Is New Glasgow car insurance required?
Yes, car insurance is required in New Glasgow, along with everywhere else in Nova Scotia. Car insurance is provincially regulated, and the provincial government of Nova Scotia has made it mandatory throughout the province. Therefore, whether you’re driving New Glasgow, Truro, or Halifax, auto insurance is a legal requirement. Not just any car insurance policy will do. Your policy must meet the minimum requirement set by the province. If you aren’t sure what standard car insurance looks like in Nova Scotia, contact BrokerLink today and one of our knowledgeable insurance advisors will be happy to help you.
Driving without car insurance in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Since auto insurance is mandatory throughout Nova Scotia, driving without a valid policy is a criminal offense. Whether you hit the road before buying a policy or let your existing policy expire, driving uninsured is illegal and if caught, motorists can face serious consequences.
Specifically, for a first offense in Nova Scotia, you can be fined a minimum of $1,250. For repeat offenses, the fine can go up to $5,850. In addition to a fine, uninsured motorists in New Glasgow can have their driver’s licenses suspended by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Standard car insurance coverage for New Glasgow drivers
When purchasing car insurance in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, you must ensure that your policy meets the minimum requirements set by the province. Standard car insurance in Nova Scotia consists of four types of coverage: third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, property damage coverage, and uninsured driver coverage. Each of these types of coverage is designed to protect drivers and passengers from risk on the road. Keep reading to learn more about each type of mandatory coverage in New Glasgow.
Third party liability coverage
Third party liability coverage provides legal protection in the event that a driver injures someone else or causes property damage to another person’s property, such as their vehicle. This type of coverage can help cover medical expenses related to bodily injuries or repairs of damaged cars, not to mention legal fees and settlements up to the policy limit. In Nova Scotia, drivers must carry a minimum of $500,000 in third party liability coverage at all times.
Property damage coverage
Property damage coverage protects an insured car and the items inside it from property damage, as long as the policyholder is not at fault for the accident that resulted in said property damage. When you claim this type of coverage, your insurer will likely pay you directly to cover the repair or replacement of your car.
Accident benefits coverage
If you, a passenger, or a pedestrian requires medical attention following a collision, accident benefits coverage can help. Accident benefits coverage can be claimed no matter who was liable for the accident. It can help pay for medical expenses, such as prescription medications, physical therapy, or rehabilitation, as well as loss of income and other associated costs.
Uninsured driver coverage
Uninsured driver coverage is designed to protect the policyholder and any passengers in their vehicle if they get into an accident with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured. This type of mandatory coverage also protects the policyholder if they are the victim of a hit-and-run. Uninsured automobile coverage can help cover the costs of medical expenses related to injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and more.
Optional car insurance coverage for New Glasgow drivers
Beyond the mandatory coverage in New Glasgow, there are several other optional coverage types drivers may find beneficial to include in their policies. From collision coverage to comprehensive coverage, check out some of the most popular optional car insurance coverages in Nova Scotia.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage protects the policyholder if they get into an accident with another car or object on the road. Under the collision coverage section of your policy, whether you are at fault for the accident or not, you can receive compensation to help pay for any property damage that resulted from the accident, such as a damaged car.
Comprehensive coverage
For peace of mind, many New Glasgow drivers choose to add comprehensive coverage to their auto insurance policies. While standard car insurance coverage in Nova Scotia protects against collisions, it does not protect drivers from other circumstances on the road. That’s where comprehensive coverage comes in. If you choose to add comprehensive coverage to your New Glasgow auto insurance policy, you and your car can be protected against theft, vandalism, water damage, fire, and more.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One last type of optional car insurance coverage is accident forgiveness. This type of coverage can be especially beneficial for new or high risk drivers as you are protected from an increase in insurance rate after your first at-fault collision. Please note that accident forgiveness coverage only applies to the first at-fault accident, not subsequent accidents.
How car insurance premiums are calculated in New Glasgow
Insurance companies in Nova Scotia consider a wide range of factors when calculating premiums. From a driver’s age and marital status to their claims history, driving record, and the type of vehicle they drive, even the smallest details can impact how much you pay for auto insurance. New Glasgow drivers might find it useful to learn about the most common factors impacting insurance premiums in Nova Scotia, so we’ve compiled the list below.
Driving history
Driving history is one of the main factors used to determine the cost of New Glasgow auto insurance. If you have years or even decades of driving experience, you may benefit from a lower premium. However, this is only if you have a clean driving record. Experience on its own isn’t enough to lower your premium. You also need to show the insurance company that you are a safe and responsible driver by maintaining a clean driving record. If you fail to do this, and your driving record has speeding tickets, DUIs, and accidents, your insurance premium may be affected.
Location
Where you drive your car can affect your New Glasgow car insurance rate. For example, if you live in or frequently drive to a major city, such as Halifax, you may pay more for car insurance. Larger cities are more populated, which means more traffic on the road, thus increasing your odds of getting into an accident. Alternatively, if you live in a rural area but it’s an area prone to climate related incidents, such as floods, then your auto insurance rate could be impacted.
Age
Age is another factor that can influence the cost of your New Glasgow car insurance policy. Young drivers with less experience and senior drivers over the age of 60 could pay more for car insurance for a variety of reasons.
Make, model, and year of the vehicle
Did you know that the type of vehicle you drive could impact your New Glasgow car insurance rate? It’s true! The make, model, and year of your vehicle is another factor used by insurance companies to determine your auto insurance rate. Typically, new, expensive cars cost more to insure, as the cost of replacing or repairing them would be higher. (The one exception to this is if your vehicle is equipped with safety features or anti-theft devices.) On the other hand, drivers of old, used, or less expensive models may benefit from cheaper car insurance rates.
Car ownership duration
Insurers may consider how long you’ve owned your vehicle when calculating your premium. If you’ve been driving the same car for years without incident, the insurer will see this as a green flag and may lower your premium as a result. This is especially true if multiple people in your household have shared the same vehicle for years and have maintained clean driving records during this time. Conversely, if you frequently purchase new vehicles or every member of your household has their own car, you could end up paying more for car insurance.
Marital status
One final factor that can impact how much you pay for car insurance is your marital status. Statistics suggest that married couples are more responsible, so this factor could be considered when the insurance company calculates your premium.
How to save money on car insurance in New Glasgow
Car insurance can be expensive, but there are ways to pay less for it. Here at BrokerLink, we specialize in finding affordable car insurance policies for all budgets. Never pay more than you have to for New Glasgow auto insurance by following the money-saving tips below.
- Purchase car insurance for more than one vehicle (savings of up to 20%)
- Buy multiple insurance policies (home insurance, business insurance, etc.) from the same provider (savings of up to 15%)
- Install winter tires on your vehicle
- Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle (savings of up to 5%)
- Increase your deductible
- Enrol in driving school (for young drivers)
- Pay car insurance annually rather than monthly
Work with car insurance brokers in New Glasgow
If budget is your top concern, contact BrokerLink today. Working alongside a trusted and reputable broker from BrokerLink can help you find an affordable policy. Since 1991, BrokerLink has been helping New Glasgow residents find the best car insurance policies at the lowest price points. We will shop around on your behalf, obtain and compare quotes from Canada’s top insurance providers, all in an effort to find you the most competitive rate. We’ll also unlock discounts on your behalf and inform you about incentives and rebates you may not have known you were eligible for. Of course, our expert insurance advisors will also let you in on the industry’s best-kept secrets for saving money on car insurance. For quality New Glasgow car insurance that doesn’t break the bank, contact BrokerLink today.
Compare New Glasgow car insurance rates with a BrokerLink broker
Shopping for car insurance isn’t easy, but you don't have to go it alone. BrokerLink is here to make finding the perfect car insurance policy easier than ever before. With a reputable broker from BrokerLink by your side, we can help you browse coverage options and compare quotes so that you can find New Glasgow auto insurance that matches your lifestyle, driving habits, and budget. Save time and money by consulting with a BrokerLink insurance broker today. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of working with a BrokerLink insurance expert. Brokers work independently
Insurance brokers work independently of insurance companies, therefore, you can rest easy knowing that brokers always have the customer’s best interest at heart. Here at BrokerLink, we take a customer-first approach to car insurance. We focus on learning about the unique needs of each client, including their lifestyle and budget, so that we can find the best coverage for you and your family. Brokers do the work for you
A second benefit of hiring an insurance broker is that we take care of everything. The minute you contact BrokerLink, you’ll be assigned a dedicated insurance advisor who will take care of everything. So sit back, relax, and spend your time exactly how you want to be spending it, while we shop around on your behalf. Comparing quotes, unlocking discounts, and browsing coverage options are our specialties here at BrokerLink. Let us take care of finding you the right car insurance policy in no time.
Brokers are New Glasgow car insurance experts
BrokerLink’s insurance advisors know the ins and outs of the Nova Scotia car insurance industry. We have the resources and expertise to help New Glasgow residents find car insurance in no time. Contact us today to ask a broker about New Glasgow car insurance or request a free quote.
Get in touch for free car insurance quotes New Glasgow
Ready to begin your New Glasgow car insurance journey? You’ve come to the right place! BrokerLink is pleased to offer free quotes to all New Glasgow residents. Give us a call or request a free quote using our online tool and you can receive a competitive and accurate car insurance quote in minutes. So what are you waiting for? Contact your local BrokerLink broker for a free quote.
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