Car Insurance in Fairview

Must-have auto insurance protection in Fairview, Alberta

Auto insurance protection comes in many forms, some of which are mandatory and some of which are optional. Below, we outline the types of auto insurance that are required of all drivers in Fairview and beyond. To drive legally in Fairview, you will need to purchase a policy that contains each of these coverage types:

Third party liability coverage

Liability car insurance covers drivers when they cause car accidents. This means that if you accidentally rear end someone or hit another driver at an intersection, it is the third party liability portion of your policy that would cover you. Specifically, liability coverage can reimburse policyholders for costs like legal fees, settlement fees, medical expenses, repair bills, and more.

Accident benefits coverage

The purpose of accident benefits coverage is to compensate policyholders for the cost of medical care if they are involved in an accident and someone is injured. To be covered, the injured person could be the policyholder themselves or someone else involved, like the other driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Accident benefits can pay for loss of income due to injury or medical fees not covered by Alberta health care.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage is designed to cover the cost of vehicle repairs following an accident. To put it simply, if you get into a car accident that you did not cause, and your vehicle was damaged as a result, you can receive a payout directly from your insurance company under the direct compensation - property damage portion of your policy.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is the last type of auto insurance coverage that you must have as a driver in Alberta. This type of coverage can be a life saver given that it protects policyholders if they get into an accident with one of the three following kinds of motorists:

• Uninsured drivers: drivers without car insurance policies.
• Underinsured drivers: drivers without enough car insurance coverage to pay for the cost of the damages that arose from the accident in question.
• Unidentified drivers: drivers whose identities are anonymous because they fled the scene of the accident, this is most common with hit and run accidents.

Optional car insurance protection in Fairview, Alberta

Although you must have the four mandatory coverages above in order to drive in Alberta, these are not the only types of car insurance coverage available to you. In fact, insurance companies across the province have a wide range of optional coverage options available to drivers. From collision coverage to accident forgiveness coverage, each one offers additional protection to Fairview motorists. Learn more about some of the most prominent types of optional auto coverage below:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage protects policyholders from repair expenses if their vehicle is damaged in a collision. This type of optional coverage will pay for the cost of vehicle repairs, no matter if you were at fault for the accident or not, and no matter if the accident you got into involves another car, an animal, or a foreign object on the road.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage offers financial security if your car is damaged or stolen while parked. This sets it apart from many other types of car insurance coverage, as most others deal with the costs associated with collisions. But comprehensive coverage can protect you if your vehicle is damaged by certain perils, like fire, vandalism, falling objects, wind, water, theft, and more. As long as the damage or loss that occurred was due to a covered peril, your insurance provider will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, less your deductible and up to the coverage limit.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Fairview 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 to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility varies by province.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage is another type of optional car insurance coverage that Fairview drivers can benefit from. When you add loss of use coverage to your Fairview auto insurance plan, you can be reimbursed for any transportation costs incurred while your car is being repaired. For instance, if your car needs to go into the shop for a few days after an accident that left it scratched or dented, loss of use coverage will cover the cost of renting a car, using rideshare services, or taking public transit until your vehicle is repaired.

Factors that affect Fairview auto insurance rates

Auto insurance rates differ from driver to driver. Why? Due to the fact that insurance companies take into account so many factors when calculating rates. From one’s age to their gender, driving record, and location, every Fairview car insurance premium comes down to not one but a multitude of factors. Find out which factors matter most to insurance companies by reviewing the list below:

• Where you live (and where you regularly commute)
• Age
• Model, make, and year of vehicle
• Past claims
• Average mileage
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Insurance history
• Deductible amount
• Regulatory bodies
• How you use your vehicle
• Gender

Given how much car insurance premiums in Fairview differ between policyholders, we recommend contacting BrokerLink to request a free quote. A free quote is the most effective way of finding out how much your policy will cost you.

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Fairview driving tips

As a driver, there’s nothing more important than driving responsibly. It is the only way to keep yourself and others safe on the road. So before heading out, brush up on the rules of the road and review the safe driving tips below:

Check for poor weather and hazardous road conditions

Inclement weather can make driving extremely dangerous, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before leaving home. If the weather looks like it might take a turn, stay home or make alternate arrangements. Thunderstorms and snowstorms come on quickly, and you don’t want to get caught in one. Same with hazardous road conditions. If you search your route in advance and discover a car accident or construction zone, you might be better off taking a detour to avoid these conditions.

Focus on the road

Distracted driving is a recipe for disaster. In order to focus on the road, put your smartphone away, set the radio and GPS before driving, and avoid eating, smoking, or sipping on a beverage while driving.

Abide by the speed limit

Speed limits exist to keep drivers safe. So pay attention to the speed limit on every road you drive on and make sure to abide by it. There are also times when you should drive below the speed limit, like when you’re driving in heavy rain or snow, through a construction zone, or in areas with lots of pedestrian traffic.

Use your signal when turning or changing lanes

Get into the habit of using your signal whenever you are turning or changing lanes. This vastly reduces the risk of an accident as other drivers will be aware of your intentions.

Reduce sun glare and increase visibility

The more visibility you have as a driver, the better off you will be. To increase visibility, wear sunglasses and use your sun visors to reduce glare, and clean your mirrors and windows regularly. This is especially important in the winter when snow, ice, and salt can quickly build up and block visibility.

How to submit a car insurance claim in Fairview

Did you get into a car accident but don’t know what to do next? Read this step-by-step guide to submitting a car insurance claim in Fairview to learn all about how the claims process works and what to expect after contacting your provider:

Let your insurance provider know about the accident

Shortly after the accident happens, contact your insurance provider to let them know what happened. This should be done as close to the accident as possible but not more than seven days after. After telling your insurance company about the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the damage that was caused, they will give you clear instructions on how to proceed with filing a claim. Since every insurance company has its own way of handling auto insurance claims, it is best to contact them directly.

Gather your evidence

The next step when filing a car insurance claim in Alberta is to gather evidence about the incident. You will need to provide this evidence to your insurance company when you formally submit your claim. Evidence can take many forms and may include photos and videos of the accident, police statements, witness statements, and basic information, such as the time, date, location, and weather conditions of the accident.

Complete the insurance forms

Your insurance company is likely to send you several forms that need to be filled out alongside your claim. These forms must be completed for your claim to be officially submitted, so be sure to fill them out as quickly as possible and to the best of your ability.

An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim

Next, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim. It is their job to investigate the claim and then make a recommendation to the insurance company on whether your claim should be approved or denied. To make this determination, the adjuster will review the forms and evidence you provided. They may also contact you to ask additional questions, so be prepared for this.

Your insurance company will contact you

The final step in the claims process is when your insurance company contacts you. Your insurer will get in touch once a verdict has been reached, letting you know if your car insurance claim has been approved or denied. In the event that they approve your claim, they will let you know how much money you will be paid out and the method by which you will be paid.

If you get into an accident and want advice on how to file a car insurance claim in Fairview, contact BrokerLink to speak directly with a licensed insurance specialist.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink has been the go-to brokerage in Canada since its founding in 1991, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Beyond providing our Alberta customers with quality insurance solutions, we also strive to give back to the communities we operate in, like Fairview. Find out more about BrokerLink’s commitment to the community by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Fairview 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 any of our locations across 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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Auto insurance Fairview FAQs

How can I qualify for a snow tire car insurance discount in Fairview?

The conditions that must be met to qualify for a winter tire car insurance discount in Fairview vary between insurance companies, so your best bet is to contact your insurance company and ask them directly. That said, qualifying for a winter tire discount is usually not too complicated. For example, some insurers stipulate that all four tires must be the same model, and most will make the discount conditional on the tires being installed by a certain date each fall and left on until a certain date each spring. Find out more about the benefits of winter tires and how much money you can save on car insurance through a winter tire discount by contacting an insurance professional today.

How does renewing car insurance work in Fairview?

Renewing car insurance is easier than you might think. While every insurance company is in charge of determining its own renewal process, typically, all it takes to renew a policy is contacting your insurance company and informing them that you wish to renew. From there, they will provide any next steps that need to be followed. They will also let you know if your insurance premium has changed, and if so, what it is.

If you are unsatisfied with your new car insurance premium, consider obtaining quotes from other car insurance companies near you and comparing them to make sure that your current provider is still offering you the most competitive rate. You might discover that you can find a better policy somewhere else, in which case, you could let your policy expire in favour of purchasing new coverage elsewhere. Just make sure that any new policy you purchase starts on the date that your last policy expired.

Renewing an expired car insurance plan or buying a new one several weeks or months after your last policy expired can have serious consequences. While expired car insurance renewal may still be possible, you are likely to pay more for Fairview auto insurance because of it.

If I get into a collision while driving, will my Fairview auto insurance premium go up?

It might, though it isn’t guaranteed. Ultimately, whether your premium will go up after an accident depends on two factors. First, the coverage included with your policy, and second, whether you are at fault for the accident or not. In terms of coverage, there is one type of coverage that may prevent your rates from rising, even after an at-fault accident, and that is accident forgiveness coverage. With accident forgiveness coverage, your insurance provider cannot increase your premium after your first at-fault accident.

That said, if the collision you were involved in was not your first at-fault accident, then accident forgiveness does not apply and your rates are likely to increase. That leads us to the second factor, which is whether you were responsible for the accident or not. If the accident was your fault, your insurance premium is very likely to increase the next time it renews, and it may stay this way for up to six years, as accidents in Alberta stay on driving records for up to six years. Conversely, if the accident was not your fault, your rates will likely be unaffected by the collision.

Do I need car insurance to drive in Fairview?

Yes. It is illegal to drive without car insurance in Fairview, Alberta. Thus, you will need to purchase a policy that meets the province’s minimum coverage requirements if you want to legally drive in the province. If you choose to drive without purchasing such a policy and you are pulled over by the authorities, you could face a hefty fine, the suspension of your driver’s licence, the impoundment of your vehicle, and even jail time.

How can I lower my Fairview car insurance premium?

If you want to save money on Fairview car insurance, there are several ways of doing so. First, you could try bundling insurance policies, which is when you combine multiple insurance products into one bundle. Many insurers let you pick and choose which products you want to bundle together. If you have more than one vehicle in your household, you might prefer to bundle multiple auto insurance policies. However, if you only have one car, then mixing and matching a car insurance plan with a home, business, or recreational vehicle insurance plan might be more beneficial.

Beyond bundling, Fairview drivers can lower their premiums by picking high deductible amounts, choosing a yearly payment plan over a monthly payment plan, making all insurance payments on time, and driving safely to minimize the odds of an incident on the road. Lastly, for significant savings, inquire about the auto insurance discounts that may be available to you as a Fairview driver. Some of the most common types of discounts in Alberta include winter tire discounts, employment-based discounts, education-based discounts, safe driver discounts, anti-theft device discounts, occasional driver discounts, driver’s education discounts, and telematics discounts.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.