Car Insurance Calgary
About Calgary & Car Insurance
Calgary, the Heart of the New West, is a beloved place to live for so many Canadians — and for good reason. There’s so much to do! It’s no wonder you’ve put down roots here.
Here are a few facts about car insurance in Calgary:
- Calgary has higher car insurance rates compared to smaller cities in Alberta. We can help you by shopping around for insurance quotes.
- Alberta has the second highest rate of car accidents, following British Columbia.
- Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, with just over 1.5 million people (2024) which may contribute to a slightly higher car premium.
Sharp Insurance wants to help Calgarians find the best car insurance for the best price. Get started with us and get a free, no-obligation quote today.
How to get the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes
There are several methods to purchase car insurance in Calgary; take the initial step by contacting us.
Stay on Track with Calgary Car Insurance 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 affordable car insurance quotes or simply valuable advice from our brokers, we’re here to walk you through your policy page by page.
Our car insurance in Calgary is comprehensive and built to fit your needs. If you need help selecting from the wide range of insurance coverages for your policy, or you need tips to get cheap car insurance premiums, reach out to us.
Why should I choose Sharp Insurance when getting car insurance in Calgary?
Ideally, you want to work with a brokerage that is ahead of the competition and introduces innovative technology. You want to ensure 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 auto insurance premium quotes for your vehicle 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 the magic for yourself. Contact us to learn how our online insurance platform makes your life easier.
Is car insurance required in Calgary?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Calgary — just as it is throughout the rest of the province. Mandatory car insurance protects both yourself and other drivers on the road. It’s illegal to use a motorized vehicle on public roadways without a basic level of insurance.
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.
Mandatory coverages for auto insurance in Calgary?
In Calgary, a driver must carry mandatory accident benefits and third-party liability coverage. We recommend that you 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, accident benefits 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 coverage ahead of time to cover these costs, which are both optional coverages.
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 get in touch with our team.
Get the Right Auto Insurance Coverage in Calgary
Set off in the right direction to satisfy all your car insurance needs.
Optional coverages for auto insurance in Calgary?
Several insurance options are not required by law but are essential for everyone:
Collision
If you’re to blame in an accident, you may be required to handle covering costs for car repairs or replacements. Collision insurance covers the expenses in these situations.
Comprehensive Coverage
Theft and auto damage are common in Calgary. Hail damage occurs every year and could break the bank. Get comprehensive coverage for these perils today!
Emergency Service Expense
Requesting towing services after an accident can be pricey. With Emergency Service Expenses, you don’t have to worry about paying for them. Ask your broker 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
Some drivers travel on the road without having good insurance coverage. If you or a family member gets injured in an accident and the other driver is at fault or uninsured — we will help you cover the costs.
Glass Damage
Glass damage can happen from a hailstorm, a break-in, a rock chip or any falling objects. This type of insurance helps you pay to repair or replace the broken glass.
Loss of Use
If you make a car insurance claim, you can get compensated for using public transit, taxis or a rental car while your automobile is being repaired or until the car claim is settled.
Rental Vehicles
Extends your car insurance coverage to rental cars in the U.S. and Canada.
Ride-Sharing
This endorsement is for drivers working for a ride-sharing company to ensure they are covered when 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 two discounts on their car insurance premiums. Discounts can include being claims-free, a loyal customer or a certain age. Having a clean driving record also helps you get a cheap car insurance premium.
How much is basic car insurance in Calgary?
The average cost of car insurance in Calgary is $2,583.93 per year or $215.33 per month. Cheaper than Edmonton! Here are some average car insurance prices for four popular models of cars:
Car Insurance Prices for 4 Cars:
$2,868.67 for 2018 Ford XLT Supercrew 4WD
$2,692.87 for 2014 Ford Escape SE 4DR 4WD
$2,953.16 for 2016 Toyota Corolla CE 4DR
$2,534.77 for 2015 Nissan Rogue S 4DR AWD
Is car insurance expensive in Calgary?
It depends on what you consider expensive. As a province, Alberta has the highest auto insurance rates — but that’s in part because we don’t use a public auto insurance system, like Quebec. British Columbia has the highest car insurance cost in the country. Sharp Insurance will work with you to ensure that your rates are befitting to your circumstances, without breaking the bank.
Who sets car insurance rates in Calgary?
Your auto insurance provider will calculate your insurance premium based on a variety of factors, including such things as your risk profile, your demographics, experience, age, insurance history, etc. Different companies will have different statistics.
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 MSRP 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 auto insurance rates in Calgary. The average cost for men is $2,686.14 per year
( $223.85/month), while women pay an average of$2,667.97 per year ( $222.33/month).
- Every insurance company in Calgary calculates car insurance rates differently, so it’s key to get different auto insurance quotes before you decide on your rates.
Explore more:
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% per ticket. Many insurance companies forgive the first infraction, but often tickets will stay on your record for three 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 insurance rates in Calgary. They can also result in you being denied optional coverage and having fewer choices when it comes to payment.
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
Not satisfied with your rates? Do you feel you’re paying too much? See below for some of Sharp Insurance’s tips on how to reduce your Calgary auto insurance rates:
- 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
- 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.
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 helpful to have your personal information within reach before you contact your insurer to get an auto insurance quote in Calgary. Some of this personal information includes:
- 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 supply information about the loan and lender.
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 six years?
- Have you have had any claims?
- Have you gotten any tickets in the last three years?
You also have the option to make decisions that influence your insurance coverage, such as selecting the type of protection, determining policy limits, and choosing the deductible.
Additionally, you can explore options for insuring more than one vehicle if needed.
Did you know?
- Generally, the longer you’ve been a licensed driver the lower your car insurance rates and you could be eligible for insurance discounts.
- Traffic convictions have a major impact on your car insurance rate in Calgary. Your first counted ticket can raise your rates by 25% or more!. It’s advisable to thoroughly review auto insurance policies to ensure you have a clear understanding of the terms.
Why do I need to provide so much information for a car insurance quote in Calgary?
Provide more information to the insurance company to get more accurate Calgary car insurance quotes. Insurance companies price based on risk — or how likely it is that you’ll have a claim or accident.
How do car insurance claims work in Calgary?
Whether you’re involved in an accident, or your car is damaged or stolen, you’ll need to do the following for a car insurance claim in Calgary:
- Make sure everyone is okay. Call 911 if there are any injuries, damage, or you’re blocking a roadway.
- Make sure you’re somewhere safe (the shoulder of the road or a parking lot).
- Get the following information about all other drivers and vehicles involved:
- License plate
- Make, model, and year of the vehicle (the VIN works, too)
- Insurance information like insurance company and policy number.
- Driver’s license number
- Name
- Phone number
- If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
- Document the damage, if possible.
Take pictures and video.
You should also write down:- What happened/how the damage occurred
- Time of day
- Date
- Weather conditions
- Anything else related to the damage.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- Contact your insurance company or broker (phone number is on your pink card).
Your insurance company or broker can gather the required information and help with the next steps of the process. For example, if you have a loss of use coverage, they’ll explain the steps of arranging a rental car or getting repayment for public transit works if your car is undrivable or needs to go in for repairs.
You’ll be assigned an adjuster whose job is to investigate and manage your claim. The adjuster will get in touch to discuss the accident and keep you updated. The adjuster also negotiates for a claim 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.
FAQs: Car Insurance In Calgary
If you get in an accident with a driver with no insurance in Calgary, you’ll get covered by family protection on your car insurance policy if you have either. You may also get covered if you have collision and comprehensive protection on your vehicle. Otherwise, you would go through Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims program.
Yes, Assigning who is at fault is crucial in car accidents in Calgary because it determines which driver’s insurance company pays for injuries or damage. Note that fault isn’t always assigned entirely to one driver.
No, your personal items are covered by your home insurance policy, not your car insurance policy, if stolen.
All vehicle owners need car insurance in Calgary. As a driver, you’re legally obliged to carry third-party liability and accident benefits coverage.
No, there’s an all-comers rule in Calgary that means you can’t be denied the legal minimum level of car insurance. However, an insurance company can determine your car insurance rate and choose to deny you optional coverage if you have traffic convictions or a history of not paying your premiums on time.
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.
Speeding tickets affect your insurance premium rates in Calgary. The rates increase if you get speeding tickets unless they’re photo radar tickets. The first ticket may get excused for good behaviour by some insurance companies.
Your car insurance protection is determined by the choices you make when establishing your policy. Mandatory third-party liability and accident benefits coverages are designed to assist in covering the costs of damages and medical bills for other drivers and passengers in case of an accident where you’re deemed at fault. Additionally, this mandatory coverage may also assist with legal expenses if legal action is taken against you following an accident.
No. On average, men pay$2,686.14 per year or $223.85 per month in Calgary, while women pay $2,667.97 per year or $222.33 per month for basic coverage.
Replacement cost is a loss settlement option where you’ll get reimbursed for the cost of your car or a very similar car. Actual cash value gets you reimbursed for the car price after depreciation. ACV is the price you’d get if you had sold your car right before the claim.
Certainly! Your Calgary car insurance extends coverage into the United States. However, it’s important to notify your insurance provider about your plans to drive south of the border. Some insurers may require advance notice of your U.S. travel or have restrictions on the number of days you’re covered while in the U.S.
Yes, your vehicle must be registered in Alberta to get car insurance in Calgary.