Edmonton High Risk Car Insurance
Why You Need High-Risk Car Insurance in Edmonton
In Edmonton, you may be considered a high-risk driver if you’ve had multiple at-fault accidents, traffic convictions or a criminal conviction (e.g., DUI). If you have been categorized as a high-risk driver, it can be difficult to get insurance coverage. Consult with our Edmonton high-risk insurance brokers. We’ll give you tips on how to reduce your insurance rates and help you find the best possible coverage.
Why Choose Sharp Insurance for High-Risk Car Insurance in Edmonton
In Edmonton, you may be considered a high-risk driver if you’ve had multiple at-fault accidents, traffic convictions or a criminal conviction (e.g., DUI). If you have been categorized as a high-risk driver, it can be difficult to get insurance coverage. Consult with our Edmonton high-risk insurance brokers. We’ll give you tips on how to reduce your insurance rates and help you find the best possible coverage.
Sharp Insurance is one of Canada’s fastest growing independent insurance brokerages. We know how to get you affordable rates for high-risk insurance without you losing out on quality coverage. Get a high-risk car insurance quote in Edmonton today.
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What Determines My Car Insurance Premium in Edmonton
Your car insurance rates are heavily dependent on your driving record and your experience as a driver. If you have had several accidents in the past, it could take up to six years to completely clear your history (depending on how many accidents and the severity of each). Convictions may stay on your record for three years, but that’s a long time to be paying high insurance rates! After this period has passed, your rates may go back down to normal.
If you want to improve your driving record and you want to avoid being labelled a high-risk driver, find out how to enjoy a lower premium. Here are some tips:
- Stick to the posted speed limits.
- Never follow the driver ahead of you too closely. Always stay at least three seconds behind the driver in front of you.
- Consider taking a defensive driving course. An approved driver’s education course may qualify you for a discount on your coverage.
- Never operate a vehicle if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. DUIs can double or even triple your insurance premiums.
The value of having a clean driving record goes without saying. While you may not have necessarily been labelled a high-risk driver due to your traffic violations or driving infractions (i.e., you may have this label due to non-payments), being a good driver is a great way to mitigate further increases to your insurance rates and keeps everyone on the road safe.
Get a QuoteHow to Get an Accurate Edmonton High Risk Driver Insurance Quote
To get an accurate insurance rate for your situation, always be honest with your insurance provider. Even if you’ve had a few convictions or accidents that you’d rather sweep under the rug, it’s better to disclose everything than risk having a claim denied. You may need to provide a history of your insurance claims and a copy of your driver’s abstract if you’ve ever lived outside Alberta. Our high-risk insurance brokers in Edmonton will work hard on your behalf to find you affordable rates.
What to expect as a high-risk driver in Edmonton:
- Your premium will be 20% or more than your standard auto insurance premium.
Fewer payment options. Often drivers are labelled high-risk because they have been cancelled due to non-payment. - Fewer insurance coverage options. You may have limited coverage options, a higher deductible and fewer exclusions.
Check in with a Sharp Insurance broker to find out how to get the best insurance rate based on your lifestyle, habits and budget.
Edmonton High-Risk Driver Insurance FAQs
Inevitably, high-risk drivers will pay more for their car insurance rate than someone who is not considered high risk. The following tips will help high-risk drivers pay less for their auto insurance in Edmonton.
How to get cheaper rates:
- Choose a higher deductible amount. Your limitations may have already saddled you with a higher deductible amount due to regulations around high-risk insurance, but it’s always prudent to check with your broker or insurer.
- Be a safe driver. With a conviction or other infraction under your belt, it’s essential to keep your driving record as clean as possible.
- Use your car less often by taking public transportation or biking to work.
- Ask about discounts. Insurers may offer discounts for a variety of different reasons, including bundling your home and auto insurance policies.
Shop around for the lowest rates without compromising solid insurance coverage.
Yes, if your convictions are serious or you are not paying for your insurance coverage, you will be deemed a high-risk driver in Edmonton. A driver who has received infractions, suspensions or has been cancelled due to non-payment often gets labelled a high-risk driver. Your insurer may not offer you the chance to renew your policy or they may cancel your policy. At this point, you’ll need to go through another provider who offers non-standard insurance.
Yes. Short answer: you’re not the only one who will experience the consequences of being labelled a high-risk driver. Other drivers who are listed on your auto insurance policy as drivers or anyone living in your household with a valid license could be impacted.
Not all insurance companies will offer non-standard auto insurance. Many insurance companies will want to keep their risk low by only targeting drivers with experience and those that are lower risk. If you are currently with a company that prefers to sell to lower-risk drivers and your record changes, thereby removing you from the low-risk category, you could find yourself without a policy offer upon your next renewal date. It’s a good idea to seek out one of our high-risk car insurance brokers to help you find a policy and rate that suits your needs.
Depending on your insurance provider, you will remain a high-risk driver until your driving record improves. Tickets and accidents can take three or more years to come off your record. During this time, it’s critical to practice safe driving habits.
Convictions will be the only thing that affects your premium. Parking tickets, however, do not impact your insurance rate. In Alberta, infractions, violations and suspensions remain on your driving record. Consider this list:
- A ticket can remain on your record for up to three years.
- Missed payments may remain on your record for up to three years.
- An at-fault accident can remain on your record for up to six years.
- Suspensions can remain on your record for up to six years.