Car Insurance in Vermilion

What types of car insurance are required in Vermilion?

Car insurance is not optional in Vermilion. In other words, you must purchase coverage before driving. But what kind of coverage do you need? According to the Government of Alberta, all Vermilion drivers must carry the four following types of coverage: third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. We break down each of these coverage types below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability car insurance is a must no matter where you live in the province of Alberta. Liability insurance is a type of car insurance that protects drivers who are liable for accidents. This means that if you cause an accident, the third party liability portion of your policy will help cover the costs. Costs that liability insurance may pay for include legal fees, medical expenses, and vehicle repair bills. Vermilion drivers must take care to include at least $200,000 in third party liability insurance with their policies.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is another type of mandatory coverage in Vermilion, and it comes into play if you are involved in an accident that causes bodily harm. If someone is injured in the collision, accident benefits coverage can help pay for the cost of medical attention or costs related to the injury, like loss of income. Funeral bills may also be covered if someone passed away in the accident.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage can pay to have your car repaired if it was damaged in an accident that was not your fault. This coverage gets its name from the fact that the payout usually comes directly from your insurance provider.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is the final type of compulsory coverage in Alberta. It is for when drivers get into hit and run accidents or accidents with other motorists who are uninsured or underinsured. Uninsured automobile coverage gives drivers peace of mind knowing that if they find themselves in an accident with someone who doesn’t have the money to pay for the damages, they will still be covered.

What types of car insurance are optional in Vermilion?

The following types of auto insurance are optional for most Vermilion drivers. However, just because they are not mandatory doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Each offers a unique form of protection to Vermilion motorists, ranging from protection while parked comprehensive coverage to protection against your first at-fault accident, accident forgiveness coverage.

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage is a special type of coverage that will help pay for the cost of repairing a car following a major accident. If your vehicle is severely damaged after colliding with another car, animal, or object on the road, collision coverage is here.

Comprehensive coverage

By adding comprehensive car coverage to your Vermilion auto insurance plan, you can be protected against a whole host of risks. For example, if a tree branch fell on your car while it was parked on your driveway, or a fire broke out in your garage and damaged your car, comprehensive coverage would protect you. With comprehensive coverage, you are safeguarded against damage caused by specific perils. These perils will be clearly stated in your policy but may include water damage, wind, fire, theft, vandalism, and falling objects.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Vermilion 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 insurance agents determine Vermilion auto insurance premiums

Determining a customer’s auto insurance premium is no easy feat. An insurance agent will look at a variety of factors in order to get a better picture of your risk level as a motorist. They will ask about your age, driving record, annual mileage, and your claims history, among other factors. We provide a full list of factors that an Alberta insurance company is likely to consider when calculating your 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

Please note that it is insurance companies , not insurance brokers, that calculate rates. However, we can provide you with a free car insurance quote and help match you with a great policy. We can even help you save money on it! Use our free online quote tool to request a complimentary estimate on your Vermilion car insurance coverage today.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]

Save money on Vermilion auto insurance coverage with these tips

Finding cheap car insurance is easier than you might think - if you ask for help from a BrokerLink insurance advisor. Our insurance advisors are industry experts and can help all Vermilion customers cut insurance costs. Below is a list of broker-approved tips to help you get started:

• Pick a deductible that is as high as possible to reduce your premium
• Pay all your insurance bills on time, and if you think you might not be able to pay one on time, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible
• Ask for help from a licensed insurance broker at BrokerLink who knows the ins and outs of the local insurance industry
• Take driving lessons from a professional at an approved driver’s education school in Alberta
• Try carpooling or taking public transit to reduce how much time you spend on the road, which in turn will keep your average mileage down
• Track your driving habits and be rewarded for good ones by installing a telematics device in your car
• Drive with snow tires during the winter months
• Keep your driving record clear of infractions by following all local traffic laws in Alberta
• Make your vehicle harder to steal by outfitting it with an anti-theft device
• When buying a new car, choose one that can give you a discount on car insurance, like a hybrid or electric car or one with a high safety rating
• Ask an experienced insurance broker in your area for a list of auto insurance discounts that may be applicable to you
• Bundle your Vermilion property insurance policy with your car insurance policy or buy multiple auto insurance policies together

What to know about filing an auto insurance claim in Vermilion

Getting into an accident is stressful. Not only do you need to make sure that you and anyone else involved are safe, but you also need to go through the hassle of filing an insurance claim . Thankfully, BrokerLink is here to walk you through the process of submitting a claim with your auto insurance provider. This way, if and when the time comes, you will be prepared:

Let your insurance provider know about the accident

First and foremost, you must contact your insurance company to let them know that you’ve had an accident. From there, they can instruct you on how to proceed. They will let you know what kind of insurance claim to file, the timeline you can expect, and what information you need to provide in order to submit your claim.

Gather information about the accident

The next step involves gathering information about the accident. You should aim to provide your insurance company with as much evidence as possible to support your claim. For example, if you took photos or videos of the accident, include those in your claim submission. Alternatively, if you have police statements or eyewitness statements, include those too. You may also want to provide the contact and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the collision.

Complete all claims paperwork

Chances are, your insurance company has a form or multiple forms that all policyholders must fill out when filing a claim. Obtain these early and fill them out as quickly as possible. Nowadays, you might be able to complete the form electronically.

Cooperate with the insurance adjuster

The next step of the auto insurance claims process is when an insurance adjuster investigates your claim. To do this, they will review the evidence and paperwork you submitted. They may also interview other people involved in the accident. If they have any questions or require additional evidence, they may get in touch with you. Cooperate with them and always be respectful. The quicker you can provide them with the information they need, the faster the claims process will move.

Wait to hear from your insurance provider

The final phase of the claims process is waiting to hear from your insurance provider. As soon as the insurance adjuster has completed their independent investigation, they will make a recommendation to your insurance company. The insurance company will review it and someone will reach out when a verdict has been reached. If your claim has been approved, the insurance company will let you know how much of a payout you will receive, as well as when and how you can expect to receive it.

At the end of the day, filing a car insurance claim can be stressful, whether you live in Vermilion or Calgary. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need help filing an insurance claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to BrokerLink. One of our licensed insurance advisors can walk you through the process from start to finish, and even provide advice on what evidence to provide.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink upholds the following principles: integrity, excellence, generosity, and respect. We are a customer-driven insurance brokerage that prioritizes community above all else. That is why it is our mission to not only provide Vermilion customers with superior insurance services but also to give back to the communities we work in. Find out more about BrokerLink’s dedication to the community by giving us a call today.

Contact us

At Vermilion 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.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]

Auto insurance Vermilion FAQs

Can I add snow tires to my car to receive an auto insurance discount?

Outfitting your car with snow tires might allow you to qualify for a winter tire discount . Why do insurance companies offer this kind of discount? They recognize that when you equip your car with winter tires, it makes it safer to drive during the cold months. In turn, this reduces your odds of getting into an accident, which decreases the likelihood of you needing to file an insurance claim. As such, your insurer will reward you with a car insurance discount. Keep in mind that not all Alberta insurance companies offer winter tire discounts. If you are looking to receive one, you will need to do your research to determine which companies offer them and what the discount is. You will also need to read carefully through the terms and conditions to qualify, as some insurers have a list of criteria that must be met.

How do I renew car insurance in Vermilion, Alberta?

You can renew car insurance in Vermilion by contacting your insurance provider and asking them to renew your policy. By doing this, you can also find out answers to several other questions, like how much it will cost to renew your policy (i.e. what your new insurance premium will be), and whether or not the insurance company will allow you to renew. The reality is that some insurance companies may cancel your policy, preventing you from renewing. Though, in most cases, assuming you made your insurance payments on time, you will have the option to renew. Renewal time presents an ideal opportunity to update your policy as you see fit. If you decide that you want to change a deductible amount, coverage limit, or add or remove a type of coverage, this is the time to do it. Just keep in mind that any changes you make to your policy are likely to impact how much you pay for coverage. One final tip for renewing car insurance in Vermilion is to make sure that you do so before your existing policy expires. Expired car insurance renewal may be possible, but it can be more complicated and expensive.

Can I buy car insurance in Vermilion without a valid driver’s licence?

No. You must hold a valid driver’s licence in order to buy car insurance coverage in Vermilion, or anywhere else in Alberta. Otherwise, you will be refused coverage. So if you have yet to obtain an Alberta driver’s licence, you will need to sign up for a driver’s test and pass it to receive a licence. From there, you can reach out to a local insurance agent or insurance broker to purchase auto insurance coverage.

Does my Vermilion car insurance coverage cover my friend if they drive my car and get into an accident?

Your Vermilion car insurance plan would likely cover your friend if they drove your car and got into an accident because auto insurance covers the car, not the driver. This means that in most situations, your car insurance coverage will continue to offer protection, regardless of who is driving. There are a few exceptions to this, though. For instance, if your friend is an excluded person on your policy or if they were committing a crime at the time of the collision, then your coverage may be invalidated. This would leave you on the hook to pay for the cost of the damages out of pocket.

Can I drive without car insurance in Vermilion?

No. Driving uninsured is against the law. So if you choose to do so, you will be breaking the law. As such, you could face serious punishments. In Alberta, penalties for uninsured driving range from fines worth tens of thousands of dollars and the temporary suspension of your driver’s licence to jail time and the impoundment of your vehicle. Thus, it makes the most sense to purchase car insurance, as this way you won’t run the risk of receiving any of these penalties.

How much should I expect to pay for a car insurance policy in Vermilion, Alberta?

Alberta auto insurance plans average $150 to $450 per month. Therefore, drivers in the province should expect to pay around that much for coverage. That said, rates vary depending on where you live, your driving record, your driving experience, and much more. For this reason, the most accurate way of finding out how much you will pay for car insurance is by obtaining an estimate. Many insurance providers and brokers offer free quotes to Vermilion drivers.

Do I need to add third party liability insurance to my car insurance plan if I want to drive in Vermilion?

Yes. Third party liability insurance is non-negotiable. It is one of the mandatory coverage types laid out by the Government of Alberta. Driving without liability coverage is against the law, and if caught, you could face serious fines. In Alberta, uninsured driving can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines, the suspension of your driver’s licence, the impoundment of your car, as well as jail time if you are unable to pay your fines. This goes to show how important third party liability coverage is. In fact, Vermilion drivers are even required to carry a certain amount of it - $200,000. That said, many drivers opt for a higher coverage limit, like $500,000 or $1,000,000, due to the fact that $200,000 may not be enough to cover you if you get into a major car accident.

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