How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Halifax?
The best way to get cheap car insurance in Halifax is to find the lowest-priced policies and reduce your risk profile, landing you more affordable premiums. Here’s how you can find the best insurance policy deals:
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Halifax?
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Halifax. Here’s an overview of these four insurance quote providers:
How Does Car Insurance Work in Halifax?
Car insurance in Halifax works like most other provinces, where the insurer will provide a certain amount of money in case of an auto accident. Auto insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Halifax, so you must have an insurance policy to drive legally.
Getting caught driving without insurance means the Registry of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driving privileges. To drive again, you need to get insured and pay all fines. The first offence fine is $1,250, but repeat offenders can be charged up to $5,850.
How Your Car Insurance Quotes Are Calculated in Halifax
Halifax insurers use several factors to calculate your car insurance rates. Here’s a look at what factors influence your Halifax auto insurance rates:
Most Expensive Postal Codes in Halifax
The average car insurance rate in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is $1,629. The B3S region comprising Bayer’s Lake and part of the Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness area has the most expensive premiums.
| Postal code | Average annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|
| B3S | $1,673 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Halifax
By comparison, the postal code with the lowest insurance rates in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the B3N region, which includes Chocolate Lake, a popular tourist attraction in the Fairmount district.
| Postal code | Average annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|
| B3N | $1,601 |
Car Insurance Cost in Halifax by Age
Younger drivers often have to pay higher insurance rates because they lack driving experience. However, student drivers can keep their premiums low by enrolling in driving classes, applying for student discounts, or listing themselves as secondary drivers on a parent’s insurance policy.
While rates typically decrease as drivers age, seniors pay higher rates because they are more likely to sustain severe injury or even death after an accident.
In Halifax, the median driving age is 36. Below is a closer look at how your age can directly impact insurance rates:
| Age | Average annual insurance cost | Average savings with MyChoice |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | $5,816 | $1,157 |
| 21-24 | $3,323 | $661 |
| 25-34 | $2,215 | $441 |
| 35-44 | $1,629 | $324 |
| 45-54 | $1,336 | $266 |
| 55-64 | $1,135 | $226 |
| 65+ | $1,294 | $257 |
Car Insurance Cost in Halifax by Driving History
While you can get insurance even with poor driving history, your rates will likely be higher. Insurance companies base rates on your driving habits. If you are a high-risk driver, insurers might anticipate that you are more likely to get into an accident. Thus, they charge higher rates.
In Halifax, a driving ticket stays on your record for two years, while at-fault accidents remain for six years. Once these recordings have been expunged, insurers can no longer penalize drivers.
Consider how the following driving violations can affect your insurance rates:
| Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,629 |
| Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,672 |
| Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,952 |
| One accident | $3,590 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,121 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Halifax
Insurers calculate your auto insurance rates based on many factors. Here are some additional things that could influence your Halifax car insurance rates:
The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in Halifax
Car insurance brokerages can take the stress off your shoulders by comparing insurance quotes and presenting you with the best ones.
If you’re unsure what type of coverage or broker you need, check MyChoice – we can provide tips and recommendations. Below are a few of the best brokerages in the Halifax area:
| Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Stanhope Simpson Insurance Ltd | 3845 Joseph Howe Dr #300 Halifax, NS B3L 4H9, Canada | +19024548641 |
| Eisenhauer Insurance Inc | 325 Washmill Lake Dr suite 6 Halifax, NS B3S 1M7, Canada | +19024545888 |
| Cluett Insurance | 3660 Commission St Halifax, NS B3K 0A5, Canada | +19024665328 |
Driving in Halifax
Halifax is a scenic city with relatively low insurance rates. However, it is home to many wild animals that wander the roads, so you’ll want to drive carefully and have the right coverage. In addition, Halifax is one of the most dangerous cities in Canada to drive in, so you should always be mindful of road rules.
When driving in Halifax, keep these other key facts in mind:
- Major highways: Highway 111
- Public transit options: Halifax Transit Bus Service
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft, Ola, Didi
- Parking space providers: City of Halifax, Impark
- Top tourist attractions: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Old Town Clock, Halifax Waterfront, Canadian Museum of Immigration, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax Public Gardens
- Busy intersections: South Park Street to Spring Garden Road, Lacewood Drive to Dunbrack Street, Joseph Howe Drive and Dutch Village Road
- Airports: Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Halifax
Out of 154,785 commuters in Halifax, 82.5% of them do so in cars, trucks, or vans. Personal vehicles are by far the most popular commuting method in Halifax. Meanwhile, public transit users and pedestrian commuters land second and third place at 8.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Here’s more detailed information about the commuting modes in Halifax:
| Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 154,785 | 100.0 |
| Car, truck or van | 126,110 | 81.5% |
| Car, truck or van – as a driver | 114,120 | 73.7% |
| Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 11,990 | 7.7% |
| Public transit | 12,540 | 8.1% |
| Walked | 11,250 | 7.3% |
| Bicycle | 1,145 | 0.7% |
| Other method | 3,735 | 2.4% |
Commuting Duration in Halifax
Just under half of Halifax commuters spend 15 to 29 minutes on their trip. For a city that’s a major tourist destination, this is a reasonable commute time. In fact, 30.4% of Halifax’s commuters spend less than 15 minutes getting to work. Check the table below for a closer look at the commuting duration in Halifax:
| Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 154,785 | 100.0 |
| Less than 15 minutes | 47,095 | 30.4% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 67,245 | 43.4% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 27,645 | 17.9% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 6,715 | 4.3% |
| 60 minutes and over | 6,080 | 3.9% |
Driving Conditions in Halifax
Halifax is a combination of urban, suburban, and rural areas with a significant wildlife population. It experiences short, warm summers and a moderately cold winter.
- Average daily commute time: 60 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 38.3 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 1,542 mm
- Rainy days per year: 38 days
- Rainiest month in Halifax: May
- Driest months in Halifax: February
- Snow days per year: 69 days
- Snowfall months in Halifax: December – March
Traffic in Halifax
Halifax is a major tourist destination in Nova Scotia, bringing hundreds of cars to the road each year. Here’s what you can expect on top of regular traffic jams in the area:
- Population: Roughly 417,000 people live in Halifax.
- City area: The Halifax city limits span 238.29 km2.
- Busiest highways: The busiest highway in Halifax is the Nova Scotia Highway 102.
- Average number of collisions: Halifax has a collision frequency of 7.9 per 100 automobiles.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Halifax
How much does Halifax car insurance cost?
The average cost of Halifax car insurance is $1,629 a year or $135.75 a month.
What’s the process for Halifax car insurance claims?
The process for Halifax car insurance claims involves calling your insurance provider as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the accident. Prepare details like your policy number and the details of the damage or injury.
If possible, provide photographic evidence of the scene. If the accident involves another party, ensure that you collect their information.
How does Halifax car rental insurance work?
Halifax car rental insurance works by adding SEF27 to your existing insurance. This type of insurance applies your existing insurance to a rental car and includes third-party liability and accident benefits.
However, you can only cover your rental car for damage if your policy includes collision insurance. If you don’t have car insurance, you can typically purchase collision insurance on a rental car with your credit card.
What are the best car insurance companies in Halifax?
The best car insurance companies in Halifax include TD, Aviva, and Intact. However, you can explore other options better suited to your vehicle through MyChoice. Insurance companies always change their prices, so we can help you compare quotes with up-to-date information.
How can I get high-risk car insurance in Halifax?
You can get high-risk car insurance in Halifax through the Facility Association, which can find a company willing to provide a policy. You may need to pay significantly more for high-risk car insurance if you have numerous tickets or convictions on your record.
Do I need winter tires in Halifax?
No, you don’t need winter tires in Halifax. However, many insurance companies recommend it during the winter months to prevent accidents on the road.
Is roadside assistance required in Halifax?
No, roadside assistance is not required in Halifax. However, it can provide peace of mind in case of an engine malfunction, drained battery, or punctured tire.
Why is car insurance cheaper in Halifax?
Car insurance is cheaper in Halifax because of provincial government reforms. Since the early 2000s, the Nova Scotia government has been significantly increasing the number of providers available to drivers in the region. Now, you can pick from over 65 companies with cheaper insurance premiums.
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Halifax?
Driving offences last between three and four years on your driving record in Halifax.
Is car insurance cheaper in Halifax than in St. John?
Car insurance is cheaper in Halifax than in St. John. By comparison, insurance in St. John costs $2,093, over $400 more expensive than the Halifax average.
Who has the cheapest auto insurance in Halifax?
You can find the cheapest auto insurance in Halifax by comparing quotes with MyChoice.
Which cars get the lowest car insurance premiums in Halifax?
Commonly driven cars like some Hondas and Mazdas get the lowest car insurance premiums in Halifax.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in Halifax?
You should compare car insurance rates in Halifax because it has a surplus of providers with varying rates. The best way to find a good rate is to plug your postal code into MyChoice.
What information do you need for an auto insurance quote in Halifax?
The information you need for an auto insurance quote in Halifax are your postal code, vehicle make and model, and other basic information. The more information you provide, the more accurate your insurance quote will be.