No matter where you are, you shouldn’t drive without car insurance! If you aren’t familiar with Alberta driving laws, you might not know how serious of an offence driving without insurance is. Auto insurance has been around for a long time in Canada since people realized how expensive getting into a car accident was and still is today. That’s why car insurance is mandatory in the province and across the country.
Having an auto insurance policy will help you recoup the costs of any damages and protect your financial interests. Insurance coverage protects you and other drivers on the road — it’s illegal to drive without it. If you get caught driving without insurance, you will face the consequences.
If you’re looking for the insurance coverage you need at a decent price, we can help. Our team of brokers is familiar with laws throughout Alberta and can give you the sound advice you need when shopping around for insurance coverage. Once you’re set-up, you can hit the road knowing you’re safe if you get into a motor vehicle accident.
Why not having car insurance in Alberta isn’t worth it
Some drivers try to get around paying for car insurance because they don’t think it’s important. Uninsured drivers often think purchasing valid insurance is too expensive. However, auto insurance is more affordable than one may think. It doesn’t matter if they don’t think they get into common car accidents. However, you do have to report a car accident and know how to do so.
In reality, fines for driving uninsured are often higher than annual car insurance premiums. The truth is these drivers often get caught driving without insurance as a result of getting into an accident or committing another driving-related infraction. Either way, not having car insurance can make these situations much worse and much more expensive! Next, we will discuss the consequences of driving without insurance in Alberta.
Consequences for uninsured drivers in Alberta
Not making the effort to get valid insurance with an insurance company has severe consequences. Driving without insurance in Alberta has severe penalties that will affect you at the moment and in the future. Let’s review below:
Fines
The fines for driving without insurance in Alberta are higher than you think. A first-time offence can result in a fine of up to $10,000, and the price will only go up in the future.
More difficult to find insurance coverage
Getting caught driving without coverage can raise your car insurance rates and make it more difficult to find insurance coverage in the future. This is similar to how an accident affects your insurance premiums. The offence will stay on your driving record for three years. If you are caught a second time, the fine can cost as much as $20,000.
Your car will get impounded
Driving without insurance is considered a criminal offence. That’s why if you get caught driving without car insurance, you won’t be able to drive away with a warning. As a result, your car will get towed, and you will have to pay fines to get it back. Always have a pink slip, which is the main document that proves you have car insurance.
Could come with jail time
If you don’t pay the minimum fine for driving without insurance in Alberta, it could lead to incarceration. Jail time isn’t usually a consequence of driving without insurance on its own. However, if you don’t pay the fines, it’s considered a criminal offence and could put you in prison for up to six months.
Like other traffic violations, driving uninsured has legal consequences. That’s why it’s better to have automobile insurance. Otherwise, the offence will remain on your driving record for years to come, increasing your insurance premiums because your insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver. We’ve talked about the legal consequences of getting caught driving without insurance, so next, we will explore the specifics of the fines you could receive.
Penalties for driving without valid insurance in Alberta
Not everyone has car insurance, but they should! There are severe penalties for driving without insurance in Alberta. Many may think it’s a small fine, but that’s where they’re wrong. Because it’s a criminal offence, it’s a decent amount of money to pay. Operating a motor vehicle without insurance has some of the highest fines there are. Here are some of the monetary penalties you could face:
First Offence
If someone is caught driving without insurance for the time, they have to pay a minimum fine of $2,875. However, this number isn’t set in stone. Depending on the circumstances, it can cost up to $10,000.
Second Offence
When someone is caught driving without insurance for a second within five years of the first offence, the minimum fine is $5,000. It’s important to note that the fine can go up $20,000 in some situations. As you can see, these fines are far from small. In fact, paying for car insurance for the year is much cheaper than getting caught driving an uninsured vehicle.
The previously mentioned penalties also come into play. Getting caught driving without proper insurance can also raise your car insurance premiums when you do decide to bite the bullet and purchase coverage. If you’re against buying insurance in Alberta because you want to save money, you’re only hurting yourself in the long run.
You should also consider the likelihood of getting into an auto accident. Even safe drivers can be involved in a collision or damage their car in some other way. If you are driving an uninsured vehicle, you will have to pay for the damages out of pocket. Additionally, if your car gets totalled, you’ll have to replace it yourself. With this in mind, we will review ways to avoid driving penalties in Alberta.
How to avoid driving penalties in Alberta
There are a few ways to avoid driving penalties in Alberta. Yes, following the rules of the road and our safe driving tips will help you avoid demerit points and a criminal record. However, you should keep in mind that you will be held personally responsible for any property damage in a motor vehicle accident if you are deemed the at-fault driver. That’s why we’re only going to discuss the most important one, which is having valid insurance coverage below:
Purchase coverage from an insurance company
Many uninsured drivers don’t think they will be caught, but, in reality, they are only putting themselves and other drivers in more danger by driving without proper insurance coverage. Taking a chance is never foolproof because if your motor vehicle is pulled over for any reason, police officers will ask you for proof of insurance. If you are found liable for an accident, you can face fines and other penalties. You can avoid these issues by purchasing the best car insurance in Alberta that fits your needs.
Purchase valid insurance in Alberta with BrokerLink broker today!
Driving without insurance in Alberta isn’t worth the risk. If a police officer pulls you over, you can receive a fine and have your vehicle towed away. Additionally, if you get into an accident, injured parties can file a lawsuit, and you will have to pay for any repairs out of pocket if you are found to be at fault. It’s not worth all the hassle.
Many types of auto insurance coverage are available, but which ones are right for your needs? Well, some are mandatory, others are optional. An experienced insurance broker in Alberta can help you determine which ones you have to get and which would be nice to have. Coverage options include:
If you’re looking for car insurance in Alberta, you’ve come to the right place. BrokerLink brokers get to know you and your needs to find insurance coverage that suits your needs. We can help whether you need one or multiple auto insurance policies. Call, visit us online or stop by one of our community branches. We are always ready to help you find the right insurance coverage.
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Driving Without insurance in Alberta FAQs
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Alberta?
The minimum fine is $2,875 but can go as high as $10,000 for a first offence. You might also have towing fees and other considerations, such as a higher rate when purchasing insurance.
Is car insurance mandatory in Alberta?
Yes. Car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles on the road in Alberta.
What is a Grid Step, and how does it affect insurance premiums?
Grid is the rating program for automobile insurance in Alberta. A Grid Step is the place where you are on the scale, based on your driving record and other factors, that indicate whether you qualify for discounts and help set your insurance rate.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
