Who can buy car insurance in Edson, Alberta?
Any Alberta resident with a valid driver’s licence can purchase car insurance in Edson. In fact, not only are they eligible to buy car insurance, but they are legally required to do so if they want to drive. The provincial Government of Alberta mandates that all drivers in the province must have a valid auto insurance plan if they want to get behind the wheel.
What does car insurance cover in Edson?
Car insurance in Edson, Alberta varies between policyholders, as each policyholder gets to decide what coverages, limits, and deductibles to add to their plan. That said, there are a few types of coverage that all Alberta drivers must add to their policies, and they include:
Please note that Alberta motorists must have at least $200,000 in third party liability insurance. If you purchase a limit below this, you will be in breach of the law, and your policy will not be valid. It is also worth noting that if you fail to purchase car insurance altogether or you let your policy expire, you will not be allowed to drive. You can learn more about the expired car insurance renewal process from an insurance broker in Alberta. Just remember to ensure you have valid coverage at all times. Otherwise, you could be at risk of jail time, fines, the impoundment of your vehicle, and the suspension of your licence.
What is mandatory car insurance coverage in Edson?
The following types of coverage are all required in Edson, Alberta:
Third party liability coverage
Third party liability coverage can pay for the cost of an accident if you get into an at-fault collision. For example, if you accidentally rear-end a driver at an intersection, you can file a liability insurance claim to pay for the associated costs, whether they include medical expenses, repair bills, or legal fees. In Alberta, all drivers must carry $200,000 in third party liability coverage with them at all times.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage is another type of compulsory coverage in Edson. It will cover you if someone involved in an accident is hurt or injured. Specifically, accident benefits can pay for them to receive medical or rehabilitative care. It can pay for medical expenses like physical therapy or prescription medications. It can also cover the cost of lost income or funeral fees if someone is unable to work due to their injury or passes away as a result of the accident.
Direct compensation - property damage coverage
Lastly, direct compensation - property damage coverage will help you pay to repair your car if it is damaged in a collision. This type of coverage can be claimed as long as you are not found to be responsible for the accident.
What types of coverage are optional for Edson drivers?
As with home insurance in Alberta or business insurance in Alberta, the following types of coverage are optional for Edson drivers. That said, choosing to add the following coverages to your policy can provide you with extra protection in the event of a loss or damage:
Collision coverage
Collision car coverage is a type of optional coverage that many Edson drivers choose to add to their policies. This coverage type will help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totalled in an accident. No matter if the accident was your fault or if it occurred with another vehicle, an animal, or an object on the road, collision coverage can still be claimed. Although it is usually optional for Alberta drivers, those who lease or finance their cars might be obligated to purchase it according to the conditions of their lease agreement. It is also worth noting that collision coverage is always subject to a deductible. Sometimes, the minimum deductible you can choose is $500. However, you should also be able to choose an amount above this, and doing so could lower your premium.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive car coverage is a second type of extra coverage for Edson drivers. This will protect you if your car is damaged while parked. For instance, if your vehicle is stolen out of your driveway or a tree branch falls on it, you can file a comprehensive claim to help pay to replace or repair it. Specific perils that comprehensive coverage usually protects against include theft, vandalism, explosions and riots, falling and flying objects, fire, and weather-related incidents. Read your policy carefully for a full list of perils that are covered.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Edson is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province.
Waiver of depreciation
A waiver of depreciation is a rider or endorsement that can be added to a car insurance plan for extra protection in the event that your car is totalled and needs to be replaced. If you get into an accident and the insurance company deems your car a write-off, you will receive a much larger payout if you have a waiver of depreciation. Note: This coverage is based on specific criteria that must be met in order to purchase this coverage, eligibility may vary by insurer.
Loss of use coverage
Last but not least, loss of use coverage can alleviate the financial burden of being without your car temporarily if it is damaged in an accident and needs to be repaired. We understand how difficut it can be to get around while your vehicle is laid up. While in the shop, loss of use coverage can pay for you to take alternate modes of transit, such as public transportation, rental cars, or even taxis and ride shares.
What isn’t covered by auto insurance in Edson?
Many drivers have an understanding of what their car insurance plans cover. However, they may not realize what isn’t covered by their insurance policy. Whether you’re buying farm insurance, basic car insurance, or commercial auto insurance in Alberta, it is extremely important to understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy. Although restrictions vary between insurance providers and policyholders, we outline a list of what is generally not covered by Alberta car insurance plans below:
Collision and comprehensive coverage
Unless you specifically add these optional coverage types to your Edson car insurance plan, you should not expect your policy to include collision and comprehensive coverage.
Personal items stolen from a vehicle
Car insurance plans do not cover personal belongings, such as jewellery, wallets, or electronics, that are stolen from your car. Even comprehensive coverage, which covers the overall theft of your vehicle, will not cover you for stolen personal items. That said, comprehensive coverage can be claimed if a permanent fixture of your car, such as the steering wheel or catalytic converter, is stolen. It can also cover you for damage done to your car by a thief attempting to steal an item from your car.
For example, if a thief smashes your passenger door window to grab your iPhone from the front seat, your insurance company might pay for the window to be repaired. The cost of replacing the stolen iPhone may be something you can have replaced via your home or tenants insurance policy, but it is up to your insurer.
Commercial use of a car
Lastly, commercial use of a car is not typically covered by basic car insurance policies in Alberta. Personal car insurance and commercial car insurance are not the same. Personal auto coverage will only cover you for personal use of your car. As soon as you start using it for business purposes, such as to deliver products to customers or transport materials, you won’t be covered. You would need to add a commercial coverage endorsement to your policy or purchase a separate commercial auto insurance policy.
What factors impact car insurance rates in Edson, Alberta?
The following factors will impact how much you pay for car insurance in Edson. For a better idea of how much a policy will cost you, reach out to BrokerLink today. Any one of our licensed insurance brokers would be pleased to give you a free car insurance quote:
- Where you live and where you regularly commute
- Age
- Model, make, trim, and year of vehicle
- Past claims
- Average mileage
- Driving experience
- Driving record
- Insurance history
- Deductible amount
- Regulatory bodies
- How you use your vehicle
- Gender
Tips to save money when buying Edson auto insurance
Follow the tips below if you want to keep costs down on your Edson car insurance policy:
Pay for your policy yearly
Paying for your car insurance plan yearly may end up saving you money. Although many car insurance companies give customers the option of paying monthly or yearly, the former may result in extra fees. This is because some insurers charge transaction or administrative fees for every payment made, which could mean spending more than you would be if you chose the yearly payment option. Some insurers also offer a discount if you pay annually, which allows you to save even more money.
Raise your policy deductible
If you want to lower your Edson car insurance premium, consider increasing your deductible by $500 or $1,000. The higher your deductible, the lower your rates will be.
Insure two or more vehicles together
Buy multiple auto insurance policies and you could save big on car insurance. If you have two or more cars at home, buying policies together is not only convenient but might make the most financial sense. This is due to the fact that many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who purchase two or more car insurance policies at the same time.
Try an insurance bundle
You can qualify for a major insurance discount by bundling two or more insurance products. Bundles vary between providers, but most will allow customers to bundle home and auto insurance, recreational vehicle insurance and auto insurance. So, if you’re in the market for homeowner’s insurance, tenant insurance, or Recreational Vehicle insurance, in addition to car insurance, consider waiting and buying them at the same time to maximize savings. Get in touch with BrokerLink to learn more about how car insurance discounts work in Edson.
Ask a broker about car insurance discounts
Another tip to help you save money on car insurance is to ask a broker! You may not realize just how many auto insurance discounts exist. Ask a broker what your options may be in case you qualify for one or multiple.
Review your Edson auto insurance coverage before renewing your policy
Many customers overpay for car insurance because they purchase coverages they don’t need. For this reason, our brokers always recommend reviewing your policy before renewing it. This way, you can carefully think about whether you still need the coverage you have. Reducing your extra coverage is a quick way to reduce your premium. Even if you decide to keep your existing coverage, there may be ways of modifying it to reduce costs, such as by lowering your limits or raising your deductibles. If you want a professional to review your policy for you, don’t hesitate to contact BrokerLink.
Get winter tires for your car
Adding snow tires to your car can make you eligible for a car insurance discount. Winter tires are not a legal requirement in Alberta. That said, insurers recognize how much safer winter tires make driving in cold, snowy conditions. As such, they may offer you a discount on your auto insurance policy if you can show proof that you install snow tires on your car each season.
Attend a recognized driving school in Alberta
Signing up for an approved driving school in Alberta can save you money on car insurance. Whether you’re a young driver or need a refresher, driving schools offer lots of value. They will teach you the rules of the road and give you practical, in-car lessons to help you become a safe and responsible driver. Given this, many insurance companies will lower your premium if you can provide proof that you graduated from a recognized driving school in your province.
Improve your driving habits
Improving your driving habits is another way to save money on Edson car insurance. How does this work, you may be wondering? The safer you drive, the less likely you are to get into an accident. The less you get into accidents, the cleaner your record will be, and a clean record translates to a cheaper premium. If you can maintain a clean record for a number of years, you might even qualify for a safe driver discount. For a list of safe driving tips, contact BrokerLink today.
Go hybrid or electric and prioritize a safe car
Driving a hybrid orelectric vehicle or a car with a high safety rating can result in a much cheaper car insurance rate. Many insurance companies offer discounts to those who drive eco-friendly vehicles. Meanwhile, you can also benefit from cheaper rates if you drive a car with lots of safety features, as from an insurance company’s perspective, you may be less likely to get into an accident.
We’re in your community
BrokerLink is the go-to insurance brokerage in Alberta for a reason. Not only do we provide top-notch home, auto, and commercial insurance services, but we also get involved in the communities we operate in. You will find us giving back to local causes and initiatives in Edson and all throughout Alberta. Give BrokerLink a call to learn more about our community endeavours.
Contact us
At Edson BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person by visiting our location in Edson, Alberta. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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FAQs on car insurance Edson
Can I put my Edson auto insurance policy on hold?
If you want to put your Edson car insurance policy on hold, you may be able to do so, but it depends. Some insurance companies allow customers to temporarily suspend their coverage, such as for a few months if they are away for the winter or summer. However, not all insurers allow you to do this. Thus, the best course of action is to contact your insurance company directly. Whatever you do, make sure that you maintain basic coverage or comprehensive coverage so that your car is protected from damage while parked or in storage.
I am buying my first-ever car insurance policy in Edson. Do I need a valid Alberta driver’s licence to do so?
Yes. You will not be able to purchase auto insurance coverage from an agent or a broker without a valid driver’s licence. This will be the first thing that a broker or agent asks for. Please note that if you want to add multiple drivers to your policy, they will also need to have valid driver’s licences.
Do I need to insure my car in Alberta if I already have car insurance in another province?
You will need to make sure that your car insurance policy is valid in Alberta. If it is, then you can likely keep the same policy after moving provinces. Ask your provider before moving if they offer their services in Alberta, and if so, confirm that your current coverage meets the minimum coverage requirements in Alberta.
If your insurance company does not offer coverage in Alberta, you will need to purchase a new policy. Keep in mind that your rate may differ as location is one of many factors that impact premiums.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
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