There are always rumours going around about how Edmonton auto insurance rates are decided, and many of these rumours are either inaccurate or untrue. Fortunately, Edmonton auto insurance providers are generally quite transparent about how they come up with their rates, and it’s easy to find this information if you’re willing to look for it. Also, you can get authoritative information by consulting with a licensed professional. If you’re not ready to do that, at least keep these common insurance-rate considerations in mind.

Age: People under the age of 25 are commonly required to pay higher insurance rates. This is not always the case, but it is a prominent trend. It results from the simple fact that people over the age of 25 are safer than those under 25. Rates bottom out for people in their 50s, and rates typically begin to climb back up after the age of 65.

Gender: Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men, and most Edmonton auto insurance companies take this fact into account.

Marital status: Nobody’s quite sure why this is, but married people are statistically less likely to get into accidents than unmarried individuals, and most insurance providers consider this fact.

Occupation: People with certain occupations are statistically less likely to get into accidents than others. Your insurance company may think that your occupation is either a high-risk or a low-risk one, and this may affect your insurance premiums.

Credit rating: Most insurance companies do take customers’ financial history into account. If you have a troubled credit history, this may cause your insurance premiums to go slightly higher. It isn’t a huge factor in many cases, but it is something to keep in mind.

Past accidents: If you’ve been in one or two accidents that weren’t your fault, it may not have any effect on your Edmonton auto insurance rate. However, if you have a pattern of accidents that continues into the recent past, your provider may read this as a sign that you’re likely to get into additional accidents in the future, and they’re likely to make your rate higher because of this.

Driving violations: If you’ve received a lot of moving violations in the past, this will likely have a large effect on your Edmonton auto insurance rate. This includes violations for driving while intoxicated, driving recklessly, or speeding. On the other hand, if you’ve never had a ticket, this can have a very positive effect on your insurance rate. Many companies are willing to forget about violations after a certain amount of time, but policies vary.

Vehicle model and safety features: Certain types of cars have higher safety rating than others, and Edmonton auto insurance companies take this into account. Meanwhile, if you have various safety features installed in your car, this can lower your rates.

Driving rate: Your insurance rate may go up or down depending upon how much you drive in a given week or month. This is why your insurance company is likely going to want to know your work schedule and how far you live from your job.

Car insurance fraud is a serious problem throughout Canada and beyond, costing each insurance customer approximately $300 per year in added premiums. Whether you’re out on the road or purchasing Edmonton car insurance for the first time, there are many things you can do to make sure that you don’t become a victim of fraud. The first step is to make yourself aware of the how insurance fraud works, as well as of the best things to do in the event of an accident. The only way to avoid fraud completely is to consult with a licensed professional who can help you sign up for an Edmonton car insurance policy that is right for you. If you’re not ready to do that, here are some tips.

When buying Edmonton car insurance

When you’re in the market for Edmonton car insurance, remember these tips:

• Whenever you have doubts about a company, you can find out if it is certified by calling the Alberta Insurance Council.
• If you encounter a company whose rates are far lower than the competition, hold off on buying for now. Do a little research to find out if the company is real. In the event that you’re unable to find good information about the company, be aware that it might be a scam.
• Always read every word of a policy before you sign it.
• After you get your Edmonton car insurance ID number, be sure to keep it private.
• Be wary of internet ads, telemarketers, or door-to-door insurance salespeople.

When you’re behind the wheel

When you’re driving, always be vigilant. Stay aware of the vehicles that are in your vicinity, and watch out for cars that suddenly pull in front of you or follow way too close. It may be nothing, but it may also be an attempt to stage an accident. Whenever you feel unsafe due to another driver, get out of there as soon as possible. If you can, pull into a safe spot such as a gas station or any parking area with people in it.

After colliding with another car

After a collision, there are certain very practical steps that one should take to safeguard against insurance fraud. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• First, both drivers should exchange information, including the names, numbers, addresses, license numbers, vehicle registrations, and insurance information. Make note of who was driving, and also get information about any other passengers in the car.
• Take pictures of the damage to both cars, as well as of the overall scene. If you don’t have a cell-phone camera, have a disposable camera in your glove box.
• Call the police and find out if they can come to the scene. When an officer does come, put in a police report as soon as possible.
• If anyone who is not a police officer comes to the scene and tries to tell you to do something, don’t listen.
• Call your insurance company and file a claim as early as possible.
• Avoid using tow-truck drivers who insist upon taking your car to a certain repair shop.
• Get detailed invoices and bills for all accident-related charges, and hold on to all receipts.
• Never sign any accident-related documents before you read them.

There are many different auto insurance companies, and each of them has its own set of policies and rules governing how they decide their rates. As a results, it’s not surprising that the industry seems constantly dogged by rumours. But if you’re willing to look for it, the real information is available, and in many cases the rumours are only half true or downright false. When you’re getting an Edmonton auto insurance quote, having a little bit of skepticism toward these rumours is always a good thing. If you need someone to help you sort through all of these complications, consider getting a consultation from a licensed professional.

Myth: Bundling insurance policies is an easy way to get lower rates.

Fact: Many people believe that getting car insurance through a company with which you have a different kind of policy is a good way to get a lower Edmonton auto insurance quote. It’s true that bundling can sometimes make things easier, and it can even have positive effects on your rate, but this is by no means always the case. Even when you’re considering bundling your insurance, it’s always a good idea to get an Edmonton auto insurance quote from several different companies.

Myth: Drivers over 25 always pay less.

Fact: When you’re applying for an Edmonton auto insurance quote, there are a number of things that the company takes into account, and age is just one relatively minor factor. The insurance company will also consider past claims history, vehicle safety information, and numerous other factors. Although there is a good chance that your rate will go down if you’re turning 25 in the near future, don’t be so certain. In fact, any number of other factors can actually drive your rate up. The only way to know for sure is to get an Edmonton auto insurance quote.

Myth: Insurers are allowed to charge anything they want.

Fact: It’s a common complaint of conspiracy theorists everywhere: Insurance companies charge whatever they want, and the government mandates that we pay these rates, which is just not fair. This is an understandable sentiment if you’ve ever had a bad car insurance experience, but the fact is that there is no conspiracy. In fact, the insurance industry is highly regulated, and lawmakers go to great pains to keep the business as customer friendly as possible.

Myth: Comprehensive car insurance covers everything.

Fact: The name “comprehensive” is a bit of a misnomer. In reality, comprehensive coverage is a supplemental tool that drivers can use to make their standard insurance more comprehensive. Specifically, rather than paying for collisions, comprehensive coverage helps drivers whose cars are damaged due to things like weather, fire, vandalism, or theft. In many cases, choosing the comprehensive car insurance option won’t make your Edmonton auto insurance quote go that much higher, so it’s often worth the price.

Myth: Rental car reimbursement pays for damages to rental cars.

Fact: If you get into a car accident in a vehicle that you’re renting, the “rental car coverage” in your insurance policy will not cover the damages. This coverage has nothing to do with cars that you rent on vacation, for instance. Instead, it reimburses you for the price of renting a car when the vehicle you own is in the shop for damages sustained in a collision.

For car safety, the first step is to have good Edmonton auto insurance. Of course, insurance is mandated by law for all drivers, but it’s also the responsible and smart way to protect your family and other drivers from the financial repercussions of a car accident you’re involved in. However, having insurance alone is not enough. In addition to driving safely, it’s also important to have modern safety features installed in your car. This will greatly reduce your risk of injury or serious damage in an accident, and it could also help you get a lower Edmonton auto insurance rate. If you’re curious about how this works, you might want to see a licensed professional for a consultation about your Edmonton auto insurance.

Here are a few ways in which you can improve your car’s safety.

1. Airbags: Most newer cars have front-side airbags, but it’s also a good idea to have airbags to protect the vulnerable sides of the vehicle. Side-impact collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents, but they can become much less dangerous with sets of airbags to protect the shoulders and the head in the event of a collision.

2. Strong safety ratings: Whenever you’re shopping for a new car, you can get accurate data on vehicle safety ratings by going to the Transport Canada website or that of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Meanwhile, you can also ask your Edmonton auto insurance company if they have any recommendations for specific vehicles. You might be able to get a discount by following their recommendations.

3. Frequent check-ups: Most of us are already aware of the importance of having auto tune-ups every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or so. But while you’re getting your tires rotated and oil changed, it’s also a good idea to ask a trusted mechanic to do a quick check of the other systems in the vehicle.

4. Antilock brakes: When you have an antilock braking system (ABS), it helps prevent your wheels from locking up when you break suddenly or slide on slippery surfaces. However, if you own a vehicle with ABS, it’s important to have a good understanding of how it works, so that you’ll know what to do when the ABS system kicks in.

5. Hands-free phones: Neither Alberta nor Edmonton has yet taken steps to ban driving while talking on a cell phone. But if the broader trends are any indication, it could happen soon. In any case, it can definitely be dangerous to drive while using a cell phone. If your fast-paced lifestyle simply demands that you do so from time to time, consider using a hands-free device so that you can keep both hands safely on your steering wheel.

6. Classes: For adults, it’s not uncommon for the specifics of driver’s safety to fade into the backs of our minds. That’s why it can’t hurt to take refresher classes from time to time. The best safety practices will come back to you, and you may even learn some new tips. Also, taking classes may earn you a lower rate on your Edmonton auto insurance.

Even the best drivers sometimes get into car accidents. But if you have good Edmonton car insurance, if you’re prepared, and if you’re familiar with the proper steps for handling the situation, an accident doesn’t have to be a terrible experience. If you want to handle such an event in the best way possible, prepare yourself by following these steps.

Prior to driving:

1. Know your insurance coverage: All area drivers are required by law to have Edmonton car insurance. But even if it weren’t law, having insurance would be smart and responsible. It safeguards you against major financial damages resulting from your accident, and it gives you the ability to make repairs to your car without having to dip into your household’s budget. If you want to explore your options and find the best Edmonton car insurance policy for you, you might want to consider seeing a licensed professional. Then, when you have your insurance, make sure you know your policy inside and out.

2. Have the best safety features: If you have an older car, consider getting it upgraded with some of the latest safety features. For example, with features such as automatic seatbelts and airbags, you can improve your car’s safety while perhaps also getting a discount on your Edmonton car insurance. And once you have these features, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what they do.

3. Best driving practices: Obviously, the best way to get ready for accidents is to avoid them completely. There’s no foolproof way to avoid accidents, but you can greatly reduce the chances of getting into an accident that is your fault. Remember that your car is a dangerous device, and that safety should always be a number one concern. And if you have time to enroll in some driving safety classes, this can get you a discount on your Edmonton car insurance.

4. Prepare a safety kit: Every car should have a safety kit that includes a first-aid kit, a medical insurance card, local law-enforcement contact information, a list of emergency contact numbers, a flashlight, and pen and paper. And if you have room in your trunk, consider keep some emergency flares, warning triangles, or a set of traffic cones.

When an accident happens:

5. Exchange insurance details: After an accident involving another vehicle, exchange insurance information with the other driver. This information should include insurance companies, policy numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers, and plate numbers. Also take down information about the primary insurance holder for the vehicle as well as who was driving.

6. Take pictures: If you don’t have a cell phone with a camera, you might want to keep a disposable camera in your safety kit. This enables you to document the accident before anything changes. Once you make sure that everyone is safe and that the vehicles aren’t endangering surrounding traffic, take photographs of the context of the scene and the damage to the vehicles.

7. File a report: If a law enforcement officer comes to the scene, he or she will guide you through the reporting process. If not, you can fill out a report online. This will help in the event that a dispute arises over accident liability.

8. Contact your insurance company: If you have any questions on the scene of the accident, your Edmonton car insurance information should contain an emergency number for you to call. Even if you don’t have any questions, call your company as soon as possible to begin the claim process.

When you’re getting an Edmonton auto insurance quote, you’ll find that there are some types of insurance that you’re required to have, and others that are merely optional. To help you sort through the many insurance options available to the Alberta driver, it’s a good idea to seek a consultation from a licensed professional who is knowledgeable with regard to these matters. For now, here are the main types of coverage that you may want to consider when applying for your Edmonton auto insurance quote.

Liability coverage

Every driver throughout all Canadian provinces is required to have liability coverage. That’s why, when you’re getting your Edmonton auto insurance quote, you’ll probably find that liability coverage is selected by default. Requirements vary between provinces, but in Alberta every driver is required to have liability coverage amounting to $100,000 or more.

Included with liability coverage are bodily injury liability and property damage liability. With these types of coverage, if you get into an auto accident that is your fault, your insurance provider will pay for any charges relating to damage to your vehicle, damage to other vehicles, and any medical bills resulting from the accident. So, for instance, if you have $100,00 in coverage, your insurance provider will cover total charges of up to $100,000. Any bills in excess of this figure will have to be paid by the individuals involved in the collision.

When you’re getting your Edmonton auto insurance quote, it’s a good idea to at least consider getting more than what is recommended. While $100,000 may seem like a large figure, those bills resulting from an accident can add up very quickly. The more coverage you have, the safer you’ll be. Of course, higher coverage also means higher premiums.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage will pay for any damage to your vehicle in the event that you get into a relatively minor accident in which nobody is at fault and nobody gets injured. The maximum amount of liability coverage allowed is equal to the value of the individual’s car. If you are willing to take on a large chunk of the cost of such collisions, you should be able to pay a relatively low premium. For example, when filling out your Edmonton auto insurance quote, if you choose to pay $1,000 when the damages to your car are under $2,000, your monthly premium should stay pretty low.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover any damages that do not result from collisions. In other words, it covers damages that result from things like weather, theft, fire, or vandalism. Comprehensive coverage is not required, but it’s good to have if your vehicle is worth an amount of money that is significant to you.

As you’re applying for your Edmonton auto insurance quote, keep in mind that your comprehensive coverage premium will go up and down depending on how high of a deductible you’re willing to pay should something happen to your car.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Besides being law breakers, uninsured motorists cause all sorts of problems when they get into collisions that are their fault. Since liability coverage primarily covers situations in which the insurance-holder is at fault, getting into an accident involving an uninsured motorist can leave you out in the cold. Having uninsured motorist coverage prevents you from having to pay for damages resulting from these situations.

Buying Edmonton auto insurance is the only practical option for protecting your family, yourself, and others from many of the negative repercussions that may result from incidents involving your car. If you’re lucky and drive exceptionally safely, you may never have to take an insurance payout, but most of us encounter a car-related incident sooner or later. In any case, there are many good reasons why everyone should have Edmonton auto insurance before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Insurance protects your investment. Most of us don’t drive expensive luxury cars, but that doesn’t mean that our vehicles aren’t worth good money. By purchasing Edmonton auto insurance, you protect this investment from any losses resulting from accidents, theft, or other types of damage. In many cases, you’ll still be asked to pay a deductible, but you’ll at least be protected from catastrophic financial losses. Plus, your insurance will be able to provide you with the funds needed to fix your damaged car or purchase a new one.

It protects against financial difficulties. When an individual lacking auto insurance is found liable for damages caused in an accident, he or she may be required to pay all the bills for the damages. This can include repairs to the other person’s car as well as hospital bills, if necessary. These figures can quickly add up to a very substantial sum. No one wants to have those charges pinned on them. If you want to learn more about the financial implications of your auto insurance plan, you might want to consider talking to a licensed professional.

It gives you a feeling of security. There’s no way to completely prevent accidents from happening, but having insurance can at least give you the valuable knowledge that you’ll be find if an accident occurs. Of course, no one wants to get into an accident in any cases, but it’s nice to be able to put this worry in the back of your mind and leave it there. It’s especially beneficial if you’re someone who enjoys driving and doesn’t like those distractions getting in the way.

It protects you from bad drivers. As long as all adults have the right to obtain a driver’s license, there are always going to be a few reckless drivers out there. It’s part of the price we pay for freedom. However, such drivers are a little less bothersome when you have Edmonton auto insurance and can feel secure in the knowledge that no reckless driver is going to put you in the poorhouse with car repair bills.

You don’t have a choice. All Canadian provinces require drivers to have insurance. There are no exceptions to this law, even for people who only get behind the wheel sans insurance once or twice. Being caught driving without your insurance can lead to serious legal repercussions.

It’s the right thing to do. Because driving is an everyday task for most of us, it’s easy to forget that cars are major pieces of machinery with the potential to be very dangerous. Thus, operating a vehicle comes with real responsibility. Among them is a willingness to protect yourself and others from the negative consequences of damage-causing incident. This means having Edmonton auto insurance.

When applying for auto insurance, there are several common mistakes that many people make. While some of these issues are pretty obvious, there are others that may result from honest oversights. If you want to ensure that you get the lowest Edmonton auto insurance quote you can, consider consulting with a licensed professional about how to avoid the most common auto insurance errors. Here are a few of the most common ones.

1. Reckless driving: Getting in accidents or receiving tickets are among the quickest ways to make your Edmonton auto insurance quote go through the roof. The more such incidents you have on the record, the higher you can expect your quote to be. Most companies stop taking these things into account after a certain number of years, but it varies.

2. Neglecting to shop around: Some people assume that insurance rates are pretty much the same from company to company. However, the fact is that rates can vary greatly, so it can’t hurt to get as many quotes as possible before making your final decision.

3. Opting for monthly payments: Some companies allow you to pay a lower amount overall if you choose to make annual or biannual payments instead of paying monthly. This may not be practical for some people, but if you can afford the larger payments, choose this option when seeking an Edmonton auto insurance quote.

4. Entering inaccurate information: Even if it’s an accident, entering inaccurate information on an Edmonton auto insurance quote application is risky. If the company finds out about this, it may be sufficient grounds for them to deny payments in the event of an accident.

5. Providing incomplete information: If you neglect to enter a piece of information that the Edmonton auto insurance quote asks for, you risk running into problems later on. Be sure to double check your application, and fill in all the information they ask for.

6. Not locking the car: Anyone who has been victim of auto theft on multiple occasions risks paying more for auto insurance. It may not seem fair, but it the smart move for auto insurance companies to make.

7. Entering a different primary driver: Because young drivers usually have to pay higher insurance rates, it’s sometimes tempting to enter a different primary driver for a vehicle. However, anyone who does this risks the possibility of being charged for fraud.

8. Social networking blunders: In this day and age, it’s not out of the ordinary for insurance company representatives to Google people before providing them auto insurance. If someone has revealed alcohol use or other reckless tendencies in their social networking profiles, this may cause the insurance rate to go up. This isn’t a problem for most people, but it can’t hurt to double check your profiles for anything an insurance company might find unseemly.

9. Adding extras to the car: You can actually get a lower Edmonton auto insurance quote for adding modifications to your car that enhance safety or efficiency. However, modifications that aren’t for these purposes may cause rates to go up. Take this into consideration when adding extras to your car.

10. Having no insurance: When it comes to getting an Edmonton auto insurance quote, the most serious mistake is never receiving one at all. Those who drive without insurance risk serious legal repercussions, including license revocation, vehicle seizure, or hefty fines.

No matter which Edmonton car insurance company you use, there’s a fair chance that you’re currently paying more than you have to for your policy. Insurance companies have good intentions, but it’s just not feasible to go through every detail with every customer to ensure that the cheapest possible policy is in place. However, as an Edmonton car insurance customer, it’s perfectly within your rights to do a little bit of investigation. Read up on your company’s policies, and speak to a representative about any specific questions you may have. For starters, here are a few common ways to get discounts on Edmonton car insurance.

Perfect driving

This may go without saying, but the best way to make sure that you get the lowest rate possible is to keep a completely clean driving record for as long as possible. If you avoid accidents and stay away from getting tickets for driving violations, your rate should go down with time. Don’t hesitate to follow up with your Edmonton car insurance company on a regular basis to see if your impeccable driving record qualifies you for a lower rate.

Auto safety features

Edmonton car insurance companies realize that there are certain types of cars that are safer than others, and most companies are willing to charge lower rates for safer models. If you have a car that has been found by industry reviewers to be exceptionally safe, it can’t hurt to ask your company whether they’ll give you a lower rate. Also, if you have safety features such as automatic seatbelts, antilock brakes, and airbags, you may able to knock at least a few dollars off.

Job-based discount

Car insurance companies do research into which occupations are associated with higher or lower risks of accidents. So, for example, let’s say you’re a teacher. If your Edmonton car insurance company has found that teachers are above-average drivers when it comes to safety, you may qualify for a lower rate. In any case, it can’t hurt to ask.

Combination deals

If you have other types of insurance through a certain company, you may be able to get a discount by getting your car insurance through the same company. Meanwhile, if you have other drivers in your household, packaging your policies together is a great way to get savings.

Higher risk

Some Edmonton car insurance companies will permit you to pay a lower monthly rate if you agree to pay a higher deductible in the event of an accident. This is a risky deal, but if you genuinely feel that you’re one of the safest drivers on the road, it might be worth it. Just be prepared to pay a significantly higher fee if an accident happens.

Consult with a pro

If you’re still not sure if any of these potential discounts apply to you, you can benefit from a consultation with a licensed professional who is knowledgeable about the Edmonton car insurance industry. Your consultant can take you through your policy and work with you to identify areas where you may be eligible for savings.

Purchasing Edmonton auto insurance can be a daunting task. With all the different companies, pricing factors, and policies, it can be difficult to know what to expect or what makes a good insurance deal. If you’re in this situation, don’t fret. By following these 6 steps, you’ll make it through the process and find the best Edmonton auto insurance for you.

Step 1: Determine the amount of coverage you need.

In Alberta, it’s required for every person who drives a car to have at least $200,000 in coverage for third-party liability. However, you may also choose to get coverage beyond this, including for things like weather damage, auto theft, or types of accidents not covered by standard policies.

Most Edmonton auto insurance companies will be fully aware of the requirements for buying insurance in Alberta, but it’s a good idea to have this information at hand so that you can be informed of what to expect during the process.

Step 2: Figure out how much you should expect your payments to be.

There are many factors that insurance companies use to set insurance rates. For example, they may alter your rates based on where you live, your age, the model and age of your car, and the number of miles you drive per week. Also, if you’ve been in accidents or have received speeding tickets, there’s a good chance that Edmonton auto insurance companies will expect you to pay a bit more. These negative factors on your record may expire with time, however, so try to find out about companies’ policies. It may be that your rate will be cheaper if you just wait a short time.

Step 3: Gather quotes.

Start a spreadsheet, and begin with websites that specialize in providing quotes across multiple Edmonton auto insurance companies at the same time. This will give you a general sense of the rates you can expect, but it’s a good idea to call companies directly to get more solid quotes. You can usually get quotes through companies’ websites, but even these are typically less accurate than talking to a real person.

Step 4: Find out about discount rates.

As you’re browsing Edmonton auto insurance websites and talking to representatives on the phone, try to find out about how you might lower your rates. There are many ways to do this. For example, if you have certain types of safety features in your car, you might be able to get a discount. Many companies also offer beneficial package deals for couples or families.

Step 5: Make your decision.

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to narrow down your options. If you’re having trouble, talk to a few friends and find out what companies they use, or call a trusted auto shop and ask which companies they find are most customer friendly. If what they say matches up with one of your narrowed-down choices, then this will make your decision much easier.

Step 6: Read the policy.

Before signing up for a policy, read every word of the document. It’s easy to assume that most of it can be skipped, but it’s important to read the whole thing in case there are any surprises buried in the text. If you’re not sure about parts of your policy, it’s always a good idea to consult with a licensed professional. In any case, being familiar with your policy will be useful in the future should any accidents or problems arise.