Compare Alberta car insurance quotes
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How car insurance in Alberta works

Matt Hands, Sr. Business Unit Director
Alberta auto insurance is provided by private insurance carriers. The private insurance companies receive regulation for Alberta car insurance rates through the Alberta government's Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB).
Currently, Albertans pay the third-highest price in Canada for car insurance, and there is much talk of reform to reduce rates. One of the hottest topics is adding no-fault insurance to the province. No-fault means you'll only ever deal with your insurer regardless of who was at fault. It expedites claims, but the opposition argues it increases rates for all.
Alberta operates with a car insurance grid rate calculator. The lower you are on the grid, the less you pay for car insurance in Alberta. This grid rating program sets the maximum premium an insurer can charge for the mandatory coverage.
Alberta car insurance requirements come in two forms – mandatory and optional.
Mandatory coverage
(full descriptions below)
- Third-party liability - covers you if you injure someone or damage their property
- Accident benefits - pays for your rehabilitation and income replacement following a collision
- Uninsured automobile insurance - pays for damage from an uninsured motorist
- Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) - you only deal with your insurance company for claims
Optional coverage
(full descriptions below)
- Collision insurance - pays for your car repairs or its replacement, whether at fault or not
- Comprehensive car insurance - pays for repairs or replacement from falling objects, theft, fire, or flood.
- Specified perils - Instead of comprehensive, covers specific risks you name and not others (e.g. fire, but not flood)
- All perils - comprehensive and collision together with extra coverage in case someone you know (e.g. family, friend, or mechanic) steals your car.
Endorsements (add-ons)
There are also optional Standard Endorsement Forms (SEF) which are endorsements you can add to your coverage. Here are 4 common Alberta endorsements.
- SEF 20 - covers the cost of a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced
- SEF 27 - Ports your existing insurance to a rental car or car you borrow
- SEF 39 - Accident forgiveness - insurance won't go up after your first at-fault claim
- SEF 43R - Removes depreciation in calculating the value of your car when settling a claim
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Historical Alberta auto insurance rate changes
The Alberta car insurance industry has seen significant change in the average rates they charge to consumers. Since 2007 there has been a +16.95% increase in average cost of car insurance in Alberta.
In late 2019, the conservative government removed a 5% cap on any rate increases. The cap removal saw over 92% of private insurers apply for rate changes. Some insurers increased their rates by 20%, but most insurers falling in around the 10–12% range.
In Q1 of 2020, the rate increases continued, but slowed drastically in Q2 to 1% thanks to the pandemic. In Q3, the average of rate increases that saw approval was about 15%, and it looks as though there is some downward momentum in the market on the year overall. We'll see what 2021 has in store.
Car insurance rate changes are a result of many factors including market inflation, insurance fraud and claims volumes. The auto insurance rates are controlled and set by the provincial government. The Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) and the Office of the Superintendent of insurance are the two agencies within the government that manage car insurance rates in Alberta. The historical rate changes shown below are based on all the drivers insured each year by every auto insurance company in Alberta.
Mandatory coverage for auto insurance in Alberta
Mandatory insurance is mostly about protecting you from damage you may cause to others and their property. Protecting you car is in optional coverages.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
Are you getting the best price for Alberta auto insurance?
Optional car insurance coverage in Alberta
You can personalize your coverage with these common additions that protect your car.
Collision insurance
Comprehensive insurance
Emergency roadside assistance
Specified perils
All perils
How to get cheap car insurance in Alberta
Shop and compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Alberta, and also the best value for you and your vehicle. Rates may change up to four times a year, but lucky for you comparing Alberta car insurance with us is free.
Stay with your current insurer
Some Alberta auto insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years. Especially if they add family members or multiple vehicles to their policy.
Bundle your policies
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a dip in premiums.
Get a multi car discount
If you have multiple drivers and vehicles in the same household, by putting them all on one policy can 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 double your deductible, it could save you money.
Ask about discounts
If you’re a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, it could help you get cheaper Alberta car insurance
Pay premiums annually, instead of monthly
Paying monthly adds administrative costs to your insurer, so if you’re able to pay in full annually you can lower your premiums.
Maintain a good driving record
If you’re a safe driver, obey the rules of the road and drive according to road conditions you can reduce your chances of an accident. Car crashes stay on your insurance record for up to ten years and can result in higher premiums.
Install winter tires
You can save up to 5% simply by adding winter tires to your car. Unless you're in Quebec, where it's mandatory.
How to get an Alberta driver's license
In 2003, the Alberta government introduced its graduated driver licensing system (GDLS) requiring each driver to progress through a 3-step educational program in order to be considered a fully licensed driver.
Once you’ve successfully completed the GDLS, you can legally operate a car, a motorhome without airbrakes, tow a trailer, or even drive recreational vehicles like a moped. Let’s take a quick look at this phased approach:
Class 7 licence eligibility criteria
Class 5 provisional licence eligibility criteria:
Class 5 licence eligibility criteria:
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Alberta auto insurance
Do I need auto insurance in Alberta?
What is the cheapest car insurance in Alberta?
Can you insure a car without a license in Alberta?
Who can drive my car under my insurance in Alberta?
Does my insurance cover me if I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Why does car insurance in Alberta cost so much?
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Alberta?
Do I need winter tires in Alberta?
Author Bio
Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance
Matt started his professional career at CARPROOF where he honed his marketing and analytical skills for over 3 years. Matt then took his wealth of experience to Ratehub.ca’s Toronto offices, working with insurance providers, agents, and brokers to grow and expand the Insurance business unit. He is a thought leader in the community and a valuable insurance resource to respected publications like the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Huffington Post, Yahoo News, and 680 news radio in Toronto.
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