The importance of Fort McMurray automobile insurance
Fort McMurray automobile insurance is as important as it gets. With the right policy, you can protect yourself against a whole host of risks, including those outlined below:
Car insurance can protect you against bodily injury
Car crashes happen every day, and if you’re lucky you come out unscathed. But sometimes, serious accidents can cause injury to those involved. While insurance can’t prevent bodily injury, it can help pay for it. Many car insurance plans in Fort McMurray include coverage that will compensate you in the event that you, another driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian need medical treatment after an accident.
Car insurance can protect you against car accidents
Another common outcome of car accidents is property damage, such as your car being dented or scratched. Car insurance can also help with this. If you have a Fort McMurray insurance plan, your insurer may cover the cost of repairing your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision.
Car insurance can protect your car from theft
Protect your vehicle from thieves with Fort McMurray car insurance. While insurance may not be able to prevent your car from being stolen in the first place, it can mitigate the financial impact of such an incident by helping to replace your stolen vehicle. Please note that in order for your car to be protected from theft, you will likely need to add comprehensive coverage (which is optional) to your automobile insurance plan. By doing this, you may also protect it from perils like fire, vandalism, windstorms, water damage, falling objects, and more.
Car insurance can protect you from breaking the law
If you want to avoid breaking the law in Alberta, purchase Fort McMurray car insurance. Since auto insurance is mandatory, driving with no insurance is illegal. But if you purchase a policy (one that meets Alberta’s minimum coverage requirements), you won’t be at risk of a fine, jail time, or the temporary loss of your license.
Compulsory car insurance in Fort McMurray
Car insurance in Alberta is mandatory, including Fort McMurray. Understanding this and knowing what coverage you need to purchase to comply with the law is incredibly important. We go into further detail about each coverage type below, but Fort McMurray drivers should be prepared to find a policy that includes third party liability coverage, uninsured automobile coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and accident benefits coverage. Note that there may be certain minimum coverage requirements for these coverages.
It is also worth noting that before buying a car insurance plan in Alberta, drivers must possess a valid driver’s licence. You may also be required to show a record of your driving history, along with the driver’s licence and driver’s history of anyone else who may be driving your car. If you want to learn more about what type of car insurance coverage is legally required in Alberta and how you can get it, get in touch with BrokerLink today. One of our expert insurance advisors would be happy to walk you through required automobile coverage in Alberta.
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Driving without car insurance in Alberta
Since car insurance is required in Alberta, driving with no insurance in Fort McMurray is illegal. As such, motorists can face serious consequences if they are caught driving uninsured. For a first offence in Alberta, you can be fined anywhere between $2,875 and $10,000. Failure to pay this first offence fine can result in jail time of 45 days to 6 months. For a second offence, the minimum fine is $5,000 and the maximum goes up to $20,000. Failure to pay the fine can also result in jail time between 60 days and 6 months.
Therefore, most Alberta drivers would agree that driving with no insurance is not worth the consequences that come with getting caught. So if you are without a valid auto insurance policy, contact BrokerLink and a dedicated broker we will be pleased to match you with a policy that complies with local Alberta law.
Mandatory car insurance coverage in Alberta
As mentioned, Alberta drivers must have a car insurance policy that complies with the requirements laid out by the provincial government. The experts at BrokerLink offer more detail on each coverage type to help you understand how they all work:
Third party liability coverage
Your Fort McMurray auto insurance policy must include third party liability coverage (no less than $200,000 of it, to be specific). This type of coverage can protect you from a possible lawsuit and more if you are responsible for a car crash. If you cause an accident, the third party liability portion of your policy can help pay for legal fees, repair costs, medical bills, etc.
Direct compensation - property damage coverage
Direct compensation is the next type of mandatory coverage in Alberta and it is intended to protect policyholders from property damage that results from accidents. This type of coverage can only be claimed if the policyholder was not liable for the accident (if they were liable, the claim would likely fall under the third party liability portion of their policy).
Uninsured automobile coverage
Uninsured automobile coverage is of the utmost importance for Fort McMurray drivers. It will protect you if you end up in a collision with a driver who does not have insurance or is underinsured. Without this coverage, if such an incident occurred, you might be on the hook for paying the cost of repairs, medical fees, etc. on your own. But when you purchase uninsured automobile coverage, your insurer will provide compensation for lost wages, repair bills, medical expenses, and more (they can also compensate you in a similar way for hit-and-run incidents).
Accident benefits coverage
If someone is injured in a car accident, no matter who was responsible for the accident, accident benefits insurance can help you cover any related medical costs. This coverage not only covers the policyholder’s injuries, but also the injuries of someone else involved in the accident, such as a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver. Accident benefits coverage can fill the gap that health insurance leaves, paying for expenses that peoples’ healthcare policies do not cover, such as rehabilitation.
Automobile insurance coverage to consider adding on top of basic coverage
Though the focus thus far has been on the mandatory coverages listed above there are other coverages available to Fort McMurray drivers. These are known as optional coverages, but just because they are optional does not mean they aren’t worthwhile. The BrokerLink Fort McMurray team explains some of the most popular optional auto insurance coverages below:
Collision coverage
Don’t let one accident break the bank. Instead, purchase collision coverage alongside your Fort McMurray auto insurance policy. Doing so can help reduce the financial repercussions of a serious car crash. More specifically, it can compensate the policyholder for property damage that results from an accident (e.g. dents, scratches, or worse).
Comprehensive coverage
Get wide-ranging protection for you and your vehicle with comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is also optional but is commonly added to Fort McMurray auto insurance policies. It can protect cars from damage caused by insured perils like fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, windstorms, and more. If you are unsure whether comprehensive coverage is right for you and your vehicle, give BrokerLink Fort McMurray a call, and an advisor will be pleased to offer their opinion.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Fort McMurray drivers 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 varies by province.
How Fort McMurray car insurance premiums are calculated
Did you know that insurance companies consider many factors when calculating insurance rates? That’s right, it doesn’t just come down to the type of car you drive or your age. Instead, the rate you are quoted is a product of several factors. If you are a Fort McMurray motorist that wants to gain more insight into which details are used to determine premiums, keep reading for a list:
- Where you live (and work - if you drive to work)
- Age
- Make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Claims history
- Annual mileage
- Driving experience
- Number of drivers in the household
- Driving record
- Prior insurance history
- Deductibles
- Local laws
- How you use your vehicle
- Gender
- Marital status
Tips to find affordable car insurance in Fort McMurray
Car insurance is one of the most common insurance policies you can hold. BrokerLink was founded on the principle of helping customers just like you find great coverage at reasonable, competitive rates. Our team of skilled insurance advisors will do everything in their power to help you cut costs on Fort McMurray automobile insurance. How do they go about this, you may be wondering? They unlock discounts you didn’t even know you were eligible for and shop around to make sure you get a rate that’s within your budget. Plus, the BrokerLink team is here to provide tips on how to get a reduced rate on Fort McMurray car insurance:
Select a higher car insurance policy deductible
Selecting a higher car insurance policy deductible is the first way that Fort McMurray motorists can cut costs on insurance. The average car insurance deductible in Alberta is roughly $500. Increasing yours from $500 to $1,000 could significantly lower your premium. Speak with a BrokerLink Fort McMurray insurance expert to learn more.
Pay premiums annually
Paying premiums annually may also give you a reduced car insurance rate. How? Some insurers charge extra fees, such as transaction or administrative fees, whenever you make a payment. Therefore, if you want to pay less money in fees, all you have to do is make fewer payments. That is why we generally recommend paying for your policy annually rather than monthly, especially if you have confirmed that your insurance company charges these kinds of fees.
Buy more than one insurance policy at the same time
Insurance companies like when customers purchase more than one policy from them at a time. As such, they may be more willing to give you an insurance discount if you buy two or more policies. This is what’s known as bundling insurance. Insurance bundles can lead to savings of 15% or greater. So consider buying two car insurance policies at once or a car insurance plan along with another type of product, like a home insurance plan or a business insurance plan, if you want to save big (you might even want to switch a policy from an old provider to your new provider to maximize savings).
Purchase snow tires for your Fort McMurray car
Drive safe and save money on car insurance with snow tires. Snow tires have excellent traction in inclement weather, which means they reduce your odds of getting into an accident. An insurance company understands this and may knock some money off the cost of your insurance policy as a result. Winter tire discounts vary throughout Canada, but are generally around 5% in Alberta.
Graduate from a driving program
Young drivers in Fort McMurray may wish to consider signing up for a driving school course if they want to receive a discount on their car insurance plans. Many insurance companies offer special discounts to new or young drivers that have completed an approved driving program.
Tips for new Fort McMurray drivers
Are you a young or new driver in Fort McMurray? We know that learning to drive can be overwhelming, but with time, patience, and practice, we are confident that you will become a safe and responsible driver. To improve your driving skills and develop smart habits early, follow the tips below:
Drive slowly
The first tip for young Fort McMurray drivers is to slow down. The slower you drive, the more time you have to react and the lower your odds of getting into an accident, make sure to obey the speed limit at all times. Also, avoid rushing when accelerating, braking, turning, parking, or changing lanes. We also suggest slowing below the speed limit when you are driving in certain conditions, like inclement weather, fog, rain, snow, or at night when visibility is reduced, and through a construction area or busy pedestrian zone.
Leave lots of space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you
Leaving lots of space around you is another tip for young Fort McMurray drivers. Experts recommend leaving two car lengths between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you on a regular road and four car lengths on a highway. Doing this will give you more time to react or stop suddenly if needed. Ultimately, the more space you give yourself, the more likely you are to avoid an accident.
Limit distractions
Finally, we recommend that all young drivers try to limit distractions as much as possible when driving. Though it can be tempting to program your GPS, check your phone (remember that texting and driving is illegal), or sip on a drink, doing so significantly increases your chances of getting into a collision. In fact, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. For this reason, be sure to put your phone away, find a radio station before pulling out of the driveway, and finish any snacks or drinks before taking the car out of park. This enables you to maintain complete focus on the road.
Alberta insurance links
If you’re a member of a group or association, you may be eligible for more discounts.
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Contact us
At Fort McMurray 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 at any one of our locations throughout 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 auto insurance quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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Fort McMurray automobile insurance FAQs
Why should I buy Fort McMurray car insurance through an insurance broker instead of an insurance agent?
Buying insurance from an insurance agent is certainly a viable option. However, doing so may not result in the same time or money savings as working with a broker. Plus, insurance brokers have expertise on a wide range of insurance products offered by companies all across Canada. In contrast, insurance agents generally only know their own products. If your goal is to find coverage that best suits your needs and budget, an insurance broker is your best bet. Insurance brokers are licensed, experienced, and resourceful. They also work for their customers, not the insurance companies, which means you don’t have to worry about a thing. Brokers put their customers’ needs above all else - always.
Should I feel safe buying Fort McMurray car insurance online?
Absolutely! Just like purchasing car insurance in person or over the phone, purchasing it online is also safe. Online insurance is also an incredibly convenient option, which is why so many Fort McMurray drivers love it.
For more FAQs, visit the BrokerLink FAQs page.
More ways to find a great car insurance rate in Alberta
