How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Edmonton?
You can get lower premiums and cheap car insurance in Edmonton by finding the best policy deals and lowering your risk profile. Here are several ways to get cheap Edmonton auto insurance:
Shop and Compare Policies
Different insurance providers offer different rates. By shopping between several companies, you can get the best Edmonton auto insurance rates.
Bundle Home and Auto Insurance
Insurance companies like it when you bundle home and auto insurance because you’re giving them more business in one go. Bundling home and auto policies from one insurer typically gets you better rates than individual policies from two companies.
Remove Unnecessary Optional Coverage
Taking all the available auto insurance coverage protects you from many things but raises your premiums. If you want to lower insurance rates, double-check your policy and remove any optional coverage you likely won’t use.
Pay Yearly Premiums
Insurers often give discounts to customers who pay their auto insurance premiums in bulk. The initial payment might look expensive, but it’ll save you money compared to monthly premiums. Some insurers also offer half-year premium payments if you can’t afford to pay full-year premiums.
Drive Safely
Driving violations and accidents stay on your insurance record for years and negatively influence your auto insurance rates. If you have a clean driving record, ensure it stays that way to get the best Edmonton car insurance rates.
Take Pay-As-You-Go Insurance
Consider pay-as-you-go insurance if you’re a safe driver who doesn’t travel much. This type of insurance determines your rates by analyzing your driving habits and car mileage. Pay-as-you-go insurance helps safe drivers save up to 30% on insurance premiums.
Get a Higher Deductible
You must pay deductibles when claiming insurance before the carrier covers the remaining expenses. A higher deductible means you pay more out of pocket in case of an accident, but it often comes with lower insurance premiums. Conversely, a lower deductible often means you pay less money in an accident but pay higher insurance rates.
Buy Safe Cars
Cars with high safety ratings often get lower insurance premiums because they’re less likely to experience serious damage in an accident. Check the car model’s safety rating before buying to ensure you won’t overpay for insurance.
Quick Facts About Auto Insurance in Edmonton
- Edmonton car insurance is MORE expensive than the Alberta average.
- The average annual car insurance cost in Edmonton for a driver with a clean record is around $1,954.
- Drivers without a clean record in Edmonton can pay up to $4,307 annually, depending on factors like driving and claim history.
- Comparing Edmonton auto insurance quotes with MyChoice can save you up to $1,387 annually.
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Edmonton?
Insurance agents, brokers, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Edmonton. What are the differences, and what does each offer? Here’s a closer look at the four insurance provider types:
Insurance Brokers
Insurance brokers are independent providers who can compare insurance providers and find you the best policy deals. Brokers are often very knowledgeable about the Edmonton auto insurance market, so they’re well-equipped to answer your questions about insurance.
Direct Writers
Direct writers are similar to agents in that they only sell products from one insurer. They are usually cheaper because they don’t have physical offices, but you can’t book a face-to-face meeting with them.
Insurance Agents
Insurance agents are employed under a certain insurer, so their policy selection may be limited compared to brokers. However, they know the company’s insurance policies like the back of their hand and can give you discounts not available to brokers. Insurance agents can also close sales independently, ensuring your policy sale finishes quickly.
Insurance Aggregators
Aggregator websites like MyChoice gather offers from multiple insurers in one place to help drivers find the best deals. These sites are entirely free for customers, so you can get quotes and find the right policy without spending anything.
How Does Car Insurance Work in Edmonton?
Car insurance in Edmonton works by providing an agreed-upon amount of money when you’re involved in an auto accident. Auto insurance in Canada is mandatory, which means you must have an insurance policy to avoid fines and suspensions.
On top of facing fines and suspensions, you could be flagged as a high-risk driver by insurers if you’re caught driving without insurance. High-risk drivers get higher auto insurance premiums, meaning it’ll be even harder for you to drive legally in Edmonton.
Auto insurance coverage in Edmonton is split into two types:
- Mandatory: You need mandatory coverage to drive legally.
- Optional: Optional coverage provides extra protection in specific situations.
Alberta provincial law requires all drivers to have three types of insurance coverage:
Third-Party Liability (TPL)
TPL insurance coverage provides benefits if you’re at fault for an accident that causes vehicular damage or results in somebody getting hurt or killed. Alberta provincial law requires you to have a minimum of $200,000 in TPL protection.
Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD)
DCPD insurance covers your vehicle’s damage if another insured driver is at fault. This coverage became mandatory in January 2022 and is automatically applied to all current auto insurance policyholders in Edmonton.
Accident Benefits
Accident benefits cover medical bills, income replacement, and potential funeral expenses if you, your passenger, or a pedestrian are hurt or killed in an accident.
While you only need the three mandatory coverage options to drive legally in Edmonton, you may need extra protection for various reasons. Here are some extra coverage options we recommend for Edmonton drivers:
Additional TPL Coverage
The bare minimum $200,000 TPL coverage is relatively small, so some Edmonton drivers opt for additional third-party liability protection worth up to $2 million.
Extra Accident Benefits
Accident benefits often have a claims cap – in 2022, the cap is $5488. If that number seems too small, ask your insurer about raising the accident benefit cap.
Collision Insurance
Many people don’t realize that the mandatory coverage doesn’t cover repair costs if you’re at fault. We recommend getting collision insurance because you never know when you might be at fault for an accident, and car repair costs can be expensive.
Comprehensive Insurance
Vehicle collisions aren’t the only potential danger to your car. Your car can also be damaged by bad weather, vandals, fire, or even animal collisions. Comprehensive insurance coverage protects you from just about any danger aside from vehicular collisions.
Limited Depreciation Waiver
Car theft is unfortunately very common in Edmonton, meaning you need insurance protection from it. With a limited waiver of depreciation, you can get a refund on your car’s purchase price if it was stolen or totalled in an accident.
Ridesharing Coverage
Regular auto insurance in Edmonton doesn’t provide coverage for ridesharing drivers because they have a higher risk profile than regular drivers. Some common risks for ridesharing drivers include driving long distances, entering dangerous areas, and increased chances of theft and accidents.
Fortunately, ridesharing coverage is designed specifically for this subset of drivers. If your car gets stolen or involved in an accident when working as a rideshare driver, this coverage will pay out.
How Your Car Insurance Quotes Are Calculated in Edmonton
Your Edmonton car insurance rates are calculated based on how risky the insurer thinks you are. Generally, you’ll pay higher premiums if the insurer believes you’re more likely to get into an accident.
Here are the key criteria for determining your Edmonton car insurance quotes:
Driver Demographics
Personal demographics are one of the main consideration factors for your Edmonton auto insurance premiums because they affect your risk profile greatly.
Younger drivers must pay higher premiums because insurers generally see them as accident-prone. Fortunately, insurance rates start declining at 25 years old because insurers see you as an experienced driver by then. Your rates rise again when you hit 65 because seniors tend to have worse eyesight and are more vulnerable to injuries or death in accidents.
Women often get lower insurance rates than men because insurers believe them to be more careful drivers. The same goes for married people, who insurers assume will take fewer risks because they have family waiting at home. Moreover, married people usually bundle home and auto insurance, further driving their premiums down.
Location
Driving History
People with a clean driving history get lower premiums because insurers see them as low-risk drivers who are unlikely to get in accidents. Conversely, people with several accidents to their name get higher premiums because history may repeat down the line.
Driving Frequency
The more you drive, the more likely you will get into an accident. This is why insurers ask about your driving habits when determining your Edmonton auto insurance premiums.
Vehicle Safety Record
Insurers use CLEAR (Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating) to measure a car model’s risk profile. Car models that are a frequent target of thieves and get into accidents often get a lower CLEAR score, marking them as high-risk vehicles.
If you want to save on Edmonton car insurance premiums, you should check a model’s CLEAR score before buying a car.
Coverage Chosen
Insurers use CLEAR (Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating) to measure a car model’s risk profile. Car models that are a frequent target of thieves and get into accidents often get a lower CLEAR score, marking them as high-risk vehicles.
If you want to save on Edmonton car insurance premiums, you should check a model’s CLEAR score before buying a car.
Most Expensive Postal Codes in Edmonton
Edmonton’s average auto insurance rate is $1,954, which is one of the highest average rates in the province. Depending on where you live in Edmonton, you might pay higher than the average rate. The postal codes with the most expensive rates are T5A, T5B, T5C, T5G, T5H, T5L, and T5W, with an average rate of $2,019.
Here’s a table with a detailed breakdown of the most expensive postal codes for car insurance in Edmonton:
Postal code | Included areas | Average rate |
---|---|---|
T5A | Belmont, Belvedere, Casselman, Homesteader, Kennedale Industrial, Kernohan, Northeast Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5B | Alberta Avenue, Bellevue, Cromdale, Eastwood, Industrial Heights, Montrose, North Central Edmonton, Northeast Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5C | Balwin, Belvedere, Delwood, Kildare, Kilkenny, Northeast Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5E | Calder, Evansdale, Glengarry, Griesbach, Killarney, Lauderdale, Northeast Edmonton, Northwest Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5G | Alberta Avenue, Edmonton Municipal Airport, North Central Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5H | Boyle Street, Central McDougall, McCauley, North Central Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5L | Baranow, Bonaventure Industrial, Calder, Dominion Industrial, Dovercourt, Hagmann Estate Industrial, Huff Bremner Estate Industrial, McArthur Industrial, Northwest Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5W | Abbottsfield, Beacon Heights, Beverly, Highlands, Industrial Heights, Montrose, Newton, Northeast Edmonton | $2,019 |
T5J | Downtown, Downtown Edmonton, North Central Edmonton | $1,976 |
T5K | Downtown, North Central Edmonton, Oliver | $1,976 |
T5X | Baranow, Baturyn, Beaumaris, Carlisle, Dunluce, Eaux Claires, Lorelei, Northwest Edmonton | $1,976 |
T5Y | Bannerman, Brintnell, Clareview Campus, Cy Becker, Fraser, Gorman Industrial West, Hairsine, Matt Berry, McConachie Area, Miller, Northeast Edmonton | $1,976 |
T5Z | Belle Rive, Eaux Claires, Klarvatten, Lago Lindo, Mayliewan, Northeast Edmonton | $1,976 |
T6V | Baranow, Cumberland, Hudson, Mistatim Industrial, Northwest Edmonton | $1,976 |
T5V | Carleton Square Industrial, Gagnon Estate Industrial, Garside Industrial, Hawin Park Estate Industrial, Kinokamau Plains Area, Mistatim Industrial, Mitchell Industrial, Northwest Edmonton | $1,966 |
T6B | Davies Industrial East, Eastgate Business Park, Girard Industrial, Kenilworth, Lambton Industrial, Morris Industrial, Northeast Edmonton, Pylypow Industrial, Roper Industrial, Southeast Edmonton | $1,966 |
T6C | Avonmore, Bonnie Doon, Cloverdale, Coronet Addition Industrial, Holyrood, Idylwylde, King Edward Park, South Central Edmonton, Southeast Edmonton | $1,966 |
T6P | Maple Ridge, Maple Ridge Industrial, Southeast Edmonton | $1,966 |
T6S | Clover Bar Area, Northeast Edmonton | $1,966 |
T6A | Capilano, Eastgate Business Park, Forest Heights, Fulton Place, Gold Bar, Northeast Edmonton | $1,966 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Edmonton
While Edmonton may have the highest average car insurance rate in Alberta, there are still a few postal codes where you can find a lower insurance rate. The postal codes T6J and T6T come in at $1,785, making them the best places in Edmonton to live if you want to get cheap car insurance.
Here’s a look at the postal codes where you can get the cheapest car insurance in Edmonton:
Postal code | Included areas | Average rate |
---|---|---|
T6J | Blue Quill, Calgary Trail South, Duggan, Ermineskin, Greenfield, Keheewin, Rideau Park, Skyrattler, Southwest Edmonton | $1,785 |
T6T | Larkspur, Laurel, Silver Berry, Southeast Edmonton | $1,785 |
T5M | Alberta Park Industrial, Garside Industrial, High Park Industrial, Huff Bremner Estate Industrial, Inglewood, Jasper Place, Northwest Edmonton, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T5N | Crestwood, Glenora, Grovenor, North Central Edmonton, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T5P | Britannia Youngstown, Canora, Glenwood, Jasper Place, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T5R | Elmwood, Jasper Park, Jasper Place, Laurier Heights, Meadowlark Park, Parkview, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T5S | Armstrong Industrial, Edmiston Industrial, McNamara Industrial, Morin Industrial, Northwest Edmonton, Place LaRue, Stone Industrial, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T5T | Belmead, Callingwood South, Glastonbury, Summerlea, Terra Losa, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6E | Coronet Industrial, Davies Industrial West, McIntyre Industrial, Papaschase Industrial, Queen Alexandra, Rosedale Industrial, South Central Edmonton, Southeast Edmonton, Strathcona Junction | $1,932 |
T6G | Garneau, McKernan, South Central Edmonton, University of Alberta | $1,932 |
T6H | Allendale, Brander Gardens, Calgary Trail North, Empire Park, Lendrum Place, Pleasantview, Southwest Edmonton, Strathcona Junction | $1,932 |
T6K | Ekota, Kameyosek, Lee Ridge, Menisa, Meyonohk, Michaels Park, Mill Woods Town Centre, Richfield, Satoo, Southeast Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6L | Bisset, Crawford Plains, Daly Grove, Greenview, Jackson Heights, Kiniski Gardens, Meyokumin, Mill Woods Town Centre, Minchau, Pollard Meadows, Sakaw, Southeast Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6M | Donsdale, Gariepy, Jamieson Place, Oleskiw, Rural West, The Hamptons, Wedgewood Heights, West Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6N | Edmonton Research and Development Park, Parsons Industrial, South Edmonton Common, Southeast Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6R | Bulyea Heights, Carter Crest, Falconer Heights, Haddow, Hodgson, Leger, MacTaggart, Magrath Heights, Rhatigan Ridge, Southwest Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6W | Ambleside, Blackmud Creek, Heritage Valley Area, Rutherford, Southwest Edmonton | $1,932 |
T6X | Ellerslie, Ellerslie Industrial, Southeast Edmonton | $1,932 |
Car Insurance Cost in Edmonton by Age
Your driver risk profile varies depending on how old you are. If you’re a new driver in your teens or early twenties, insurance companies will consider you a higher-risk driver than a driver in their thirties who’s been driving for a decade or so. That said, once you reach a certain age, your premiums start to go up again because your accident probability increases again.
Here’s a table of car insurance costs in Edmonton by age:
Age | Average annual insurance cost | Average savings with MyChoice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $6,976 | $1,387 |
21-24 | $3,986 | $793 |
25-34 | $2,657 | $529 |
35-44 | $1,954 | $389 |
45-54 | $1,602 | $319 |
55-64 | $1,362 | $271 |
65+ | $1,174 | $309 |
Car Insurance Cost in Edmonton by Driving History
A huge factor in determining your Edmonton car insurance premiums is your driving history. If you have speeding tickets, accident records, or other violations, insurance companies will jack up the prices of your premiums due to being a high-risk driver.
In Edmonton, the difference between a good driving record and a bad driving record can be massive. If you have a driving violation on your record, you may end up paying more than twice the annual premium compared to someone with a good driving record.
Here’s an example of how your Edmonton auto insurance premiums can be affected by a bad driving record:
Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,954 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $3,205 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $2,342 |
One accident | $4,307 |
Speeding ticket | $2,544 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Edmonton
Many factors influence your Edmonton car insurance rates. In addition to the ones we covered previously, here are other criteria that may increase or decrease your premiums:
Car Model Age
Older car models tend to land higher premiums because they don’t have the safety features of newer models, and their spare parts may be harder to find. Factor this larger insurance cost into your budget before buying a vintage car.
Service Centre or Dealership Availability
Cars that are hard to repair usually have higher insurance premiums. This includes import and luxury cars without a large dealership or service centre presence in Canada.
Vehicle Mileage
The more you drive, the higher the likelihood of you getting into an accident – this is why high-mileage cars get higher rates.
Local Crime Rates
Living in high-crime areas means your car is at a higher risk of being stolen or damaged. Insurers generally give residents of high-crime areas higher rates because they’re more likely to make theft or vandalism claims.
Loyalty Bonuses
Insurers love loyal customers and may even reward a long-term policyholder with discounts or other benefits. Ask your insurance agent about rate reductions or discounts if you’ve had your policy for years.
The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in Edmonton
Finding the best insurance plan in Edmonton is not easy. Thankfully, insurance brokers can do all that hard work for you. Edmonton’s insurance brokerages know the ins and outs of the insurance game and can help you get exactly the coverage you need.
Here are some of the best car insurance brokerages in Edmonton:
Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Neva Perrotte – Desjardins Insurance Agent | 3333 17 Ave SW Calgary, AB T3E 7C1, Canada | +14036852900 |
Sharp Insurance – Calgary | 1331 Macleod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2G 1E1, Canada | +14035902008 |
BrokerLink | 3508 32 Ave NE Suite 211 Calgary, AB T1Y 6J2, Canada | +14032762220 |
Lakeview Insurance Brokers Ltd. | 4707 1 St SW Calgary, AB T2G 0A1, Canada | +14032872521 |
Driving in Edmonton
As Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton houses more than 1 million people, making it the fifth-largest city in Canada. Commuting to and from the city proper is relatively common for Edmonton workers.
Here’s a summary of what it’s like to drive in Edmonton:
- Major highways in Edmonton: 216, 2, 16
- Public transit options: Edmonton Transit (bus and trains)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: Private parking lots and parkades
- Top tourist attractions: Royal Alberta Museum, Elk Island National Park, Beaver Hills, Fort Edmonton Park, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Muttart Conservatory, Art Gallery of Alberta
- Busy intersections: 107 Avenue and 142 Street, Yellowhead Trail and 149 Street, Yellowhead Trail and 97 Street, Yellowhead Trail and 127 Street, 34 Avenue and 91 Street, 34 Avenue and Gateway Boulevard
- Airports: Edmonton International Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Edmonton
An overwhelming majority of Edmonton’s commuters use cars and other personal vehicles to commute. Most of these commuters drive themselves, with drivers making up 78% of total Edmontonian commuters. Meanwhile, only 6.7% of them are passengers. Here’s a breakdown of how Edmontonians commute:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% sample data | 380,315 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 323,705 | 85.1% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 298,320 | 78.4% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 25,380 | 6.7% |
Public transit | 30,860 | 8.1% |
Walked | 13,430 | 3.5% |
Bicycle | 3,355 | 0.9% |
Other method | 8,970 | 2.4% |
Commuting Duration in Edmonton
Almost half of Edmonton’s commuters take 15 to 29 minutes to get to their workplace. In fact, two-thirds of Edmontonians spend less than half an hour on their commutes. Here’s a detailed look at the commuting times in Edmonton:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% sample data | 380,315 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 86,415 | 22.7% |
15 to 29 minutes | 174,830 | 46.0% |
30 to 44 minutes | 82,100 | 21.6% |
45 to 59 minutes | 19,050 | 5.0% |
60 minutes and over | 17,920 | 4.7% |
Driving Conditions in Edmonton
In a 2022 survey, Edmonton ranked in the worst three Canadian cities for road conditions. If you’re planning to drive in Edmonton in the winter months, we recommend investing in winter tires, as it can get very icy on Highway 216.
Here are some facts about the driving conditions in Edmonton:
- Average daily commute time: 51 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 3338 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 123.5 cm
- Rainy days per year: 108
- Rainiest month in Edmonton: July
- Driest month in Edmonton: October
- Snow days per year: 141
- Snowfall months in Edmonton: October to April
Traffic in Edmonton
Edmonton is a growing city center in Alberta, with a city population of over 1 million and a metropolitan population of over 1.4 million. With so many people driving in and around Edmonton, it’s surprising that traffic is on the lighter side.
Here’s a quick look at what driving in Edmonton is like:
- Population: Edmonton has 1,010,899 residents within its city limits.
- City area: Edmonton’s urban area spans 684.4 km2.
- Average commute distance: Most Edmontonians travel 6.8 km to their workplace or school.
- Time spent in traffic annually: Most Edmontonians spend 310 hours every year stuck in rush hour traffic.
- Busiest highways: Edmonton is surrounded by Highway 216, which serves as its main thoroughfare.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Edmonton
How much is car insurance in Edmonton?
Car insurance in Edmonton averages out to $1,954 a year. Your actual rate depends on a lot of factors like your age, driving history, and the kind of vehicle you’re driving.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Edmonton?
The cheapest car insurance in Edmonton can be found in the postal codes T6J and T6T, where the average insurance rate is $1,785 annually.
What do I need to insure my motor vehicle in Edmonton?
To insure your motor vehicle in Edmonton, you need to have the following things prepared:
Bill of sale and lease agreement for your motor vehicle
Driver’s licenses for the registered drivers that intend to drive the vehicle
Drivers’ training certificates, if any drivers in training intend to drive the vehicle
Dates of all drivers’ birth
If your vehicle is 12 years or older, a passing vehicle inspection report that was issued in the past 14 days
Can I get car insurance without registration in Edmonton, AB?
Yes, you can get car insurance without registration in Edmonton. In fact, you need proof of car insurance before you can apply to register a vehicle under your name.
Can I get monthly car insurance in Edmonton?
Yes, you can get monthly car insurance in Edmonton. You can even get temporary insurance for a variety of reasons.
Why does insurance cost more in Edmonton than it does in other Alberta cities?
Insurance costs more in Edmonton than in other Alberta cities because of its large driving population. Edmonton has also seen more insurance claims being filed than other Alberta cities, which drives insurance premiums up.
Is ridesharing insurance available in Edmonton?
Yes, ridesharing insurance is available in Edmonton for drivers who use a ridesharing app.
Does fault matter in a car accident in Edmonton?
Yes, fault matters in a car accident in Edmonton. Depending on whether or not you’re at fault, you can claim damages from your own collision coverage or from the Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) program implemented in Alberta in 2022.
Can I get month-to-month car insurance in Edmonton?
Yes, you can get month-to-month car insurance in Edmonton. If you only drive a few times a year, it can be worth it to look into temporary insurance. You can get temporary insurance coverage for as short as a few days to as long as six months.
Can I be denied auto insurance in Edmonton?
No, you can’t be denied the basic level of legally required auto insurance in Edmonton under the all-comers rule. However, if you fail to follow the rules set by your insurance company, you can be denied future coverage.
Does my Edmonton auto insurance work in the US?
Yes, your Edmonton auto insurance will work in the US. This is because Canada and the US share a lot of the same insurance laws and regulations.
Can I cancel my Edmonton car insurance within 14 days?
Yes, you can cancel your Edmonton car insurance within 14 days. After taking out an insurance plan for your vehicle, there is a 14-day cooling-off period when you reserve the right to change or cancel your policy without having to pay cancellation fees.
How are auto insurance rates in Edmonton determined?
Auto insurance rates in Edmonton are determined based on a large number of factors, like the zip code you live in, age, driving record, what kind of car you drive, and the insurance company you choose to use. You can save up to $996 on your yearly insurance premium by comparing insurance quotes through MyChoice.