cover any glass, vandalism, or animal impact.
This coverage combines Collision and Upset with Comprehensive under one single coverage.
This provides coverage for the cost of a rental vehicle if your vehicle is not drivable, or in the shop being repaired, due to an insured loss.
This coverage is usually only available for private passenger vehicles. In the event your vehicle is determined to be a total loss from an insured peril, it will cover the cost to replace with a new model. To qualify, you must be the original owner of a new vehicle and must purchase the coverage in a limited period of time after purchasing the vehicle. Our qualified brokers can review the qualifications for coverage with you to determine if this coverage would be available.
This endorsement will stop the depreciation on a vehicle if it is determined to be a total loss caused by an insured peril. You must be the original owner or lessee of the brand-new vehicle and must purchase the coverage in a limited time after getting your car. Unlike replacement cost, it will not upgrade you to a newer model year, but it will cover up to the original purchase price or MSRP, whichever is lower.
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 endorsement provides coverage for physical damage to a rental vehicle. There is a maximum amount it will pay so make sure your limit is high enough to cover the value of the vehicle you will be renting.
Offered by many auto insurance companies in Alberta, this protects your driving record and insurance premiums from being affected by a first “at-fault” loss.
Motorcycle insurance
Offers coverage you need to drive a motorcycle, moped, or scooter on public roadways with peace of mind.
Off-road vehicle insurance
Best suited for those with a taste for adventure, get an off-road vehicle insurance policy for your snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
Rental vehicle insurance
A more cost-effective alternative to getting insurance through the rental company while still getting the protection you need.
RV insurance
With similar coverages to auto insurance, RV insurance policies also address the unique features of having a home on wheels.
Commercial auto insurance
Whether you have one commercial vehicle or a fleet, we have the commercial auto policy you need.
How much is auto insurance in Alberta?
How much you pay for personal auto insurance in Alberta depends on where you live, the type of car you drive, and more.
What factors determine the cost of auto insurance in Alberta?
There are several factors that insurance providers use to determine the cost of your auto policy; some of them are not within your control, such as where you live, but others are within your control, like having a clean driving record.
The amount of time you’ve had your driver’s license and have been an insured driver are two factors insurance providers consider when determining rates. They also consider your driving record, whether you’ve had tickets, the type of ticket, and whether you have had any previous claims.
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, vandalism, and theft.
Your rates will be different if you only use your vehicle for errands and vacations 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.
The make, model and year of your vehicle can all affect the cost of your auto policy. If you are shopping for a new vehicle, talk to your car insurance broker before purchasing so that you will be aware of the insurance costs.
How to save on auto insurance in Alberta
Optimize your coverage
There are a few ways to save on auto insurance in Alberta. First, review your coverages and limits with your car insurance broker. Optimizing your coverage to ensure it fits your needs and lifestyle is a great way to cut costs and avoid paying for protection you may not want or need.
Consider your deductible
Raising your deductible is another way to reduce your premium. A higher deductible means you’d be paying more out of pocket in the event of a claim, but it could help you save on your monthly insurance cost.
Discounts
Take advantage of the discounts offered by your provider – many automotive insurance companies in Alberta offer a selection of discounts for which you may be eligible.
Ask about telematics programs
Finally, inquire about telematics or tracking programs. Providers will sometimes offer a percentage off your insurance if you allow them to assess your driving habits using a telematics app or device in your car.
Examples of auto insurance claims
I was rear-ended. Are my vehicle repairs covered under auto insurance?
It depends on the coverage you have and what coverage the vehicle that hit you has.
There are two coverages that may respond to your damages caused by the at-fault driver who hit your vehicle:
- If the at-fault driver does carry insurance, then your damages would be covered under DCPD (Direct Compensation for Property Damage).
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured or if you are unable to determine that they have insurance (such as in a hit-and-run), you would require Collison coverage to claim damages.
I hit a deer. Does my auto insurance cover the repairs to my vehicle?
If you have only the mandatory coverage (Third Party Liability, Accident Benefits and DCPD), your insurance will not cover the repairs.
If you have either Collision or Comprehensive insurance, the repairs, less your deductible, will be covered. With Collision coverage, the claim will be an “at-fault accident” though, so it could affect your premium. On the other hand, if the claim is under Comprehensive coverage, it is deemed as a “no-fault accident” so it will typically not affect your premium unless you have had multiple claims under your Comprehensive coverage.
In Alberta, impact with wildlife is typically covered under Comprehensive coverage. If you don’t have Comprehensive but do have Collision, it may be covered by Collision.
Why choose Westland for your auto insurance needs?
Expert advisors go above and beyond
Our advisors go the extra mile every step of the way and do the legwork to provide personalized auto insurance coverage in Alberta to suit your lifestyle.
Our large network of insurers means more choice
We have a large network of insurers that we can tap into - guaranteeing great rates and options - so you know you’re not missing out.
We work hard to make things simple
Whether it comes to finding the right car insurance coverage or navigating a claim, we keep things simple and use language that everyone can understand.
Connect with us
Our expert advisors are waiting to help you find the perfect auto insurance in Alberta.
Find a branch
Come in and speak to an advisor to get a customized policy made just for you.
Request a quote
Start an online quote at your convenience, and we’ll help you select a plan that works for you.
Areas we serve in Alberta
At Westland Insurance, we are dedicated to providing affordable personal auto insurance across Alberta. We proudly serve the following towns and cities in Alberta:
Calgary
Edmonton
Red Deer
Lethbridge
St. Albert
Medicine Hat
Grande Prairie
Airdrie
Spruce Grove
Leduc
Fort McMurray
Camrose
Okotoks
Cochrane
Brooks
Lloydminster
Sylvan Lake
Spirit River
Sexsmith
FAQs about auto insurance in Alberta
You can renew your plates in Alberta online, in person, or by mail. Learn more on Alberta.ca.
The cost of auto insurance in Alberta varies based on several factors, including your age, driving history, type of vehicle, location, and the level of coverage you choose. On average, Albertans might pay anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800 annually for auto insurance. However, these rates can fluctuate significantly. Request a car insurance quote from Westland Insurance to learn more.
Finding the cheapest auto insurance in Alberta can depend on a variety of personal factors. Westland Insurance offers competitive rates on car insurance; however, it’s important to compare multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your coverage needs.
Auto insurance in Alberta operates under a private insurance system, meaning individuals purchase their policies from private insurance companies. Mandatory coverage includes:
- Third-Party Liability: Covers damages and injuries you may cause to others.
- Accident Benefits: Provides compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, income replacement, and other related costs, regardless of who is at fault.
- Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD): Covers damage to your vehicle and its contents when another driver is at fault without needing to sue the other party.
News and insights
Buy auto insurance in Alberta with confidence
Whether you’re buying a new car, shopping around ahead of your renewal or need to discuss your current auto insurance coverage, we’re ready to help. Connect with us today to get started.
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