Mandatory car insurance in Beaumont
Car insurance is a legal requirement throughout the entire province of Alberta. Therefore, Beaumont drivers must ensure that they have valid, up-to-date auto insurance policies at all times. Since car insurance is compulsory in Alberta, driving without insurance in Beaumont is illegal. So if you choose to drive without valid insurance, you run the risk of being caught and penalized.
For a first offense in Alberta, uninsured motorists can be fined between $2,875 and $10,000. Failure to pay this fine can result in jail time ranging from 45 days to 6 months. If you are caught driving without insurance a second time, the minimum fine goes up to $5,000, and the maximum fine is $20,000. Again, failure to pay this fine can result in jail time lasting anywhere between 60 days and 6 months.
As you can see, there are serious consequences to driving without insurance in Alberta. So if you’re a Beaumont motorist who is currently driving without insurance, contact BrokerLink and one of our insurance advisors will help find a policy that meets your needs and complies with provincial law.
The benefits of Beaumont car insurance
While there are many benefits of purchasing car insurance, the main one is that it offers protection against a wide range of risks. We delve into some of the risks that a Beaumont car insurance policy can help safeguard you against below:
You are protected in case of bodily injury
If you are injured following an auto accident, your insurance policy can help. Even the most basic car insurance plans cover bodily injury in Alberta. This means that if you require medical attention because of an accident, you can seek compensation from your insurance provider to cover the cost of hospital bills or other related expenses, like prescription medication or rehabilitation.
You are protected in the event of an accident
Car accidents happen every day. When you purchase Beaumont auto insurance, you’ll be protected from the consequences of such accidents. For example, standard car insurance typically includes coverage to help with the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision.
You are protected in case of theft
Another benefit to purchasing car insurance is that some policies can protect you against theft. Specifically, if you add comprehensive coverage to your Beaumont auto insurance plan, you will be covered in the event that your car is stolen (as well as against acts of vandalism, fire, water damage, and more). With theft protection, your insurance company will help cover the costs of replacing your vehicle, rather than having to pay for a new vehicle out-of-pocket.
You are in compliance with the law
One final reason Beaumont drivers choose to purchase car insurance is that in doing so, you comply with the law. Driving without insurance is illegal in Alberta, and uninsured motorists can face serious consequences if caught, such as fines, jail time, and licence suspensions. Avoid the risks that come with driving uninsured by purchasing quality car insurance that complies with provincial law.
What determines the cost of car insurance in Beaumont?
Insurance companies consider all kinds of factors when calculating car insurance premiums. From a driver’s age and marital status to their driving record and the type of vehicle they own, many details can influence Beaumont car insurance rates. Drivers might find it helps to know these factors so they can understand why their insurance premium is what it is. Some of the most common factors that determine the price of Beaumont car insurance policies are as follows:
Driving history
Driving history is one of the most significant factors used to calculate Beaumont car insurance costs. One’s driving history is a combination of their driving experience and record. Insurance companies perceive a lack of driving experience as a greater risk, which is why young drivers with minimal practice often pay the highest insurance premiums.
Conversely, the more driving experience you have, the better off you will be, assuming you also have a clean driving record. If you obey the rules of the road, you are likely to have a clean driving record. But if you speed, drive recklessly, or drive under the influence, then you are far more likely to have a poor driving record with tickets, accidents, and/or DUIs. A poor driving record is another factor that can increase the cost of your insurance. Ultimately, safe, responsible driving will be rewarded, so the cleaner your driving record, the lower your premiums will be.
Age
From an insurance provider’s perspective, there is a direct correlation between one’s age and their driving skills. The rule of thumb is the younger you are, the less driving experience you have, and the greater risk you pose on the road. This is why new drivers tend to pay the most for car insurance. Another age group impacted is seniors, who may pay more for car insurance.
Location
Where you plan to drive your vehicle (which is typically where you live and work) will also impact the cost of Beaumont auto insurance. Drivers who live in populous urban areas like Calgary or Edmonton typically pay more for car insurance as there are more cars on the road and so the odds of getting into an accident increase.
Meanwhile, those who live in rural areas where there is less traffic might pay less for auto insurance. Beyond population, if you live in a location prone to climate related weather incidents, such as flooding, this can also impact your insurance cost.
Make, model, and vehicle year
Did you know that the type of vehicle you drive can affect how much you pay for car insurance? That’s right, and generally speaking, the more expensive the car, the more expensive the insurance.
The exception to this rule is if your new, expensive car is equipped with safety features or anti-theft devices. So if you are looking to save money on auto insurance, you may wish to choose an older or more economical vehicle.
The number of kilometres you drive
How frequently and how far you drive your vehicle is another factor that can impact your insurance premium. The more you drive, the higher your insurance premiums are going to be. For example, if you have to drive every day as part of your job, or you frequently drive at night or on major highways, you will likely pay more for car insurance.
However, if you only drive on weekends or a couple of times per week, your insurance premiums may be lower because your odds of getting into a collision are also lower. Remember to speak to an insurance broker about driving habits when purchasing car insurance, as doing so could save you money.
Marital status
Marital status is one final factor that can influence your insurance premium. Data suggests that married people may be more responsible and financially stable, which insurers take into consideration when calculating car insurance premiums.
It is important to note that insurance brokerages like BrokerLink do not determine insurance premiums. Car insurance rates are set by insurance companies directly. However, BrokerLink can certainly help you obtain and compare quotes and offer our expert opinion on the right insurance policy for you.
Get in touch to learn more about Beaumont auto insurance
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