Car Insurance in Calgary
Your vehicle is an essential part of your life; it’s hard to imagine your day without it. You rely on it to drive to and from your most frequented places, including your job, your home, and your favourite restaurants.
A car gives you the freedom to live your life the way you want. Car insurance gives you peace of mind; you can enjoy every drive knowing your vehicle is protected.
At Westland Insurance, our insurance advisors are here for you. We aim to find you the best auto insurance rates at affordable prices. Here’s what you need to know about insuring a car in Calgary.
Mandatory Coverage
Before you can take your vehicle on the road, you need to invest in three types of mandatory coverage. They include:
Third-party liability (TPL)
This policy offers coverage for at-fault accidents within Canada and the United States. If you cause damage to another person, their vehicle, or their personal property, you could be sued. With TPL, you’ll be covered for legal and defence costs.
The basic limit of coverage is $200,000; if the costs of the accident exceed this amount, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket. Once you start adding up the potential costs of an accident (lost wages, rebuilding costs, and structural damages), you’ll see that $200,000 doesn’t stretch as far as you might’ve hoped. We recommend that our clients increase their third-party liability limit.
Accident benefits
The costs of an accident go beyond vehicle or property repairs. If someone is injured or killed, there will also be rehabilitation and medical costs, loss of income, funeral expenses, and death benefits to cover. Regardless of who is at fault, accident benefits will provide compensation for these costs to pedestrians, drivers, or passengers.
Direct compensation for property damage (DCPD)
As of January 1, 2022, there is a new type of mandatory coverage for Calgary drivers. If you’re involved in a collision and are not at fault, your own insurance company will cover the vehicle repair costs. This direct compensation is intended to offer faster payments after a claim is made and lower the cost of car insurance premiums.
Enhanced Coverage
Most drivers are looking for more than the minimum amount of insurance. With auto insurance, you can protect yourself against the uncertainty and financial stress that follows a collision. These enhanced coverage add-ons will help you protect your vehicle against physical damage:
Collision
Choose this automobile insurance add-on to pay for repairs and replacements after:
- A hit and run
- An at-fault collision
- An accident in which an uninsured driver is at fault
Comprehensive
This policy will reimburse you for damages that do not involve collisions with other cars. Comprehensive coverage will provide repair and replacement costs from vandalism, vehicle theft, collisions with an animal, hailstorms, and windstorms.
All perils
This is a combination of collision and comprehensive insurance. It’s an all-inclusive policy that insures your vehicle against many types of physical damage.
Specified perils
If you’re concerned about a specific peril (fire damage, flood damage, or earthquakes), you can specify those perils on your insurance policy. You will receive coverage for that specific peril.
Special & Optional Coverage
Looking to add additional coverage to your car insurance? In unique circumstances, you might choose these special coverage options. With optional coverage additions, you can customize your insurance policy according to your needs:
Family protection endorsement
If you’re involved in a collision where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, a family protection endorsement policy will make up the difference. This policy provides funds for you and your family, whether you’re involved as a pedestrian or another driver.
Loss of use
While your vehicle is being repaired after an insurance claim, what will you drive in the meantime? Loss of use coverage will provide you with direct compensation for the cost of a rental vehicle. It also covers alternative transportation methods, like taxis or buses.
Legal liability for damage to non-owned vehicles
This policy protects you if you’re involved in a collision while driving a vehicle you do not own.
Replacement cost
If you have a new car, the cost of replacing it will be much higher than a used vehicle. You’ll be compensated for the total value of your vehicle after a total loss. With this coverage, the replacement vehicle will be of similar value to your new car.
Accident rating waiver
Also known as “accident forgiveness”, this protects your insurance premium from increasing after your first at-fault (or partially at-fault) accident. If you’re a young driver, consider accident forgiveness for an add-on.
Rental car coverage
Did you know that you need to insure a rental vehicle? This policy will cover any damages to your rental car. Buying this co verage through your insurance company is typically less expensive than buying it from a rental car company.
If you’re interested in adding these endorsements to your existing insurance policy, a Calgary car insurance broker at Westland Insurance can help. We offer online car insurance quotes; to receive yours, contact us today!
Personal Auto Insurance Discounts
You’re looking for comprehensive and affordable car insurance. How can you lower your car insurance rates? Talk to an insurance broker to find out if you’re eligible for any of these discounts:
- Install winter tires. Calgary roads can get pretty slippery during the winter. With winter tires, you can increase the traction of your vehicle. This gives you more control over the icy roads and reduces the chances of an accident.
- Invest in an anti-theft device. By improving the security of your car, you can lower the likelihood that it will be stolen or vandalized. Let your insurance provider know if you add a security system to your vehicle; some car insurance companies will offer you a lower premium.
- Combine multiple insurance policies. When you bundle your home insurance with your car insurance, you could be eligible for significant savings.
Another great way to save on insurance costs is to compare rates offered by different insurance companies. Our brokers can help you comparison shop to find affordable insurance in Calgary. If you want to save money on your auto insurance premiums, contact us today!
Auto Insurance FAQ
There’s a lot to learn before you purchase car insurance. Our insurance providers are here to help. We’ve put together this FAQ to answer the top questions about automobile insurance:
How will a ticket affect the rates of your car insurance plan? It depends on the severity of the conviction and how many tickets you’ve had in your driving record . Minor claims will affect your insurance rate for a minimum of 3 years; more serious offences may affect it for more than 4 years .
You’ll need to compile all the relevant documentation, including your driver’s licence and proof of ownership of your vehicle. You may need to reach out to your previous car insurance provider to request information about your insurance history .
Based on a person’s individual insurance profile and driving history, insurance premiums vary. It’s based on a variety of factors, including the value of your vehicle and your deductible amount.
Most auto insurance policies have a minimum term of one year. But there may be exceptions; contact one of our insurance brokers, and we’ll try to find a solution for you.
If your spouse already has a car with an insurance policy, you don’t need to add them to your own . However, if they plan on driving your vehicle, you should add them to your plan. Keep in mind that having more than one primary driver will increase your rates; costs will vary based on your spouse’s driving record and insurance history.
With a learner’s licence, you can purchase the mandatory types of insurance (accident benefits, DCPD, and third-party liability). But until you have your complete driver’s licence (Class 5), you cannot purchase collision or comprehensive coverage.
When determining your insurance rates, auto insurance companies consider things like:
- How often you use your car
- The type of vehicle you drive
- Your claims history
- Your location
The Automobile Insurance Rate Board regulates insurance prices using a grid rating system. It determines maximum premiums based on a range of variables (including age, location, and driving record).
Yes. It’s illegal to drive a car without the mandatory insurance policies, which include accident benefits, third-party liability, and DCPD.
Try to make fewer claims; each time you make a claim, your insurance premiums increase. In addition, drive safely! By taking a cautious approach to driving, you can reduce the chances that you’ll be involved in a collision. You can also increase your deductible to lower your monthly premiums.
Until you have more history with driving and insurance, a new driver will pay higher premiums than an experienced one. However, your rates will lower as you get older.
In Alberta, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that the average annual auto premiums are $1,316.
Top Collision Locations in Calgary To Watch Out For
In Calgary, where did the majority of collisions occur? Based on data from 2016, we’ve compiled this list of frequent collision locations:
- Memorial Drive NE & Deerfoot Trail NE
- Deerfoot Train SE & Glenmore Trail SE
- 16th Avenue NE & Deerfoot Trail NE
- Glenmore Trail SW & Crowchild Trail SW
- Deerfoot Trail SE & 17th Avenue SE
- Deerfoot Trail NE & McKnight Boulevard NE
- Deerfoot Trail NE & 32nd Avenue NE
- Macleod Trail SW & Glenmore Trail SW
- Sarcee Trail SW & Bow Trail SW
- 16th Avenue NE & 19th Street NE
At these locations, we recommend driving cautiously; they have some of the top collision rates in the city.
Request a Car Insurance Quote Today!
At Westland Insurance, we’re here to help Calgary drivers find the auto insurance they need. We offer auto insurance in Calgary at the following locations:
Ready to protect your vehicle and your family? Our insurance advisors are here to answer any questions you may have. To request a car insurance quote, contact us today!
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