Compare Calgary Car Insurance Quotes

Q: How much is car insurance in Calgary?

The average cost of car insurance in Calgary is roughly $1,500 per year, or about $125 per month. But rates continue to rise in Calgary due to inflation, fraud and other market factors, so it's important to shop the market for car insurance quotes yearly.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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, best to look elsewhere. Look for car-sharing programs like Communauto .

Q: 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.

Get personalized Alberta car insurance quotes from Canada's top insurers in less than 5 minutes, for free. You could save hundreds by shopping the market.

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How car insurance in Calgary works

Matt Hands, VP, Insurance and MoneySense

October 5, 2023

Calgary is the fifth most populated city in Canada and by extension home to some of the busiest roadways in Alberta.

Calgary is an urban oasis surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies which makes for a spectacular drive. But rush hour traffic and heavy road construction can lead to difficult commutes and worst of all, high insurance premiums.

At Ratehub.ca, we help the people of Calgary shop for the best car insurance rates in just minutes to suit their budget and preferences. Currently, the average car insurance cost in Calgary is shy of $1,500, but after the removal the 5% cap insurers had for rate increases, Calgary car insurance premiums are soaring.

Calgary operates in a hybrid system between tort and no-fault insurance. No-fault means drivers use their own insurance company regardless of who is at-fault in an accident. A tort-based system allows you to pursue the other driver for damages.

Alberta auto insurance is provided by private insurance companies and is regulated by the Auto Insurance Rate Board (AIRB). AIRB ensures rate increases are substantiated. Simply put, an insurer can't raise rates without prior approval from the regulatory body and is based on their financial records.

Available Calgary car insurance coverage is broken down into two categories - mandatory and optional.

Mandatory Calgary auto insurance coverage includes:

Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)

Optional Calgary car insurance coverage includes:

Collision insurance
Comprehensive car insurance
Specified perils
All perils

There are also optional Standard Endorsement Forms (SEF) which are endorsements you can add to your coverage. Here are 4 common Calgary auto endorsements.

SEF 101 - 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

Mandatory coverage for auto insurance in Calgary

Mandatory insurance is mostly about protecting you from damage you may cause to others and their property. Protecting you personal car is available with optional coverages.

Third-party liability

Accident benefits

Uninsured motorist (MVAC)

Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD)

Optional coverage for auto insurance in Calgary

The below coverages are optional, unless you lease your car and your lessor requires them. Typically, new cars will get the optional coverages.

Collision insurance

Comprehensive

Emergency roadside assistance

Specified perils

All perils

Compare Calgary insurance quotes and uncover the savings

In less than 5 minutes, you can compare multiple quotes from a number of Calgary's top car insurance companies, for free.

Factors that impact your Calgary car insurance rates

It pays to shop around to find cheap car insurance in Calgary. Even though an insurance application is fairly standard you will find that different insurance companies offer different rates based on their existing users, the number of active claims on their fiscal books, and overall risk tolerance calculations. Furthermore, there are several factors beyond your control that impact a risk tolerance calculation, like if you live in an area with higher than average levels of insurance fraud. Here are seven factors auto insurance companies consider before offering personal car insurance in Calgary:

Driver demographics

Where you live

Vehicle type

Driving history

Driving activity

Type of insurance coverage

Applicable discounts

How to get cheap car insurance in Calgary

Shop and compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Calgary, and also the best value for you and your vehicle. Rates may change up to four times a year, but lucky for you comparing Calgary car insurance quotes with us is free.
Stay with your current insurer
Some Calgary car 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 Calgary 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 3-5% simply by adding winter tires to your car.

Ready to compare car insurance in Calgary?

You're just a few clicks away from uncovering all the potential savings that come with a better Calgary insurance rate.

Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Calgary, Alberta

How much is car insurance in Calgary?

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. That said, any broker licensed by the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) can help you out. If you get Calgary car insurance quotes with us, we'll connect you with our preferred brokerages 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?

Is there such a thing as month to month car insurance in Calgary?

Does collector car insurance in Calgary exist?

Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio

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