Car Insurance in Strathmore

What car insurance do I need in Strathmore?

As a Strathmore motorist, car insurance is a requirement. In other words, driving without it is illegal. So if you want to avoid breaking Alberta law, you must purchase a valid car insurance policy. To be valid in the province, it must contain the types of auto insurance listed below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is for when you cause a car accident. Whether it’s a major or minor accident, if you are found to be at fault for a collision, the costs can be high. Thankfully, liability insurance, of which you must have $200,000 as an Alberta driver, can protect you by covering legal fees, medical expenses, and property damage repair bills.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage can be claimed when you are involved in an accident and as a result, you or someone else must seek medical attention. Accident benefits are designed to cover medical fees that are not covered by basic health insurance such as physiotherapy, massage therapy and any prescription drugs prescribed for ailments due to the incident.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Meanwhile, direct compensation - property damage (DCPD) coverage can only be claimed if your vehicle was damaged in a collision and you were not at fault for said collision. If you are eligible for this type of compensation, it is usually sent directly to you by your insurance company.

Uninsured motorist coverage

The final type of car insurance coverage your policy must include if you want to legally drive in Alberta is uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage type is intended to protect drivers from the very possible reality of getting into a collision with one of the following types of motorists:

• An uninsured driver who does not have an auto insurance policy.
• An underinsured driver who does not have enough car insurance to cover the cost of the damages that resulted from the accident.
• An unidentified or anonymous driver who flees the scene of the accident, e.g. a hit and run.

Extra auto insurance protection offers peace of mind

Just because you are legally required to purchase certain types of auto insurance coverage in Alberta doesn’t mean that those are the only types you purchase. The truth is that most Alberta drivers buy coverage beyond the minimum requirements due to the added safety and peace of mind it offers. From collision coverage to accident forgiveness coverage, we lay out a few types of optional car insurance that you may wish to add to your Strathmore policy:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage safeguards drivers who damage their cars in accidents. Specifically, collision coverage can pay for the necessary repairs after colliding with another car, animal, or object while driving. This optional coverage type is especially important for valuable cars and offers more robust protection than direct compensation - property damage coverage. This coverage is typically mandatory in the event of a finance or leased vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage can be extremely important for many policyholders because it is one of the only types of car insurance that offers financial protection against risks beyond collisions. With this type of auto insurance, you will be covered if your car is damaged while parked. The only catch is that the damage must have been caused by a risk that is listed in your policy. The perils covered by comprehensive coverage are fire, water damage, windstorms, falling objects, vandalism, and theft. You can also purchase all perils coverage, which combines collision and comprehensive coverage, giving policyholders an unparalleled amount of protection. This coverage can also be obligatory in the event your vehicle is financed or leased.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Strathmore 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.

How Strathmore car insurance rates are calculated

Calculating insurance is no easy feat - even for insurance companies. However, as an insurance brokerage, we do our best to educate our customers, and that includes explaining how insurance premiums are calculated in the province of Alberta. While each insurance company uses its own unique formula and is likely to weigh each factor differently, the following is a list of details that will come into play when an insurance agent is determining your Strathmore auto insurance premium:

• 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

To learn more about how Strathmore car insurance rates are calculated or to request a free quote, contact the BrokerLink team today.

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Tips to save money on your Strathmore auto insurance policy

Looking to cut car insurance costs in Strathmore? Keep reading for a list of tips put together by our team of licensed and experienced insurance brokers:

• Do not purchase more coverage than you need.
• Pick the highest deductible amounts you can afford to pay in the event of a claim.
• Set a monthly reminder or set up autopay to ensure you pay your insurance bills on time.
• Do not buy the first policy you come across; shop around instead (a broker can help with this!).
• Take advantage of BrokerLink’s team of car insurance specialists by having them help you navigate the insurance-buying process.
• Complete a recognized driver’s education program in Alberta.
• Drive less and reduce your odds of getting into an accident.
• Ask your broker about different devices you can install in your car to save money on insurance, like an anti-theft device or telematics device.
• Trade in your summer or all-season tires for winter tires, making your car safer to drive and reducing the cost of car insurance.
• Ask your broker to research any and all auto insurance discounts you may be eligible for, which could include employment or school-based discounts.
• Maintain a high credit score to benefit from a lower premium.
• Keep your driving record clean (remember that at-fault accidents can stay on your record for up to six years).
• Select your new car wisely, choosing one with an eco-friendly engine, like a hybrid or electric car, or one that is safe and reliable.
• Purchase multiple auto insurance policies together or create a bundle by purchasing two or more different kinds of insurance, e.g. mixing and matching auto insurance with homeowner’s or commercial insurance.

Safe driving advice for Strathmore motorists

Safe driving tips are useful no matter your age and level of driving experience. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, keep reading for a list of expert-approved safe driving advice for Strathmore drivers:

Plan your trip ahead of time

Anytime you are hitting the road, even if you’re just running errands or visiting a friend, make sure to do some trip planning. By trip planning, we mean checking the weather forecast and quickly searching for any known road hazards. By doing this, you will become alerted to any adverse road conditions, like inclement weather in the form of snow or thunderstorms or potential problems like construction zones or accidents. From there, you can adjust your plans accordingly - perhaps opting to stay in and go out another day or arranging a detour to avoid certain areas. All in all, by doing some minimal trip planning, you will make driving in Strathmore safer.

Focus on the road 100% of the time

Distracted driving is a big no-no, so do everything you can to minimize distractions so that you can focus your attention where it should be: on the road. To reduce the risks that come with distracted driving, turn your phone off or put it somewhere that you can’t see it, set up your GPS or music before taking the car out of park, and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking while driving. Further, ensure any pets or small children travelling with you are safely seated in the back. If you become tired while driving, do not push through. Pull over and rest until you are alert enough to drive again.

Obey Alberta traffic laws

Obeying all provincial traffic laws is vital, as failing to obey them could put you in breach of the law, not to mention make driving far more dangerous. Plus, when you drive safely and responsibly, following all traffic laws, you are less likely to get into an accident or be pulled over for speeding, which translates to a clean driving record. What is the benefit of a clean driving record? A cheaper car insurance rate, among other things.

Drive at or below the posted speed limit at all times

Speeding can quickly lead to an accident. After all, there is a reason that all roads have posted speed limits - and these posted speed limits are not suggestions. Always take care not to exceed the speed limit to keep yourself and others safe. Experts even recommend driving below the speed limit in certain situations, like if you are driving near pedestrians, in inclement weather, at night, or through construction or emergency zones.

Always use your signal

Signals are the main way that drivers can indicate their intentions to other drivers. The more aware other motorists are of your actions, the less likely you are to get into an accident. So make sure that you use your signal whenever appropriate, e.g. when turning or merging.

Stay right

Staying in the right lane is a great safe driving pattern to adopt. After all, the left is meant only for passing, so do not get into the habit of driving in the left lane. Instead, use it sparingly and as soon as you have overtaken the vehicle you needed to, get back into one of the right lanes. Misuse of the left lane can make driving more dangerous, in addition to irritating other drivers which can increase the likelihood of road rage or accidents due to collisions with other drivers.

Increase visibility

It should go without saying, but the better visibility you have, the safer you will be as a driver. So make sure that your windows, especially the windshield, as well as your mirrors, are clean and clear of debris. Wipe them down of snow, ice, and salt every day in the winter and when driving in the summer or on a day with high glare, make sure to wear a good pair of sunglasses.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is an active member of the Strathmore community. Although we specialize in providing Alberta customers with high-quality insurance, that is not all we do. We give back to the communities we operate in, participating in charity events, fundraisers, and more. Learn more about BrokerLink’s dedication to corporate social responsibility by giving us a call today.

Contact us

At Strathmore 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 Strathmore FAQs

How does renewing car insurance work in Strathmore?

Renewing car insurance is simple. Just notify your insurance company that you want to renew. The ideal time to do this is before your existing policy has expired, otherwise, you risk a gap in coverage. That said, if your policy term has already ended, you can likely still renew your policy, but the expired car insurance renewal process may be a bit different. Your insurance premium may also go up due to the gap in auto insurance coverage that is now on your record.

How do car accidents affect auto insurance rates in Strathmore, Alberta?

Depending on the type of car accident, they may impact your insurance rates in Strathmore. For at-fault accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance premium is likely to go up. However, it may not go up right away. It is usually only raised when your policy next renews. If you were not at fault for the accident, then your insurance rates will probably not be affected due to the incident, however it does not mean that your rates will not rise at all.

What are some ways that I can find cheap insurance in Strathmore?

 

You might be able to make your Strathmore car insurance policy cheaper by bundling insurance policies. Alternative methods to save money on your insurance policies include: installing winter tires on your vehicle, selecting an annual payment schedule instead of a monthly one, choosing high deductible amounts for your car insurance policy, paying your insurance bills by the deadline,driving as safely as possible, and asking an insurance professional for more information on discounts that you may qualify for.

Can I purchase a Strathmore car insurance policy without a driver’s licence?

No. You must have a driver’s licence in order to purchase insurance anywhere in Alberta. You will need to show proof of your licence when buying insurance. If you are adding any other drivers to your auto insurance policy, you will also need to show copies of their driver’s licences as well.

What are the risks of driving with insurance in Strathmore?

Beyond the financial risks of driving without auto insurance in Canada, being caught and charged with uninsured driving in Alberta can have serious legal consequences. First, you could be fined tens of thousands of dollars. Second, your driver’s licence could be suspended, rendering you unable to drive, since you need a valid licence to drive in the province. Third, your car could be impounded. And fourth, you could face jail time in the event that you are unable to pay the fines levied by the date specified.

Where can I buy car insurance in Strathmore?

Strathmore car insurance can be purchased from an insurance broker or an insurance agent. Typically, auto insurance policies can be purchased by calling your local insurer, going to their website, or visiting their office in person.

What is the average cost of auto insurance per year in Strathmore?

You can expect your Alberta auto insurance policy to cost roughly $1,500 per year. However, this average is a provincial average and will not be the same for everyone. Even among Strathmore residents, car insurance rates will differ since location is just one of many factors that an insurance company takes into account. As mentioned above, an insurance agent uses tons of factors to calculate risk, like age, driving record, average mileage, the type of vehicle you drive, and more.

Does my car insurance policy need to have third party liability insurance in Strathmore and if so, how much?

Yes, your Strathmore car insurance policy must have third party liability insurance. Liability insurance is one of the four mandatory coverage types in Alberta. Thus, if you want to be able to drive legally in the province, your policy must contain third party liability coverage. More specifically, your policy must have $200,000 worth of liability insurance. That said, many Strathmore motorists buy more than $200,000.

Do car insurance companies in Strathmore look at credit scores?

Some do, but it is not guaranteed. Given how many factors insurance companies consider and how carefully they assess risk, it is possible that an insurance agent will ask for your credit score when calculating your rates. Why do credit scores matter, you may be wondering? While your credit score will never be the one and only factor that an insurance company considers, it can help them gain a better understanding of your financial responsibility. Your financial responsibility speaks to your risk, as if your credit score is low, this means that you might be at higher risk of not making your insurance payments on time, making you a riskier customer.

As such, if the insurance company agrees to offer you coverage, your premium may be higher as a result. Generally speaking, if your credit score is considered at all, higher credit scores will translate to better auto insurance rates than lower credit scores. At the end of the day, a credit score is one factor of many that an insurance company will take into account.

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