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Stay on Track with Car Insurance Calgary Options

If you have a solid car insurance policy in place, you’ll be able to navigate unexpected situations that occur on and off the road. Whether you’re looking for an affordable car insurance rate or simply valuable advice from our brokers, we’re here to walk you through your policy page-by-page.

Why should I pick Sharp Insurance for my Calgary car insurance?

You want to deal with a brokerage that is ahead of the competition and introduces new technology. You want to be secure that your most precious items are protected and your insurance policy is easy to understand. Here’s what  we can offer you if you join us:

 

We’re independent.

We work hard to partner with large insurance companies in Canada to offer you the best rates. But we work harder to be your trusted advisors through the storms and the good days.

We’re competitive.

We offer you varied insurance rates for your car because we’ve secured relationships with many large insurers in Canada.

We’re experts.

Our brokers are personable and educated. They’re here to answer your questions, aid with your car insurance claims, and ensure you have the policy that matches your needs.

We know our technology.

We ease the sometimes complicated nature of insurance. The MySharp app gives you easy-access to manage your insurance policy and all the fine print.

Seeing is believing. Contact us when you’re ready and we’ll show you how our online platform makes your life easier.

Is car insurance required in Calgary?

In Calgary, a driver must carry mandatory third-party liability and accident benefits coverage. We advise you to have $1 million or $2 million in protection (well above the minimum requirements) to ensure you’re not paying out-of-pocket after an accident. If you’re at-fault in an accident, this coverage will help cover medical expenses, damages, and legal costs if you’re sued.

If you can’t afford to replace your car or pay for major repairs, you must add collision and comprehensive insurance ahead of time to cover these costs, which are both optional coverages. Yes, you have to add these coverage options to your car insurance policy.

Depending on your budget and your needs, you should consider getting optional car insurance coverage. If you’re not clear on what you need, as every driver has a unique situation, please contact us asap.

Did you know?

Drivers in Calgary have a higher than average claim rate per person but a lower average number of traffic violations than Edmonton.

Get the Right Auto Insurance Coverage in Calgary

Set off  in the right direction to satisfy all your car insurance needs.

What are the optional coverages for auto insurance in Calgary?

There are several insurance options that are not required by law but necessary for some folks:

Collision

If you’re to blame in an accident, you may be responsible for covering costs for car repairs or replacements. Collision insurance helps protect your wallet in these situations.

 

Comprehensive

Theft and auto damage is common in Calgary. Hail damage occurs every year and could break the bank. Don’t wish you had added the right coverage – get it today!

Emergency Service Expense

When you really need emergency services, it comes through. Towing services after an accident can be pricey. Ask about how much you’ll be covered for with emergency coverage.

 

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Some insurance companies offer roadside assistance as part of your car insurance policy. Check your policy documents or call us to check the details for you.

Family Protection

Unfortunately, there are drivers who travel the roads without proper insurance coverage. If you or a family member is injured in an accident and the other driver is at-fault or uninsured – we help cover the costs.

 

Glass Damage

Glass damage can happen from a hail storm, a break-in, or a rock chip – among other situations. This type of insurance helps you pay to repair or replace your car’s glass.

 

Loss of Use

If you make a claim on your car insurance, you can get money for public transit, taxis, or a rental
car while it’s being repaired or until your car claim is settled.

Rental Vehicles

Extends your car insurance coverage to rental cars in the U.S. and Canada.

Ride-Sharing

If you plan to drive for a ride-sharing company, you need this type of endorsement to ensure you’re covered while you’re driving.

Every insurance company offers different optional protection to Calgary drivers. Talk to a Calgary auto insurance broker to figure out what coverage you need and how you can make it work with your budget.

Did you know?

Most Calgary drivers have at least 2 discounts on their car insurance policy. Discounts can include being claims-free, a loyal customer, or a certain age.

How much does car insurance cost in Calgary?

The average cost of car insurance in Calgary is $1420 per year or $118.33 per month. Cheaper than Edmonton!

Car Insurance Prices for 4 Cars:

$1760 for 2018 Ford XLT Supercrew 4WD

$1642.50 for 2014 Ford Escape SE 4DR 4WD

$2081.50 for 2016 Toyota Corolla CE 4DR

$2212.50 for 2015 Nissan Rogue S 4DR AWD

What affects the cost of auto insurance in Calgary?

There are many factors that affect the cost of car insurance in Calgary, including:

  • The make, model and year of your car
  • The MRSP or purchase price of your vehicle
  • Your driving record
  • Your insurance and claims history
  • Where you live
  • How you use your car
  • How often and how far you drive
  • Who else drives your car
  • Your demographics
  • Your insurance coverage and options

Did you know?

On average, women and men pay similar car insurance rates in Calgary. The average cost for men is $1410 per year ($117/month), while women pay an average of $1430 per year ($119/month).

Every insurance company calculates Calgary car insurance rates differently, so it’s key to get different auto insurance quotes before you decide on your rates.

How do tickets impact Calgary auto insurance?

Tickets, or traffic violations, are divided into two categories: minor and major, which can impact your auto insurance rates in Calgary. In some cases, you may also be denied optional coverage and have limited payment options.

A minor traffic violation can spike your Calgary car insurance rates by 25 percent per ticket. Many insurance companies forgive the first infraction, but often tickets will stay on your record for 3 years and impact your rates.

Minor Traffic Tickets

  • Speeding 1 – 49km/h over the speed limit
  • Following too close
  • Improper turn
  • Improper passing
  • Failure to share the roadway

A serious traffic violation can seriously raise your car insurance rates in Calgary. They can also result in you being denied optional coverage and having fewer choices when it comes to payment. These include:

Major Traffic Tickets

  • Speeding 50km/h or more over the speed limit
  • Careless driving
  • Stunting
  • Racing
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in Calgary

Here are our best tips on how to get the lowest car insurance rates in Calgary:

  • Shop around (or let a broker do the work for you)
  • Stay insured – gaps mean higher rates
  • Pay on time
  • Maintain a good credit score
  • Have a good credit score (or work at improving yours)
  • Get winter tires
  • Follow the rules of the road
  • Drive safely and defensively
  • Use public transit, walk, or bike to work
  • Don’t Submit a Claim unless you need to
  • Don’t make a claim unless you really can’t afford to fix the damage on your own
  • Take a driver training course
  • Install approved security devices
  • Be aware of insurance fraud and scams
  • Try usage-based insurance
  • Choose a higher deductible
  • Review your insurance at least once a year with an insurance broker

Did you know?

On average, station wagons are the cheapest vehicle type to insure in Calgary.

How to Get a Calgary Car Insurance Quote

There are a few ways to get a car insurance quote in Calgary:

Online
By email
By phone
Visit a brokerage

Usually, the easiest way to Get a Quote is by getting a quote online. Remember, the more information you give, the more accurate your quote will be.

What do you need to get an auto insurance quote in Calgary?

It’s handy to have your personal information at your fingertips before you contact your insurer to get an auto insurance quote in Calgary:

  • Name
  • Contact information
  • Address
  • Make, model and year of your vehicle (or VIN)
  • Purchase price of the car
  • Registration
  • Driver’s license number
  • Birthdate
  • Current insurance company, policy number and coverages

If your car is financed, you’ll also need to provide information about the loan and lender. You’ll need the above information for each car and
insured driver.

You’ll also likely be asked the following questions when getting a Calgary auto insurance quote:

  • Do you commute with your car? If so, how far?
  • Do you use your car for work (other than commuting)?
  • Are you a ride-sharing driver?
  • Was your vehicle bought new or used?
  • Is your car financed?
  • Does your vehicle have any existing damage?
  • Have you been in any accidents in the last 6 years?
  • Have you have had any claims?
  • Have you gotten any tickets in the last 3 years?

Finally, you’ll need to make some decisions about your insurance coverage. This includes what protection you want, your policy limits (the maximum amount that you’ll get if you have a claim), and your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket if you have a claim).

Did you know?

Generally, the longer you’ve been a licensed driver the lower your car insurance rates.

Why do I need to provide so much information for a car insurance quote in Calgary?

The more information you provide for an auto insurance quote, the more accurate your quote will be. Insurance companies price based on risk –
or how likely it is that you’ll have a claim or accident.

Did you know?

Traffic convictions have a major impact on your car insurance rate in Calgary. Your first counted ticket can raise your rates
25% or more!

How do car insurance claims work in Calgary?

Whether you’re involved in an accident or your auto is damaged or stolen, you’ll need to do the following for a car insurance claim in Calgary:

  1. Make sure everyone is okay. Call 911 if there are any injuries, damage, or you’re blocking a roadway.
  2. Make sure you’re somewhere safe (the shoulder of the road or a parking lot).
  3. Get the following information about all other drivers and vehicles involved:
    1. License plate
    2. Make, model, and year of the vehicle (the VIN works, too)
    3. Insurance information like insurance company and policy number.
    4. Driver’s license number
    5. Name
    6. Phone number
  4. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
  5. Document the damage, if possible.
    Take pictures and video.
    You should also write down:

    1. What happened/how the damage occurred
    2. Time of day
    3. Date
    4. Weather conditions
    5. Anything else related to the damage.
  6. Get a copy of the police report.
  7. Contact your insurance company or broker (phone number is on your pink card).

Your insurance company or broker will collect information and help you through the next steps. For example, if you have loss of use coverage, they’ll explain how arranging a rental car or getting repayment for public transit works if your car is undriveable or needs to go in for repairs.

You’ll be assigned an adjuster who investigates and manages the claim. The adjuster will contact you to discuss what happened and keep you updated. The adjuster also negotiates for a settlement, whether your car is being repaired or if it’s a write-off.

A claim is closed when the repairs are complete or payment has been settled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Calgary

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver in Calgary, you’ll be covered if you have Family Protection on your car insurance policy. You may also have coverage if you have collision and comprehensive protection on your vehicle.

Otherwise, you would go through Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program.

Yes, fault matters in car accidents in Calgary as fault determines which driver’s insurance company pays for injuries or damage. Fault isn’t always assigned 100% to one driver.

No, your personal items are covered by your home insurance policy or your tenant insurance, not your car insurance policy, if stolen. 

Everyone who owns a vehicle needs car insurance in Calgary. As a driver, you’re legally required to carry third-party liability and accidents benefits coverage.

In Calgary, the insurance industry follows the all-comers rule, meaning you can’t be denied the legal minimum level of car insurance. But an insurance company can select your car insurance rate and choose to deny you optional coverage, if you have a serious traffic conviction(s) or a history of non-payment.

The all-comers rule requires insurance companies operating in Alberta to insure any driver for the legally required minimum level of coverage.

The grid rating in Alberta is how insurance companies determine car insurance rates for Calgary drivers based on their driving record.

No, photo radar tickets don’t affect your car insurance rates in Calgary.

Yes, speeding tickets affect your car insurance rates in Calgary. Your insurance rates will go up if you get a speeding ticket (unless it’s a photo radar ticket). If it’s your first ticket, an insurance company may excuse the ticket for good behavior.

Your car insurance coverage depends on the insurance options you chose when you set up your policy. Mandatory third-party liability and accident benefits coverage will help cover damage and medical expenses of other drivers and passengers involved in an accident where you’re at-fault. Mandatory coverage can also cover legal expenses if you’re sued after an accident.

No. On average, men pay $1410 per year or $117.50 per month in Calgary, while women pay $1430 per year or $119.17 per month. 

Replacement cost is a loss settlement option where you’ll receive the replacement cost of your vehicle if it’s a write-off after a loss. The replacement cost becomes the price to get the same or very similar car.

Actual cash value is a loss settlement option where you’ll receive the market value or purchase price of your car, minus the depreciation, if it’s a write-off after an accident. ACV is the price you’d get if you had sold your auto as-is right before the claim.

Yes, your Calgary car insurance should cover you in the U.S. Make sure to inform your insurance company that you’re driving south of the border. Some insurers require you to tell them you’re in the U.S., or may have a limit on the number of days you can travel in the U.S. and be covered.

Yes, your vehicle must be registered in Alberta to get car insurance in Calgary.

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