Cheap Edmonton Car Insurance Quotes

Drivers in Edmonton cannot legally operate a vehicle without owning car insurance. Basic coverage (third-party liability and accident benefits) is required by law to ensure that you have adequate protection in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Yes, although Alberta’s auto insurance industry is privatized, it is still heavily regulated. The Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) and Superintendent of Insurance regulate insurance at the provincial level. AIRB have devised a Grid system, which establishes the maximum amount Alberta’s private insurance company can charge for basic coverage.

Private companies operating within Edmonton must apply to these regulators if they wish to increase their rates. AIRB publish approved rate changes every three months.

It is important to note that provincial regulations only extend to basic coverage. For optional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive, insurers are free to decide how much to charge. However, as Alberta has a private insurance system, Edmontonians are able to shop around different providers and compare prices.

Edmonton is the most expensive city in Alberta for car insurance, with a citywide average of $1,500 per year. This figure is based on minimum coverage for one driver. If you have multiple drivers in your household or opt for any additional coverage, you can expect to pay more. One recent study found that a family in Alberta with a new driver in the household will pay about $2,398 per year (Comparison of Auto Insurance Rates in BC and Alberta – MNP - January 2020).

Edmonton is one of the largest cities in Canada – it has a metro population of over 1.3 million. Bigger cities have higher insurance premiums than rural areas, due to a higher rate of collisions and auto theft.

On top of this, in 2019 the provincial government abolished a 5% cap on car insurance rate increases. Defending the decision, the IBC pointed out that Alberta’s insurers had been paying out $1.12 in claims, taxes and operating costs for every $1 of premium revenue over the last five years (resulting in over $2 billion in underwriting losses). Such losses are clearly unsustainable for a privatized industry, but the decision has left many Edmontonian’s facing rate increases of as much as 20%, year over year.

Insurers take a number of things into consideration when calculating your premium, including:

Where you live. Drivers who live in downtown Edmonton can expect to pay more than those who live on the rural outskirts.

Your insurance history. Staying accident and claims free is the best way to get cheaper insurance. According to internal data, 83.69% of Edmonton drivers have had no accidents in the past 10 years.

How much you drive. Less time spent driving means less chance of an accident. According to internal data, Edmontonians drive an average of 13,793 km each year.

Most Edmontonians have a $500 deductible, but you are willing to increase it to $1,000 you can save up to 10%.

Pay your premiums annually, in one lump sum, to avoid administrative fees associated with monthly payments.

Save up to 15 % when you buy your home insurance from the same company that covers your car. If you rent in Edmonton, you can bundle car insurance with tenant insurance for similar savings.

If you have more than one vehicle, save up to 20 % by insuring them on the same policy.

Each year, review your personal details and any optional coverages as listed on your policy. If you have moved jobs and commute less than before for example, a reduced annual mileage will lower your rate.

Ask your provider about any group discounts they offer. The most popular association discounts for Edmonton drivers are for University of Alberta Alumni Association, NAIT, NAIT Students, MacEwan University, AUPE and University of Alberta Students.

Winters in Edmonton are notoriously cold and freezing conditions inevitably lead to a spike in car accidents. Insurance companies will reward you with a discount of up to 5% if you have winter tires.

Young drivers (under the age of 25) are a high risk demographic for insurance companies, and pay the most for coverage. Insurers will offer better rates to young Edmontonians who complete an accredited driver’s training course.