Car insurance in Airdrie, Alberta
Airdrie is the fifth largest city in Alberta following Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer. It is considered part of the Calgary Region and a member of the Calgary Region Metropolitan Board.
In Alberta, basic automobile insurance (accident benefits and third-party liability) is required by law. Additional insurance coverage (such as collision and comprehensive) is not required by law. Airdrie car insurance is regulated by The Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB), which regulates automobile insurance rates in all of Alberta. The AIRB approves all rating programs for insurers selling basic and additional coverage to Albertans.
Because optional coverage is not mandated by law in Alberta, The AIRB has not set a price ceiling on Airdrie car insurance rates, unlike basic coverage for which there is a price cap.
Factors that determine your car insurance rates in Airdrie
Not all drivers or situations are equal. The following factors may weigh into determining how much you will pay for Airdrie car insurance:
How much driving experience you have: Generally speaking, the more experience you have as a driver the less of a risk factor you will be to insurance companies.
Your driving history: Airdrie insurance companies will want to see your driving record, if you’ve had infractions and if you’ve made claims. A clean record will be rewarded with lower premiums.
Your gender and age: Young drivers still have a lot to learn and will be considered a higher risk factor than older drivers. Male drivers are also more prone to a greater number of accidents. Your Airdrie car insurance company will reflect this in their premiums.
Where you drive and park: Different areas pose different risks. A highly congested area, or perhaps an area with a high crime rate will be a greater risk. Also, a well-lit safe parking area has less of a chance of break-in or theft.
How much you drive: Casual drivers who do little to no commuting have fewer chances for accidents than drivers who are constantly on the road in rush hour. Your Airdrie auto insurance provider will take note of the nature of your driving and how much of it you are doing.
Your vehicle: Not all cars are the same. Some higher-end cars are attractive to thieves or have high maintenance and replacement costs. This will be considered by your Airdrie auto insurance provider.
The amount of coverage you need: More is more. Opting for additional coverage gets you into auto insurance rates that are no longer capped and will affect your costs.
Car insurance rates for Airdrie seniors
With age comes wisdom – and better driving skills according to Airdrie car insurance providers. Drivers who are in the 50 to 65 age range are in the sweet spot for auto insurance premiums as they are considered the safest and most experienced.
Drivers older than 70 might see their rates climb up again as increased age could lead to risk of accidents. This could also lead to more claims from drivers in that age category making it expensive for Airdrie auto insurance providers.
If you are a senior who has seen your auto insurance premium increase with age, comparing rates with different companies may yield savings. Use LowestRates.ca's online quote tool above to get started.
Car insurance rates for Airdrie students
Students have it rough in the insurance game. Their age combined with their lack of driving record/experience leads Airdrie auto insurance providers to consider them a very high-risk category. This could lead to accidents and a greater number of claims.
This starts to change by your mid-20s when insurance companies begin to ease up on rates and, in fact, start to decrease over time.
There are some ways you can control your student car insurance costs. For example:
Use your parents' car and ask to be added as a secondary driver to their insurance policy.
Take a driver's education course. Airdrie auto insurance companies often provide discounts when drivers take steps to improve their skills and experience.
Maintain good grades. Some insurance providers offer good student discounts. Ask your provider what they require.
Car insurance for new immigrants in Airdrie
Newcomers to Alberta can get auto insurance right away with a valid driver’s licence. However, you will need an Alberta driver’s licence eventually. You’ll have a 90-window from the time you arrive, which also may require a new driver’s and knowledge test.
You can visit the Government of Alberta website to learn more about which country’s licences are accepted and/or have further requirements to obtain an Alberta licence.
Car insurance for high-risk drivers in Airdrie.
Even if you’re prone to infractions and have a relatively unsafe driving record, you will need Airdrie auto insurance. The problem is that you will likely pay more than your safer car brethren.
There are providers that will offer you coverage. LowestRates.ca partners with the best high-risk car insurance providers to ensure you can obtain the coverage you need at the lowest rate available.