Medicine Hat may be known for sunshine, but hailstorms, strong winds and heavy rains can quickly catch local drivers off guard. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding in low-lying areas, and wind-driven debris can be a factor. Meanwhile, the Trans-Canada Highway passes through the middle of the city with both fast-moving cars and heavy truck traffic.
This page will give you information on insurance rates for drivers in Medicine Hat. It breaks down what is included in your quote and shows how tickets and accidents may increase your rates, as well as which types of vehicles are more expensive to insure. We also compare Medicine Hat insurance rates to other cities across Alberta.
What Drivers Pay for Car Insurance in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat is one of the more affordable Alberta auto insurance markets in our dataset. The median annual rate is $1,664, or about $139 a month, which is 14.8% less than the Alberta median. Your own rate could be higher or lower.
| Median annual premium | $1,664 |
| Median monthly premium | $139 |
| Medicine Hat premium vs. Alberta Median | 14.8% less expensive |
| Cheapest Postal Code | T1A ($1,664) |
| Most Expensive Postal Code | T1A ($1,664) |
Car Insurance Costs Around Medicine Hat
With a median premium $115 below that of the next-closest city on this list, Red Deer, and $514 less than Calgary’s, Medicine Hat has the lowest premiums of the five Alberta cities we’re comparing. If you’re moving between these markets, your address and expected annual usage will be recalculated rather than carrying over from your previous rate.
| City | Median annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|
| Medicine Hat, AB | $1,664 |
| Lethbridge, AB | $1,883 |
| Calgary, AB | $2,178 |
| Airdrie, AB | $1,853 |
| Red Deer, AB | $1,779 |
Inside Medicine Hat’s $1,664 Insurance Premium
Approximately half of premium costs go towards insurance that is mandatory for Alberta drivers, with much of the rest paying for comprehensive and collision insurance on the car. Comprehensive coverage can include eligible hail and storm damage, making it important for Medicine Hat drivers who leave their vehicles outside to understand their comprehensive insurance, particularly the deductible.
| Part of the policy | What is included | Median annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|---|
| Legally required coverage | Third-Party Liability; DCPD; Uninsured Automobile; Accident Benefits | $843 |
| Vehicle damage protection | Collision; Comprehensive | $805 |
| Optional endorsements included | SEF 44 – Family Protection | $16 |
| Coverage Total: | $1,664 |
Medicine Hat Auto Insurance Rates by Age Group
In Medicine Hat, the age bracket with the biggest age-based increase in car insurance premiums is 18–20. Its median cost is $2,893, which is $1,229, or 73.9%, higher than for drivers aged 35–44. The lowest median is $1,552 for drivers aged 55–64, illustrating that premiums tend to be lower with more years of insured driving.
| Age | Median annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|
| 18-20 | $2,893 |
| 21-24 | $2,023 |
| 25-34 | $1,734 |
| 35-44 | $1,664 |
| 45-54 | $1,602 |
| 55-64 | $1,552 |
| 65+ | $1,558 |
Car Insurance in Medicine Hat: Clean Record vs. Violations
Getting a ticket or having an accident will increase your car insurance significantly in Medicine Hat. In fact, just one minor speeding ticket will increase the median premium by approximately 12%. An accident that you are at fault for will bump up your premium by around 31%.
| Driving record | Median annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|
| Clean | $1,664 |
| Minor speeding ticket | $1,860 |
| One at-fault accident | $2,186 |
| Insurance cancellation (non-payment) | $1,900 |
| Licence suspension | $1,971 |
| Stunt driving conviction | $2,201 |
Read More: Alberta Demerit Points: Fines, Records, and Insurance
Trans-Canada Traffic and Rapid Weather Shifts in Medicine Hat
Make sure you understand the deductible for comprehensive claims. Check your tires. Be aware of warm-weather conditions such as hail or heat, just as you would watch for risks in cold weather. The Trans-Canada Highway also passes through Medicine Hat, so expect fast-moving traffic and lots of trucks.
Read More: How Medicine Hat Drivers Can Prepare for Fast-Changing Winter Weather
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Medicine Hat
How much does Medicine Hat car insurance cost?
This page shows $1,664 per year as the median for the clean driver profile we used in this analysis. Your own quote could be quite different depending on your car, address, driving record and desired coverage. Check that your quotes are for exactly the same policy terms before determining if you’re getting a competitive rate.
Is car insurance cheaper in Medicine Hat than in Calgary?
Vehicle insurance is cheaper in Medicine Hat than in Calgary. The median figures are $1,664 per year in Medicine Hat and $2,178 in Calgary.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in Medicine Hat?
It’s a good idea to shop around for car insurance rates, since different insurers calculate their rates in different ways. You might even qualify for discounts or bundle options depending on a variety of circumstances, including whether you’re also buying home insurance.
Can I use my Medicine Hat car insurance to drive in the United States?
Your Medicine Hat auto insurance should be valid in the United States. Let your insurance company know if you plan to drive there, because some insurers cover their clients in the US for only a limited number of days.
Are winter tires mandatory in Medicine Hat?
Although winter tires are not required for driving in Medicine Hat, they are suggested.
How can you get cheaper car insurance in Medicine Hat?
MyChoice lets you compare Medicine Hat car insurance rates, and our main car insurance page explains more ways to find cheap car insurance quotes.