How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in St. Albert?
You can get lower premiums and cheap car insurance in St. Albert by finding the best policy deals and lowering your risk profile. Here are several ways to get cheap St. Albert auto insurance:
Shop and Compare Policies
Different insurance providers offer different rates. By shopping between several companies, you can get the best St. Albert 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 St. Albert 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 St. Albert
- St. Albert car insurance is MORE expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual car insurance cost in St. Albert for a driver with a clean record is around $1,489.
- Drivers without a clean record in St. Albert can pay up to $3,282 annually, depending on factors like driving and claim history.
- Comparing St. Albert auto insurance quotes with MyChoice can save you up to $1,057 annually
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in St. Albert?
Insurance agents, brokers, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in St. Albert. 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 St. Albert 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 St. Albert?
Car insurance in St. Albert 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 St. Albert.
Auto insurance coverage in St. Albert 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 St. Albert.
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 St. Albert, you may need extra protection for various reasons. Here are some extra coverage options we recommend for drivers in St. Albert:
Additional TPL Coverage
The bare minimum $200,000 TPL coverage is relatively small, so some drivers in St. Albert 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 St. Albert, 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 St. Albert 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 St. Albert
Your St. Albert 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 St. Albert car insurance quotes:
Driver Demographics
Personal demographics are one of the main consideration factors for your St. Albert 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 St. Albert 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 St. Albert car insurance premiums, you should check a model’s CLEAR score before buying a car.
Coverage Chosen
More insurance coverage protects your car from more dangers, but it also increases your insurance premiums. You should skip non-essential coverage if you don’t want to spend too much on car insurance.
Most Expensive Postal Codes in St. Albert
The city of St. Albert has an average annual car insurance rate of $1,489, over $200/year more than the average car insurance rate in Alberta, which is around $1,211. This makes St. Albert one of the most expensive places in Alberta to get car insurance, with Edmonton being the most expensive city.
Since T8N is the only postal code in St. Albert, it’s by default the most expensive area for auto insurance in the city. Here’s a look at auto insurance prices in T8N:
Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
T8N | $1,489 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in St. Albert
Since St. Albert only has one postal code, there aren’t any areas where auto insurance rates are under the city average.
Car Insurance Cost in St. Albert by Age
The cost of your car insurance in St. Albert is affected by your age. Insurance companies assess your level of risk as you gain more experience driving and offer cheaper or more expensive rates at certain age brackets.
A young driver under the age of 25 can expect to pay a lot in insurance because the insurers consider them inexperienced drivers that are prone to accidents. Drivers older than 25 but younger than 55 tend to be given discounts as they’re considered more experienced drivers. After the age of 65, your annual insurance premiums start to go up again as your eyesight and reaction time worsens.
Here’s a table where you can check out the average annual insurance rates per age bracket and how much using MyChoice can save you:
Age group | Average cost | Annual savings with My Choice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $5,316 | $1,057 |
21-24 | $3,038 | $604 |
25-34 | $2,025 | $403 |
35-44 | $1,489 | $296 |
45-54 | $1,221 | $243 |
55-64 | $1,038 | $206 |
65+ | $1,183 | $235 |
Car Insurance Cost in St. Albert by Driving History
One of the factors that affect your auto insurance premiums the most is your driving history.
If insurance companies check your record and see a history of traffic violations or accidents, they may profile you as a high-risk driver. This means that you’ll be charged a higher insurance rate in St. Albert. On the other hand, a clean driving record will give insurers confidence, allowing you to get a cheaper rate.
Driving violations in St. Albert stay on your record for two years, but insurance companies can check your driving history as far as 10 years back. DUIs, parking lot accidents, and speeding tickets are some of the marks that insurers will search your record for.
Here’s a table showing how driving violations can increase your car insurance premiums in St. Albert:
Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,489 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,442 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,784 |
One accident | $3,282 |
Speeding ticket | $1,939 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in St. Albert
Many factors influence your St. Albert 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 St. Albert
Car insurance brokerages are businesses that help drivers find the best car insurance plan for them by comparing car insurance policies between insurance providers in St. Albert. You can ask insurance brokers questions to find out what kind of insurance you’ll need and how much it will cost.
Some of the top car insurance brokerages in St. Albert can provide the best car insurance plans for drivers. If you need assistance shopping for an affordable auto insurance policy, contact these brokerages:
Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
---|---|---|
AMA – Alberta Motor Association | 665 St Albert Trail #200 St. Albert, AB T8N 3L3, Canada | +17804188900 |
Grandin Agencies | 7 Perron St St. Albert, AB T8N 1E3, Canada | +17804588110 |
Drayden Insurance & Registries Ltd | 60 Green Grove Dr #100 St. Albert, AB T8N 5H6, Canada | +17804597700 |
Driving in St. Albert
St. Albert is a city with a small-town feel. While this city may be smaller than Calgary or Edmonton, it has all the amenities of a major urban center, such as exceptional community services, a thriving cultural scene, and well-planned neighbourhoods.
Here are some key facts about driving in St. Albert:
- Major highways: 2, 216, 633
- Public transit options: St. Albert Transit
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: The City of St. Albert, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: St. Albert Botanic Park, Musee Heritage Museum
- Busy intersections: St. Albert Trail and Giroux Road/Boudreau Road, St. Albert Trail and McKenney Avenue/Bellerose Drive, St. Albert Trail and Hebert Road/Gervais Road
- Airports: N/A
Main Mode of Commuting in St. Albert
92.1% of St. Albert’s commuters prefer travelling by car or other personal vehicle. The second-most popular commuting method is walking, which 3.4% of commuters prefer. Check the table below for more information on the modes of commuting used by St. Albert commuters:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 24,820 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 22,860 | 92.1% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 21,645 | 87.2% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 1,215 | 4.9% |
Public transit | 490 | 2.0% |
Walked | 840 | 3.4% |
Bicycle | 130 | 0.5% |
Other method | 495 | 2.0% |
Commuting Duration in St. Albert
St. Albert’s small-town feel extends to its commute times. Around 70% of its commuters spend less than 29 minutes on the road, which is reasonably fast for a city of St. Albert’s size. Moreover, only 2.7% of its commuters take over an hour to get to work. Here’s a quick look at the commuting times in St. Albert:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 24,820 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 7,765 | 31.3% |
15 to 29 minutes | 9,730 | 39.2% |
30 to 44 minutes | 5,505 | 22.2% |
45 to 59 minutes | 1,150 | 4.6% |
60 minutes and over | 665 | 2.7% |
Driving Conditions in St. Albert
Roads in St. Albert often get snowed over, making driving risky. Driving on snowy roads without snow tires can increase your insurance premiums. Consider getting all-perils insurance to insure yourself against most dangers in St. Albert.
Here are a few facts about the driving conditions in St. Albert:
- Average daily commute time: X
- Average annual rainfall: 338 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 539 mm
- Rainy days per year: 123 days
- Rainiest month in St. Albert: July
- Driest months in St. Albert: January, December
- Snow days per year: 73 days
- Snowfall months in St. Albert: September – June
Traffic in St. Albert
Many St. Albert residents work within the city, but many others commute to Edmonton to work. St. Albert Trail is the busiest thoroughfare in St. Albert, and a majority of traffic incidents happen at intersections throughout St. Albert Trail.
Here are some facts about the traffic conditions in St. Albert:
- Population: 63,232 people live within St. Albert’s city limits.
- City area: St. Albert’s city limits span 47.84 km2.
- Average commute distance: The average St. Albert resident travels x km every day to their school or workplace.
- Busiest highways: St. Albert’s busiest road is St. Albert Trail.
- Average number of collisions: St. Albert sees 343 collisions a year.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in St. Albert
Is ridesharing insurance available in St. Albert?
Yes, ridesharing insurance is available in St. Albert. However, not all insurance companies offer ridesharing insurance. Shop around for an auto insurance company that offers ridesharing insurance for your car.
How much does St. Albert car insurance cost?
St. Albert car insurance costs an average of $1,489 per year. This is higher than the average annual premiums in Alberta by more than $250.
Is car insurance cheaper in St. Albert than Calgary?
Yes, car insurance in St. Albert is cheaper than in Calgary. The average annual car insurance rate in St. Albert is $1,489, while in Calgary, it’s $2,052.
Which cars get the lowest car insurance premiums in St. Albert?
The cars that get the lowest insurance premiums in St. Albert generally are common makes and models, like Fiats, Subarus, and Hondas. Buying used cars also sometimes allows you to get a lower insurance rate depending on the condition of the car.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in St. Albert?
You should compare car insurance rates in St. Albert to get the best deal for the kind of coverage you need. You don’t want to overpay for insurance or pay for a plan that doesn’t cover what you need.
Use MyChoice to compare rates and coverage options from car insurance companies in St. Albert!
What is the grid rating system in St. Albert all about?
The grid rating system in St. Albert determines the maximum insurance rates that companies are allowed to charge drivers. St. Albert car insurance companies are required to compare a driver’s projected insurance rate against the grid rate and charge the lower amount.