The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in Calgary
Gathering and comparing car insurance quotes by yourself can be challenging, so enlisting the help of an experienced broker can be the shortcut you need. Auto insurance brokers are equipped to compare deals from various insurers and provide recommendations for the best deals.
Below are a few of the best car insurance brokerages you’ll find in Calgary:
| Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Insurance | 1331 Macleod Trail Southeast Suite 300, Calgary | (403) 590-2008 |
| Westland Insurance | 1111 Olympic Way Southeast #300, Calgary | (403) 508-1111 |
| Leibel Insurance Group | 2186 11 Street Northeast #101, Calgary | (403) 910-1848 |
Most Expensive Postal Codes in Calgary
Compared to other cities in Alberta, Calgary has higher auto insurance rates, especially in T1Y (Northeast Calgary, Sunridge Temple, Pineridge), which has the highest rates. The three most expensive postal codes are listed below:
| Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| T1Y | $1,812 |
| T3Z | $1,825 |
| T2A, T2B | $1,760 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Calgary
Calgary’s least expensive postal code is T3Z (Northwest Calgary, Southeast Calgary, Southwest Calgary). The cheapest postal codes for auto insurance premiums include the following:
| Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| T3Z (Northwest Calgary, Southeast Calgary, Southwest Calgary) | $1,401 |
| T3S | $1,440 |
| T2C, T2E, T2G, T2H, T2J, T2K | $1,569 |
Car Insurance Cost in Calgary by Age
In Calgary, rates can rise and fall depending on how old or young you are. Car insurance is the most expensive for new drivers without prior experience. While these rates drop for drivers aged 50-65, they rise again after 65.
Here is a closer look at how Calgary insurance rates change according to age:
| Age | Average Annual Car Insurance Rate | Average savings with MyChoice |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | $5,397 | $1,074 |
| 21-24 | $3,084 | $614 |
| 25-34 | $2,056 | $409 |
| 35-44 | $1,512 | $301 |
| 45-54 | $1,239 | $247 |
| 55-64 | $1,053 | $210 |
| 65+ | $1,201 | $239 |
Car Insurance Cost in Calgary by Driving History
If you have several traffic convictions or have recently experienced an accident, securing lower rates can be challenging. Drivers who have previously had their licenses revoked might have an even harder time.
While some insurance companies offer decent coverage for high-risk drivers, it isn’t common. Consider how your driving habits can affect your premiums:
| Driving violation | Average Annual Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,512 |
| Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,479 |
| Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,814 |
| One accident | $3,326 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,965 |
Driving in Calgary
Calgary is a large urban center home to over 1 million drivers. If you’re new to driving in this area, here are a few key facts to keep in mind:
- Major highways in Calgary: Deerfoot Trail, Glenmore Trail, Crowchild Trail
- Public transit options: CTrain (light rail transit), Access Calgary (door-to-door transportation for handicapped individuals)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft, Didi, Ola
- Parking space providers: Advanced parking, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Calgary Tower, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary Stampede Monument
- Busy intersections: Macleod Trail on 25th Avenue, St. George’s Drive on 12th St NE, 16th Avenue NW to 14th Street NW
Airports: Calgary International Airport, Airdrie Aerodrome
Main Mode of Commuting in Calgary
Almost 380,000 Calgarians take personal vehicles to work every day, with 350,000 of them in the driver’s seat. Meanwhile, public transit is the second-most popular mode of commuting, with nearly 40,000 users. Here’s a detailed look at the main modes of commuting in Calgary:
| Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 454,170 | 100.0 |
| Car, truck or van | 378,085 | 83.2% |
| Car, truck or van – as a driver | 350,765 | 77.2% |
| Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 27,315 | 6.0% |
| Public transit | 39,905 | 8.8% |
| Walked | 19,195 | 4.2% |
| Bicycle | 3,955 | 0.9% |
| Other method | 13,035 | 2.9% |
Commuting Duration in Calgary
Nearly half of Calgarians spend 15 to 29 minutes on their commute. This is to be expected, considering Calgary is one of the most congested areas in the country. Here’s a closer look at commuting durations in Calgary:
| Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 454,170 | 100.0 |
| Less than 15 minutes | 97,610 | 21.5% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 213,150 | 46.9% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 99,695 | 22.0% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 20,845 | 4.6% |
| 60 minutes and over | 22,870 | 5.0% |
Driving Conditions in Calgary
Calgary driving conditions can influence your insurance premiums, especially if you spend more time on the road. Here are a few must-knows about driving in Calgary:
- Average daily commute time: 53 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 425 mm/16.7 in per year
- Average annual snowfall: 629 mm/24.76 in per year
- Rainy days per year: 94.1 days
- Rainiest month in Calgary: June
- Driest month in Calgary: January, February, November, December
- Snow days per year: 88 days
- Snowfall months in Calgary: October to May
Traffic in Calgary
Calgary roads are notoriously congested because of how many drivers are always on the road. In Canada, Calgary is among the top five most congested areas, following Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Here are a few facts that might give you an accurate picture of what driving in Calgary is like:
- Population: 1.33 million
- City area: 318.6 sq. mi
- Average commute distance: 1.8 km
- Time spent in traffic annually: 322 hours
- Busiest highways: Highway Trail, Macleod Trail SE, Alberta Highway 1, Highway 201, Crowchild Trail SW
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Calgary
How much is car insurance in Calgary?
On average, car insurance in Calgary typically costs $1,512 annually. Factors like driver demographics, postal code, car model, and mileage can affect your final premiums.
Is car insurance in Calgary cheaper for new vehicles?
Car insurance in Calgary is not necessarily more affordable for new vehicles. Unless your new car boasts impeccable safety features and an excellent CLEAR score, it may cost you more. On average, insurance premiums drop by 3.4% for every year your car ages.
Can I add another driver to my car insurance in Calgary?
You can add another driver to your car insurance policy, especially if they drive it regularly. However, having more than one primary driver can increase your rates, depending on your co-policyholder’s driving record.
Does car insurance in Calgary include collision coverage?
Mandatory car insurance in Calgary does not include collision coverage. However, you can apply for collision coverage optionally.
Who sets car insurance rates in Calgary?
The Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) is responsible for setting car insurance rates in Calgary and managing the grid rating system.
Is car insurance mandatory in Calgary?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory for all Calgary drivers with a license. If you drive a vehicle, you’ll need third-party liability (TPL) and accident benefits coverage.
What is the grid rating in Calgary?
The grid rating program in Calgary establishes the maximum rate an insurer can charge for basic coverage. Only 10% of drivers in Alberta pay grid rates.
Does Calgary auto insurance also work in the US?
Yes, your Calgary auto insurance will apply in the U.S. because of similar laws and regulations. However, depending on where you visit, you may have to pay additional travel insurance.