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- How Airdrie auto insurance works
- How to get the cheapest Airdrie car insurance quotes
- Mandatory & optional car insurance coverage in Airdrie
- How much does car insurance in Airdrie cost?
- The cheapest car insurance in Airdrie
- Factors that influence your Airdrie auto insurance premium
- What can I do to get cheaper car insurance in Airdrie?
- Frequently asked questions about Airdrie auto insurance
How to get the cheapest Airdrie car insurance quotes
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| Cheapest Rate | $3,177 |
| Average Rate | $8,540 |
| Savings: $5,363 (63%) | |
| Cheapest Rate | $2,019 |
| Average Rate | $4,718 |
| Savings: $2,699 (57%) | |
| Cheapest Rate | $3,191 |
| Average Rate | $5,496 |
| Savings: $2,305 (42%) | |
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How Airdrie auto insurance works
Car insurance is mandatory in all Canadian provinces. It is a legal requirement for drivers in all provinces to have some type of auto insurance. Automobile insurance provides financial protection to all parties in case of damage or injury caused in an accident.
The province of Alberta has a private car insurance market, but its rates are regulated by the provincial government’s Grid rating program. This approach, which is unique in Canada, is designed to ensure that the minimum required coverage remains affordable. The regulator, the Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB), approves or denies rate increases requested by private insurance companies.
Situated in the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor to the north of Calgary, Airdrie is predominantly a contemporary commuter town. Daily, drivers frequently use the nearby highways, making it necessary to hop on and off them. Approximately 50,000 vehicles pass by Airdrie each day on the Queen Elizabeth II highway, making it imperative to own a car if you reside in this area.
Changes to Alberta auto insurance in 2024
Auto insurance rates for 'good' drivers are currently capped in Alberta. Insurance companies can't raise premiums by more than 3.7%, the rate of inflation, for drivers who haven't had:
- An at-fault accident in the past six years
- A Criminal Code traffic conviction in the last four years
- A major traffic conviction in the last three years
- More than one minor traffic conviction in the last three years.
The Grid rating program in Alberta
The Grid rating program is developed by AIRB, which dictates the maximum premium that insurers can charge for basic coverage like third-party liability, accident benefits, and direct compensation property damage. Insurance companies are allowed to set their own rates for optional coverage beyond the basic coverage without any intervention from the regulatory board.
Various factors determine a driver's position on the Grid, including the number of years of their license, their driving record, including at-fault claims or speeding tickets, and if they have completed an approved driver training program. Drivers move up or down the Grid based on their driving record, with lower Grid levels resulting in cheaper insurance rates. However, less experienced drivers usually face the highest premiums, although their basic rates are often capped by the Grid. If a driver makes an at-fault claim, they move up the Grid by five steps, which can increase their insurance premium by several hundred to thousands of dollars.
If an Alberta driver is convicted or found at-fault for an accident, they may also face additional surcharges on top of their premium. A safe and experienced driver can expect to pay less than the Grid rates, with approximately 94.5% of Alberta drivers paying less than the maximum set out by the Grid program.
In determining the car insurance premium for a driver seeking basic coverage, an Alberta insurance provider must offer a premium based on the Grid if it is cheaper than the premium they would have quoted otherwise.
Mandatory & optional car insurance coverage in Airdrie
| Insurance type | Mandatory coverage | Optional coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Accident benefits | Sometimes called no-fault benefits or Section B benefits, this covers costs associated with income replacement up to 80% of weekly earnings (max. $400 per week) for up to two years; medical treatment up to $50,000 per person per accident; funeral expenses of up to $5,000 per person; death benefits of $10,000 for head of household plus $2,000 to each dependent, $15,000 for first survivor and $4,000 for each additional survivor; $10,000 for the death of the spouse of the head of the household. | |
| Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) | This coverage, introduced in Alberta at the beginning of 2022, means that the driver’s own insurance company compensates the driver for damages following a collision for which the driver is not at fault. Alberta’s previous system, which was tort-based, required that drivers who were not at-fault to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. This approach tends to be time-consuming and costly. | |
| Third-party Liability | Also known as third-party liability, this covers costs associated with lawsuits pertaining to injury, deaths, or damage to property of a third party in which you are responsible. The mandatory minimum policy limit is $200,000. According to AIRB, over 98% of Alberta’s drivers opt for additional liability coverage. | The most common coverage limits are $500,000, $1 million and $2 million. |
| Collision coverage | Optional | Covers car replacement or repair costs if your car is damaged in a collision and the policyholder is at fault. |
| Specified perils | Optional | Covers damage from perils specifically named in the Alberta auto insurance policy, such as attempted theft, damage in transport, earthquake, explosions, fire, lightning, riots or windstorm. |
| All-perils | Optional | Covers many perils, broadly, has similarities to collision and comprehensive coverage. |
| Accident Rating Waiver (SEF 39) | Optional | Prevents an Alberta car insurance premium from going up following a collision in which the policyholder is at fault. |
| Family Protection (SEF 44) | Optional | Protects drivers in a collision with an underinsured or uninsured driver. Will cover the difference if costs exceed the other driver’s insurance benefit. |
| Legal Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles (SEF 27) | Optional | Extends physical damage coverage to include rental cars. Drivers with this endorsement on their policies don’t need to purchase additional coverage when they rent a car. |
| Limited Glass (SEF 13D) | Optional | Reduces the amount of coverage for glass damage in exchange for a lower premium. |
| Limited Waiver of Depreciation (SEF 43R) | Optional | Waives depreciation on the repair or replacement of a new vehicle following damage from a covered peril. Is usually applicable to vehicles that are less than two years old. |
| Loss of Use (SEF 20) | Optional | Compensation for transportation costs up to a limit when a vehicle is damaged due to a covered peril. |
| Towing and Emergency Services (SEF 35) | Optional | Coverage for towing and other emergency service costs when a vehicle is disabled, and the driver doesn’t have roadside assistance. |
How much does car insurance in Airdrie cost?
Airdrie holds the third-highest rank, following Calgary and Edmonton, in terms of the average auto insurance premium paid by drivers in Alberta. According to the Alberta Insuramap, a driver paid $2,000 for auto insurance annually on an average in Airdrie, compared with Calgary drivers who paid $2,230 and Edmonton drivers paid $2,124 annually.
The cheapest car insurance in Airdrie
As per the Alberta Insuramap, Airdrie drivers pay the third highest average auto insurance premium in Alberta after Calgary and Edmonton. Among the cheapest car insurance premium payers in Alberta are drivers in the Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Sylvan Lake areas. Following is the average auto insurance premium in 2021 paid by Alberta drivers from the highest to lowest ranging cities.
| Rank | City | 2021 Auto Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calgary | $2,230 |
| 2 | Edmonton | $2,124 |
| 3 | Airdrie and Chestermere | $2,000 |
| 4 | Blackfalds | $1,969 |
| 5 | St. Albert | $1,940 |
| 6 | Alcomdale, Olds, Hinton, Aldersyde, Taber, Alliance, Abee, Athabasca, Lloydminster, Banff, Alder Flats, Rocky Mountain House, Barrhead, Alberta Beach, Whitecourt, Aden, Edson, Bonnyville, High River, Brooks, Innisfail, Acme, Okotoks, Camrose, Ponoka, Canmore, Rocky View County, Vegreville, Strathmore, Vermilion, Acadia Valley, Westlock, Cold Lake, Wainwright, Coaldale, Wetaskiwin, Cochrane, Drayton Valley | $1,849 |
| 7 | Sherwood Park | $1,832 |
| 8 | Fort McMurray, Bay Tree, Peace River, Fitzgerald, Grande Prairie | $1,806 |
| 9 | Lethbridge | $1,780 |
| 10 | Lacombe | $1,767 |
| 11 | Red Deer County | $1,746 |
| 12 | Ardrossan, Parkland County, Stony Plain, Beaumont, Morinville, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan, Sturgeon County, Devon, Leduc | $1,724 |
| 13 | Medicine Hat | $1,722 |
| 14 | Red Deer and Sylvan Lake | $1,712 |
While there are various factors that can influence your car insurance premium, the most significant ones include your address, your vehicle, your driving and insurance history, your driving habits, and your age.
Neighbourhood
If you live in an area with low crime rates and a small number of accidents, insurance companies are more likely to offer you a lower premium. However, in Calgary, auto crimes are not limited to specific areas, and the trend of vehicle thefts changes with the seasons.
Type of vehicle
If you drive a regular car, your premium is likely to be lower compared to driving a luxury car or high-end SUV, as replacement parts are less expensive and easier to acquire. Insurance providers consider someone who drives an average sedan instead of a modified muscle car as a less risky insurance candidate.
Driving history
If you have an extended driving history with no claims, speeding tickets, or other infractions, insurers will be eager to have you as a customer, as you represent a perfect, low-risk candidate deserving of the lowest rates. In Calgary, 85.60% of drivers have not been in an accident for the last 10 years.
Driving habits
Your annual mileage driven can also impact your auto premium. People who spend more time on the road have a higher chance of being in an accident and consequently need to pay more for insurance.
Age
Finally, drivers under 25 or with less than eight years of driving experience typically pay more for insurance in Calgary, as this group is more likely to be involved in a motor accident. Insurance companies offset the risk by charging a higher premium, although keeping a clean record will lead to lower rates as you gain more experience.
What can I do to get cheaper car insurance in Airdrie?
To avoid paying more than necessary for your auto insurance, you can take several steps to obtain the best price. The following suggestions can assist you in achieving this goal:
- Rate comparison: Compare rates from multiple companies before purchasing a policy to ensure you are getting the best deal, as Calgary’s private auto insurance industry means there is significant competition for your business.
- Increase deductible: Consider increasing your deductible to up to $1,000 to save up to 10% on your premium, provided you are willing to take on more risk.
- Lump sum payment: Pay your premiums annually in one lump sum to avoid administrative fees that may be charged for monthly payments.
- Bundle: Save up to 15% by bundling your home insurance with your car insurance if you buy both policies from the same company.
- Combine insurance: Save up to 20% by insuring multiple vehicles owned by your household on the same policy.
- Review policy annually: Review your policy annually and slim down your coverage for a lower premium if your circumstances have changed and certain optional coverages are no longer needed.
- Alma mater discount: Ask about discounts available to members of some local organizations, such as SAIT, APEGA, University of Calgary Students, and University of Calgary Alumni.
- Winter tire discount: Inform your insurer if you have winter tires, as most providers offer a 5% discount for this safety measure. Collisions tend to increase in Calgary during bad weather, and having winter tires can reduce your risk.
- Driver’s training: Encourage young drivers to take an approved driver's training course, which can demonstrate responsibility and result in insurance savings that typically outweigh the cost of the course within one year.
Real Airdrie drivers, real Airdrie auto insurance savings
Here are some recent examples of savings found by real Airdrie drivers from across the province using InsuranceHotline.com.
Savings: $164
Driver: Female, 20
From: Airdrie, Alberta
Driving: 2021 Toyota Corolla 4Dr. Hatchback
Best premium: $2,226
Second best: $2,390
Savings: $247
Driver: Male, 18
From: Airdrie, Alberta
Driving: 2022 Subaru WRX Sport Tech 4Dr. AWD
Best premium $3,718
Second best premium: $3,965
Savings: $171
Driver: Male, 42
From: Airdrie, Alberta
Driving: 2022 Tesla Model 3 long range 75D 4Dr. AWD
Best premium: $799
Second best premium: $970
Savings: $3
Driver: Female, 55
Driving: 2013 Ford Escape
Best premium: $623
Second best premium: $626
Savings: $25
Driver: Male, 30
Driving: 2022 Nissan Kicks S 4DR 2WD
Best premium: $776
Second best premium: $801
Airdrie car insurance rates are on the rise, and it's important to shop around as quotes for the same level of coverage can vary significantly. By not comparing rates, you may be paying more than you need to.
At InsuranceHotline.com, we help Airdrie drivers compare rates from over 50 of Canada's top insurance providers. Our free service shows you your options side by side, making it simple to find the best price and coverage that suits your needs.
Don't pay more than necessary for your car insurance in Airdrie. Use InsuranceHotline.com to compare rates and find savings.
Frequently asked questions about Airdrie car insurance
Here's everything you need to know about auto insurance in Airdrie
Why do I need car insurance in Airdrie?
Car insurance is mandatory in Alberta, including in Airdrie. The province requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of third-party liability insurance coverage. This coverage provides protection for damages or injuries that you may cause to others in an accident. It is important to have car insurance not only because it is legally required, but also because it can provide financial protection in the event of an accident or theft of your vehicle. Car insurance can cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as medical expenses or legal fees that may arise from an accident. Additionally, having car insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected in the event of an unexpected event on the road.
Why does Airdrie car insurance cost so much/so cheap?
There can be several factors that contribute to the cost of car insurance in Airdrie. One of the main factors is the location itself. Airdrie is located near Calgary, which is a large city with a higher rate of accidents and thefts compared to smaller towns or rural areas. As a result, car insurance rates in Airdrie may be higher due to the increased risk of accidents and theft.
Another factor that can impact the cost of car insurance in Airdrie is the age and driving record of the driver. Younger drivers or those with a history of accidents or traffic violations may be seen as higher risk, which can lead to higher insurance rates.
In addition to these factors, the insurance company you choose can also affect the cost of your car insurance in Airdrie. Different insurance companies have different rating systems and pricing models, so it's important to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers to find the best coverage at the best price.
