Compare and purchase the best car insurance rates in Alberta.

In Alberta, several factors can affect your car insurance premium, including:

• Your car:  The make, model, and year of your vehicle can impact your rate—especially if the car has a higher repair cost, is commonly stolen, or lacks modern safety features.
   
• Your driving history:  A clean driving record usually means lower premiums, while speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or convictions can increase rates .
   
• Where you live: Busy cities like Calgary and Edmonton may have higher rates due to increased traffic and collision risk.
   
• How much you drive: The more time you spend on the road—whether commuting daily or driving long distances—the higher your risk of an accident, which can raise your rate.
   
• Drivers in your household: If there are other drivers living with you who use your vehicle and don’t have their own insurance, they must be added to your policy, which can affect your premium.

If you’re a new driver in Alberta, there are several ways to help reduce your premiums:

• Take driver training: Completing an approved course can improve your driver star rating and lower your premium.
  
  
• Shop around: Compare car insurance quotes from different providers to get the best rates.
  
  
• Bundle policies: Bundle your auto insurance with home, condo, or tenant and save up to 20%*.
  
  
• Keep a clean record: Avoid tickets and at-fault accidents to help maintain lower rates.
  
  
• Raise your deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium.
  
  
• Add safety features: Installing theft deterrents or winter tires may qualify you for discounts. 

Working with an insurance advisor can help you understand your options and find the best combination of coverage and savings. 

* This savings is the approximate average savings made by new clients when they choose to combine their home and auto and obtain an online quote. This percentage/amount is not guaranteed and varies based on each person’s individual profile. 

Alberta uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which has three stages: 

Stage 1: Learner’s licence ( Class 7 ) 

• You can apply at age 14 (parental consent required if under 18).
• You’ll need to pass a vision test and a knowledge test on road rules.
• Restrictions apply, such as zero alcohol tolerance, driving only with a fully licensed driver, and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. 

Stage 2: Probationary licence ( Class 5-GDL ) 

• Available at age 16 or older, after holding a learner’s licence for at least one year (parental consent required if under 18).
• Requires passing the Class 5 basic road test.
• Must be held for a minimum of two years, with restrictions like zero alcohol and limits on demerit points. 

Stage 3: Full licence ( Class 5, non-GDL ) 

• Can be obtained after holding a probationary licence for at least 24 months with a clean record in the final 12 months.
• As of 2023, the advanced road test is no longer required to upgrade to a full Class 5 licence. 

If you’re unsure how your current licence stage impacts your auto insurance, a Surex advisor can help you explore your options and find coverage that fits your driving experience. 

Getting affordable car insurance in Alberta is about building good habits and making smart policy choices over time. Here are some strategies that can help keep your premiums manageable: 

• Maintain a strong driving record: Safe driving with no tickets or at-fault accidents is one of the best ways to keep rates low year after year.
  
  
• Review your policy regularly: Make sure your coverage still fits your needs, and adjust deductibles or optional coverages as your situation changes. 
  
  
• Bundle your insurance: Combine your auto, home, or tenant insurance with one provider to access multi-policy discounts.
  
  
• Shop around:  Rates can vary significantly between insurers, so comparing quotes ensures you’re not overpaying. 

By law, all drivers in Alberta must carry the following mandatory coverages:  

• Third-party liability: Covers costs if you injure someone or damage their property. The legal minimum is $200,000, although many drivers choose higher limits.
• Accident benefits: Provides coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation, funeral costs, and income replacement if you’re injured in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Direct compensation property damage ( DCPD ): This covers damage to your vehicle and its contents if another insured driver is partially or fully at fault. 

In addition to the minimum requirements, many drivers choose to add optional coverages for broader protection: 

• Collision coverage: Pays to repair or replace your car after an at-fault accident or if you hit an object.
• Comprehensive coverage: Protects against non-collision risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, hail, or falling objects.
• Endorsements:  Extra add-ons like accident forgiveness, glass coverage, or rental vehicle coverage.