Drivers can save a decent amount of money by comparing automobile insurance rates in Canada. Finding out what factors affect your insurance and how to shop for coverage is the first step to significant savings.
Research insurance rates over the internet or on the phone. Use search engines to find comparison websites or check out the yellow pages for companies that serve your area. One phone call and less than 20 minutes of your time to answer questions and make a few choices can put you on the path to saving money. Get a firm quotation to really get a handle on how much.
Auto insurance rates change based on you, your car and your location. In a few provinces mandatory insurance is issued through the government, such as in Manitoba. Across the country it is the law that all drivers have adequate coverage for property and liability damage. That coverage must be valid at all times. Insurance companies also sell policies that cover drivers well beyond that minimum amount.
If an Alberta driver who is 49 years old drives a 2004 Toyota Sienna, they can expect to pay as low as $1400 and as high as $1700 for insurance. If that driver moved to Ontario and drove a 1999 vehicle, they would save anywhere from $200 to $300 per year.
Your past driving record and the use of your vehicle will also have an effect on the automobile insurance rates in Canada. Using a car or truck for business will result in more distance driven and a higher insurance policy. Also a bad driving record will drive the cost of insurance up and may cause a provider to cancel your policy or refuse further coverage.
Any time you are refused coverage it will have to be reported on subsequent insurance applications. Also any accidents in the last ten years where you were deemed at fault and any claims will need to be disclosed on future applications. Remember to be up front with your record to obtain the most accurate quotation and the best coverage.
Gender is another factor which may increase your auto insurance rates. Whether male or female, if you have taken a driver training course and can provide proof of it, your rates should decrease.
It would seem that Ontario has the highest automobile insurance rates in Canada. An Ontario driver who’s 23 years old and owns a 2006 Chrysler should pay around $1600 annually, while a Quebec driver who’s 19 years old and owns a 2005 Mazda will pay less than $1100 through the same national insurance company. Although other aspects may have affected that comparison, where you live is an important factor in how high your insurance is.
Setting a higher deductible will decrease your annual policy. Also be sure that you are not carrying any excessive or unnecessary coverage. Go over your policy in detail and choose the highest deductible that you are comfortable with. Remember that the annual savings stay in your pocket every year and the higher cost of the deductible is only relevant when a claim is made.
When shopping wisely for automobile insurance rates in Canada, be honest about your record and understand the coverage offered. That will help you to choose the best policy and obtain the lowest rate.