Getting a car insurance policy is a necessary expense if you want to drive on public roads. Sure, it might seem needless at first when you have to spend hours online comparing different insurers. But getting the right car insurance policy can save you money in the long run, especially if you drive regularly.
This article will walk you through the ins and outs of getting a car insurance policy in Alberta. Alternatively, you can save yourself some time and compare insurance rates from top Canadian auto insurance providers with the pros at Surex — click on this link https://www.surex.com/insurance/auto-car/alberta to get started.
Continue reading to learn the answer to the question, “what do I need to get insurance on a car in the province of Alberta?”.
Why do you need to have car insurance?
Car insurance is a contract between the insured and the insurer. Car insurance protects you against financial loss if your car is damaged due to an accident or natural calamities, such as hail, flood, fire or theft.
If your car is damaged in an accident where someone else was at fault, their insurance company will pay for the damage to your vehicle and vice versa.
Moreover, the law makes it mandatory in Alberta to have basic automobile insurance that covers third-party liability and accident benefits.
What do I need to get car insurance coverage in Alberta?
In Alberta, you have to obtain car insurance if you want to drive legally. If you don’t, the consequences can be quite harsh. You could get fined up to $5,000, get your vehicle impounded, and even face jail time for as long as 30 days.
The best way to stay out of trouble is to learn how to get car insurance in Alberta. You’ll first need a driver’s license from the Alberta Motor Association or an equivalent organization in your home province (if you are not in Alberta). Then, you’ll need an approved vehicle for your application for car insurance in Alberta to be considered complete.
The good part is that you get the liberty to select an insurance company of your choice. Also, almost every insurance company in Alberta lets you add your new car to an existing insurance plan that already covers your existing car(s).
If you’re wondering, “what do I need to get car insurance in Alberta?”, you’ve come to the right place. Drivers in Alberta need to supply the following documents when purchasing car insurance in Alberta for the first time.
- Bill of sale or lease agreement of the car to substantiate the ownership.
- Your driver’s license. Please note that you cannot legally drive a car or purchase car insurance without a driver’s license. If you recently obtained your driver’s license, you may as well have to furnish the driver’s training certificate.
- Legal document substantiating the driver’s date of birth.
- If your vehicle is 12-years old (or older), you will have to produce a passing vehicle inspection report within 14 days from the date of buying the car insurance.
- An out-of-province inspection report would be mandatory if you previously registered your car in a province other than Alberta. You must obtain the report from an Alberta Motor Association-approved qualified auto inspection shop.
- A claims experience letter and a driver’s abstract will also be needed if your driver’s license and insurance are from a province other than Alberta.
With all the documents ready and in place, all you have to do is look for a reliable insurance company that offers great benefits and coverage options at affordable prices. Once you find one, simply fill up the forms and submit your documents to get your car insurance!
What happens if you do not have car insurance?
As discussed earlier, having car insurance is not only mandatory but also beneficial. Moreover, it is illegal to drive a car on public roads anywhere in Canada without auto insurance. However, car owners often tend to miss the renewal of their auto insurance policies.
It is pertinent to mention that not having your car covered under a suitable insurance policy, along with putting you at risk, will also lead to unwanted situations like:
- Suspending your driver’s license
- Paying fines for violating rules
- Dealing with litigation
- Paying for damages for which you are legally accountable.
- Paying exorbitantly expensive insurance premiums.
Remember that you won’t be able to legally drive your car until you have it covered under an appropriate insurance policy. In Alberta, your insurance plan must contain at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage and accident benefits coverage.
Collision and comprehensive coverage, specified hazards coverage, and endorsements are all optional but highly recommended if you have the funds to pay the premiums and monthly payments.
Can you reduce your car insurance premium in Alberta?
Car insurers in Alberta allot drivers with star ratings. Your driver star rating rises as you demonstrate good driving practices in Alberta. You can do so by not getting traffic tickets and avoiding being at fault in accidents. Better the rating, the lower will be your annual auto insurance premium.
If you’re new to Alberta and your prior driving history isn’t recognized or available, or if you’re an entirely new driver, completing and passing a certified driver’s training course is a simple method to cut your vehicle insurance costs.
Furthermore, passing a certified driver’s training course will raise your driver’s star rating by two stars. In other words, it adds two years of good driving to your driving record. The enhanced star rating can help you save an additional 15% on your car insurance annually. Moreover, you can also ask for a discount from your insurance provider if you purchase.
Endnote
Getting car insurance in Alberta is a straightforward process. If you are buying your first car, make sure you have the appropriate documentation to fill out the application. You can purchase insurance from a company directly or get it as part of a package deal when you buy your vehicle.
It’s important to know what type of auto coverage you need before purchasing insurance on your vehicle. But it is even important to know that your car insurance will prove to be your true friend in case of an untoward incident. So, keep your car insured to keep your worries at bay.
