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All about car insurance in Calgary
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance
Calgary is the most populated city in Alberta and the fifth-most populated city in Canada. By extension, it's also home to some of the busiest roads across the country. The city is an urban oasis surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, making for a spectacular drive. However, rush hour traffic and heavy road construction can lead to difficult commutes – and worst of all, high auto insurance premiums.
Auto insurance in Alberta is a requirement. It's provided by private car insurance companies and regulated by the Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB). The board ensures rate increases are substantiated – simply put, an insurer can't raise rates without prior approval from the regulatory body. Instead, it's based on their financial records.
The province also operates within a hybrid system which includes components of no-fault insurance and tort-based insurance. No-fault insurance means that you'll recoup funds from your insurer, regardless of fault. However, the hybridity of the system still allows you to sue for damages.
Read on to learn everything there is to know about auto insurance in Calgary. Plus, when you're ready, be sure to compare personalized car insurance quotes to find your best rate on the market. We can also connect you with a licensed broker who will guide you through the entire process of securing the coverage you need.
The implications of Alberta's rate cap system
As drivers across Alberta continue to face some of the highest premiums, implemented a 3.7% limit on auto insurance rate hikes for certain good drivers, effective January 2024.
While this sounds like a win, it may not be the case. Experts have criticized the rate cap for its negative impact on groups that don't qualify, including newcomers to the province.
Additionally, a recent study revealed that rates could increase by nearly 88% within the decade if the rate cap remains in place and no reforms are implemented to reduce claims costs.
Mandatory Calgary auto insurance coverages
In Calgary, you're required to carry three types of car insurance coverages at a minimum. Here, we cover an overview of each one – third-party liability, accident benefits, and direct compensation for property damage.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Direct compensation for property damage
Optional Calgary auto insurance coverages
Aside from the mandatory coverages, you can also add optional coverages to your Calgary car insurance policy. These options are mainly there to help cover the loss and damage of your personal vehicle.
Collision
Comprehensive
Specified perils
All perils
Emergency roadside assistance
Popular Calgary auto insurance endorsements
To further customize your car insurance, you can also add Standard Endorsement Forms (SEFs) to your policy. While the selection of endorsements may differ depending on the provider you choose, here are some popular options for Calgary drivers.
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How much is car insurance in Calgary?
According to the 2023 Market Report from the Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board, the average annual auto insurance premium in Edmonton ranged from $1,190 to $2,180 – depending on the exact territory within the city. Meanwhile, the average annual premium across the entire province of Alberta was $1,669 in 2023.
Generally speaking, the most expensive rates go to those who live in the downtown core due to the high vehicle density and high crime rates while those who live in residential areas near the outskirts of the city can expect to pay less. Because of recent weather-related events, Calgarians in the northeast area also have a higher average premium.
Recent car insurance quotes from our Calgary users
To find the exact cost of your Calgary car insurance policy, be sure to compare personalized quotes with us – you won't know which insurer offers the lowest rate until you take a look at all of them. Below are three sample quotes our Calgary users received from us in January 2024.
- $115/month
42-year-old female
driving a 2010 Honda Matrix under Economical Insurance
- $135/month
27-year-old male
driving a 2009 Toyota Tacoma under Travelers Insurance
- $142/month
52-year-old male
driving a 2017 Honda CR-V under Economical Insurance
Factors that impact your Calgary car insurance rate
It pays to shop the market for cheap Calgary car insurance. This is because different insurers offer different rates based on a list of personalized factors. Here, we cover a few main ones, so you can better understand how insurers come up with your quote.
Age
Younger drivers tend to pay the highest car insurance rates due to statistical risk factors.
Gender
Males tend to pay higher premiums than their female counterparts due to statistical risk factors.
Location
Where you live in Calgary matters. Busy areas with high crime rates will inevitably come with higher premiums.
Vehicle type
Cars that expensive to repair and replace will cost more to insure – and the same goes with highly-stolen ones.
Vehicle use
Do you drive for business or for pleasure? Pleasure-use cars tend to come with cheaper insurance rates.
Driving history
Your Calgary driving history is looked at by insurers. A clean record shows low-risk which means low premiums.
Driving behaviour
More time on the road equals more risk – so expect to pay higher premiums if you commute daily.
License class
If you have your full driver's licence in Calgary, expect to pay cheaper premiums than a novice driver.
Coverages & discounts
More protection will lead to higher rates, but asking for discounts can help combat the cost.
How to get cheap Calgary car insurance quotes
While insurers are the ones that quote you, there are many steps you can take to make sure you're getting the cheapest Calgary car insurance on the market. Here, we cover ten different tips to help lower your premium.
- Shop & compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Calgary. Rates can potentially go up whenever you renew, but lucky for you comparing personalized Calgary car insurance quotes with us is free.
- Stay loyal
Some Calgary car insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years – but don't let this deter you from shopping the market.
- Bundle insurance products
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a policy bundle discount.
- Insure multiple vehicles together
If you have multiple drivers and multiple vehicles in your household, putting them all under one policy can help save you money.
- Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the portion you pay when settling a claim before your insurer will pay the rest. If you’re willing to increase it, you'll pay less in premiums.
- Ask about discounts
Ask your insurer about group rates – for professionals, alumni, and more. Oftentimes, Calgary insurance companies will offer discounts to members of certain organizations.
- Pay premiums annually
Paying monthly premiums adds administrative costs to your insurer. If you’re able to pay in full annually, you'll likely pay a bit less in the long run.
- Keep a clean record
The cheapest rates go to the safest drivers in Calgary. Car crashes can stay on your record for years, causing your insurance premium to go up substantially.
- Install winter tires
As Calgary roads can get dangerous in the winter, insurers often offer a cheaper rate to those who install winter tires.
- Drive less
The more you drive, the more risk you're inevitably exposed to. Simply driving less can help save you money on your car insurance premium.
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Frequently asked questions on Calgary car insurance
What are the best insurance companies in Calgary?
When we think of the best car insurance companies, we often think of big players like TD, RBC, or Desjardins. However, the best car insurance company for you is the one that will give you the best rate and provide excellent customer service. We make it easy for you to find. After using our car insurance calculator, we'll show you which company will give you the best rate and connect you with a licensed insurance broker who can help you with all the final details to get the best insurance policy for you.
Who is the best car insurance broker in Calgary?
The best car insurance broker is a personal choice. You can read reviews and ask friends or family for referrals, but it's difficult to know if you've got the best one until you actually go through the process. If you get Calgary car insurance quotes with us, we can connect you with our brokerage in Alberta to help you navigate through the terms and conditions to finalize your policy.
Do you need car rental insurance in Calgary?
You can avoid paying rental car insurance with the SEF27 endorsement on your policy. SEF27 covers you for liability, personal injury, and if another driver damages the car. If you damage the car, you'll need to make sure you also have collision insurance on your policy, but your credit card may also cover collision. Finally, personal effects coverage is offered through your home insurance policy.
How do I get car insurance for new drivers in Calgary?
You can compare new driver insurance quotes with us. New driver insurance is typically more expensive due to a lack of driving experience in Canada. If you're new to the country, try to get a reference letter from your past insurer as proof. If they don't reduce your rates, compare car insurance quotes to see if you can get a better rate.
Is there such a thing as month to month car insurance in Calgary?
Typical auto insurance policies are sold in 6 and 12-month increments. However, CAA has their MyPace program which bills by kilometres driven and may be more suitable for your situation. If you drive more than 9,000km in a year, though, it's best to look elsewhere. Look for car-sharing programs like Communauto.
Does collector car insurance in Calgary exist?
If you're looking for collector or antique car insurance in Calgary, check out our classic car insurance page to learn more.