High Risk Car Insurance Brokers Serving Calgary Drivers
In Calgary, high-risk drivers are defined as individuals who have three or more at-fault accidents in the past six years, five or more traffic convictions in the last three years or a criminal conviction such as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). When you’re categorized as a high-risk driver, you may find it difficult to find insurance coverage. We’re here to help you find insurance that gets you back on the road safely.
If you’ve been labelled a high-risk driver, you may have lost hope that you’ll get a decent insurance rate. Sharp Insurance works to get you an affordable premium that suits your needs. Start by getting a free quote today.
Sharp Insurance serves Calgarians with innovative tools and creative insurance solutions and is one of the fastest growing independent brokerages in Canada.
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Improve Your Record
Calgary insurance rates are heavily dependent on an individual’s driving record and experience. If you have had several accidents, it may take up to six years to clear your history depending on when the accidents occurred. While convictions stay on your driving record for three years, you’ll be able to benefit from better insurance rates after that period.
Below are 5 ways to improve your driving record:
- Always adhere to posted speed limits. It can feel tempting to speed if you’re in a hurry, but it’s better to leave in advance than to risk a speeding ticket.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you’re planning to indulge, arrange alternative transport ahead of time. Having a DUI on your record can double, triple or land you with premiums up to five times higher than the rates you’re paying now.
- Don’t follow drivers too closely. Always maintain a three second distance.
- Pay attention to the road signs and signals.
- Take a defensive driving course if you feel that you need a refresher. An approved driver’s education course may also qualify you for a discount on your insurance rate.
The value of a clean driving record is immeasurable and is a great way to mitigate further increases to your auto insurance rate.
How to Get the Best Insurance Rate as a High-Risk Driver?
When you’ve had a few accidents or convictions, it’s best to disclose to your insurer everything you can to receive the most accurate premium. A copy of your driver’s abstract and claims experience letter may be requested, especially if you’ve ever lived outside Alberta. Remember, our auto insurance brokers work on your behalf to find you rates that are within your budget.
What is High-Risk Insurance in Calgary?
High-risk auto insurance is for drivers who have been labelled a high-risk driver. A high-risk driver is a driver who has:
- Multiple traffic tickets
- A DUI charge or other criminal convictions
- A history of cancellations due to non-payment
- Several at-fault accidents
- Any combination of the above
High-risk insurance:
- Can cost 20% or more than standard auto insurance.
- Has limited insurance coverage options. High-risk drivers may experience liability coverage limits, pay higher deductibles and receive specific conditions and exclusions on their policy — depending on the provider.
- Have fewer payment options. If you have had one or more non-sufficient funds within your policy term, your insurer could cancel your policy and label you as high-risk.
High-Risk Driver Insurance FAQs in Calgary
Being labelled high-risk can be concerning for drivers in Calgary. You may be concerned how your auto insurance rates will be impacted going forward. There often are many concerns and questions about this type of insurance. Read on for frequently asked questions regarding high-risk insurance in Calgary.
The length of time you will have the label of high-risk driver will depend on your insurance provider. Typically, you leave the high-risk category once your accidents and/or tickets have been taken off your record. In the meantime, it’s critical that you practice safe driving habits.
It’s not just you who will experience the consequences of being labelled a high-risk driver. Other drivers who are listed on your car insurance policy and anyone living in your household with a valid license may be affected. Ask a Sharp Insurance broker for more information.
No, not all insurers offer high-risk car insurance in Calgary. Our insurance brokers can help you find high-risk car insurance in Calgary at an affordable price.
If you have been labelled a high-risk driver and your convictions are serious or if the risk you carry is too high, your insurance policy can be cancelled by your current insurer. Drivers who have missed payments, received traffic infractions and suspensions may be labelled high-risk. Your insurer may cancel or not renew your insurance policy if they are unwilling to insure high-risk drivers. You may have to go through another provider who offers non-standard insurance to remain insured.
Parking tickets will not affect your insurance rate, but traffic convictions will impact your rate. Convictions in Alberta can impact your driving record. See below:
- A ticket can remain on your record for up to 3 years.
- Missed payments may remain on your record for up to 3 years.
- At-fault accidents can remain on your record for up to 6 years.
- Suspensions can remain on your record for up to 6 years.
Consider the following tips to decrease your high-risk car insurance rate in Calgary:
- Raise your deductible amount.
- Practice safe driving. Additional violations to your driving record can worsen your situation or even risk a policy cancellation.
- Shop around for lower rates. Our brokers have access to some of the most trusted insurance carriers in Canada and can get you secure coverage options.
- Drive less. Use public transportation, carpool or walk. Less mileage means you’re on the road less, which makes you less of a risk in the eyes of your insurance provider.
- Ask about eligible discounts. Some companies offer discounts for defensive driving courses, a continuous insurance history and more.