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8 minute read Published on Jan 20, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Wondering how to register and insure your car in Alberta? You're not alone. Both are essential steps for all vehicle owners that protect you, your passengers, and your wallet.
First, you need to insure your vehicle. Alberta drivers must show proof of basic insurance before registering a vehicle. It’s not just that it's the law; it helps cover medical fees, repair costs, and legal fees.
With auto theft claims in Alberta up 65% between 2021 and 2024 (over $110 million in losses) and increasingly severe weather events like the Calgary hailstorm, which cost $3 billion in insured damage (more than half of all claims being auto insurance claims), insuring your vehicle properly (e.g., choosing appropriate coverage and limits, understanding your “good driver” eligibility, and comparing rates) matters now more than ever.
Then, you need to get your vehicle registered with the province. It’s what makes your vehicle legal to drive on public roads, and it ties its ownership to you. If you're caught driving an unregistered vehicle, you could face fines starting at $230, not to mention a possible impoundment of your vehicle.
All drivers in Alberta are legally required to carry basic auto insurance. In fact, when buying a car, most dealerships won't let you off the lot until you provide proof of valid insurance.
According to the Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB), mandatory coverage includes:
Third‑party liability of at least $200,000, to cover injury or property damage to others.
Accident benefits for medical, rehabilitation, funeral, and income replacement expenses.
Direct compensation-property damage (DCPD), so you’re compensated directly by your insurer when you're not at fault.
The AIRB is an independent regulator established under Alberta's Insurance Act. Its core responsibilities include:
Approving or declining insurers’ rate filings for both mandatory and optional coverages.
Evaluating filings using actuarial benchmarks and consumer impact analysis before decisions are made.
Enforcing the “All‑Comers” rule, ensuring no one is refused basic coverage.
In addition, the Ministerial Order caps rate increases for “good drivers” at 5% annually, plus a 2.5% rider for natural disasters, totalling a 7.5% cap in 2025. However, the IBC notes that drivers not classified as “good” are seeing their annual premiums increase by an average of 15%.
An Alberta car insurance policy generally consists of a combination of mandatory and optional coverages. Mandatory coverage is required by law, and driving without this minimum coverage can lead to serious penalties, including fines, licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Optional coverage, on the other hand, gives you extra protection beyond the legal minimum.
Here’s a quick overview of popular mandatory and optional types of auto insurance coverage in Alberta:
Coverage type
Mandatory vs. optional
What it covers
Third-party liability coverage
Mandatory
Medical costs and legal fees if you injure someone or damage their property in an at-fault accident
Accident benefits coverage
Medical bills, lost income, and funeral costs for you, your passengers, and pedestrians after a crash (no matter who's at fault)
Direct compensation-property damage (DCPD) coverage
Repairs to your vehicle if you weren’t at fault
Collision coverage
Depends
Repairs or replacement if you crash your car (may be required by lenders or leasing companies)
Comprehensive coverage
Non-collision-related damage due to theft, vandalism, fire, hail, falling objects, etc. (may be required by lenders or leasing companies)
Accident forgiveness coverage
Optional
Helps prevent your premium from rising after your first at-fault accident
Contact BrokerLink to learn more about what other optional coverages are available in Alberta and what Alberta car insurance does not cover.
Buying car insurance in Alberta is easy when you work with a licensed insurance broker. A broker acts as your personal shopper by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies to help you find the best coverage for your needs at the best or a competitive rate. Since auto insurance premiums in Alberta vary significantly by location, vehicle type, and driving record, working with an insurance broker can help you find cheaper rates and unlock additional discounts. To get started, here is a list of some of the information and documents you’ll need for car insurance:
Your driver’s licence
Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
Your vehicle’s details, including the year, make and model of your vehicle
Your current policy number and renewal date (if you have one)
An out-of-province claims experience letter or driver’s abstract (possibly)
Your broker will then explain the required coverages, walk you through various optional coverages to help you decide if you want any, and finalize your policy. From start to finish, the process can often be completed in just a few hours.
According to the Government of Alberta, you'll need some variation of the following documents to register your vehicle:
Proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., previous registration certificate, bill of sale, lease agreement, etc.).
Proof of valid insurance coverage.
A valid Alberta driver’s licence (or an acceptable proof of identity document).
A signed Record of Inspection following a salvage, commercial, or out-of-province inspection (if applicable).
A New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS or E-NVIS) for new vehicles.
To register a vehicle purchased outside of Canada, you'll also need:
A completed Transport Canada Vehicle Import form (Form 1, RIV, or RIV exempt) or letter from an authorized pre-clearance importer.
A New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS or E-NVIS) or Certificate of Origin (for new vehicles).
If you're ready to register your vehicle in Alberta, here are the steps you'll need to follow:
These can vary depending on whether you're registering a new or used car, an out-of-province vehicle, or an imported vehicle from outside of Canada.
You'll need to make sure that all necessary documents and inspections are completed, such as the standard bill of sale when buying a used car or an out-of-province inspection after moving to Alberta.
Next, you'll need to head over to your local authorized registry agent and make sure that you bring all of your documents with you. Once there, you'll need to fill out the vehicle registration application form that the registry agent will give you.
When registering a vehicle for the first time, you cannot register it online, so you must visit a registry agent in person. According to a registry FAQ for West-End Registries, you do not need to book a vehicle registration appointment in advance.
Note: An out-of-province vehicle must be registered within 90 days of moving to Alberta.
Once you've submitted all of your paperwork to the registry agent, you'll need to pay the vehicle registration fees. According to the Government of Alberta, fees for passenger vehicle registration start at $93. However, if you own an electric vehicle (EV), there may be an EV tax that starts at $200. Also, fees may vary for other motor vehicles, such as motorcycles or off-road vehicles.
Lastly, once you've paid your registration fees, you'll receive your new vehicle registration certificate and licence plate. You'll need to attach your licence plate to your vehicle, and you'll want to keep your registration certificate in your vehicle or on you whenever you're driving. Your vehicle registration certificate will include details such as:
The vehicle identification number (VIN)
The license plate number
When it expires
Who its registered owner is
Please note that when it comes to registering a commercial vehicle, the process involves additional steps when compared to registering a passenger vehicle. For full details, visit the Government of Alberta’s website to learn about the commercial vehicle registration process.
No. You cannot register (or legally drive) a car in Alberta without valid auto insurance. The government requires proof of insurance (i.e., your pink card) at registration, and without it, your application will be denied.
The vehicle registration renewal process is pretty straightforward. You just visit your local registry agent and bring with you:
Your driver's licence
Proof of valid car insurance
Your current vehicle registration certificate
And while your first vehicle registration must be done in person at a registry agent’s office, you can renew it online (if that's easier for you) once your registration expires, which is typically every one or two years for passenger, motorcycle, and off-highway vehicles.
Please keep in mind that you won’t be able to renew your vehicle registration if you have any outstanding fines. This includes unpaid traffic tickets, parking tickets, or other motor vehicle-related debts.
If you still have questions about how to insure your vehicle in Alberta, contact BrokerLink. Whether you need help deciding what coverage to add to your policy,renewing car insurance, adding a driver to your policy, or finding affordable car insurance, you can count on us. As auto insurance experts, we will do everything we can to answer your questions, help you navigate the insurance buying process, and ultimately, help you find quality coverage that doesn’t break the bank.
Reach out today by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Alberta to request your free car insurance quote. You can also use our free online quote tool, which will provide you with a free and accurate quote in minutes.
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There are benefits to working with both insurance brokers and insurance agents. If you need help understanding the benefits of insurance brokers vs agents, reach out to an insurance professional near you.
Can I put my car insurance on hold? is a popular question among motorists in Alberta. The answer depends on several factors, including your insurance provider and the conditions that they’ve laid out. Some insurance companies do not allow policyholders to suspend their coverage. For those that do, there is usually a list of conditions that must be met to qualify. Keep in mind that most car insurance policies that are on hold still contain certain types of valid coverage, like comprehensive coverage, so that your car is protected from damage even while it’s not being driven.
Yes. You will need a valid driver’s licence to buy any type of car insurance policy in Alberta. In fact, an insurance agent or broker will likely ask for a copy of your driver’s licence before doing anything else. If you are hoping to list other drivers on your policy, you will need to show proof of their driver’s licence as well.
It depends. Some insurance companies offer their services throughout all of Canada or in multiple provinces, so if the insurer offers coverage both in your province of origin and Alberta, then you may be able to keep your current policy. That said, you will need to contact your insurance provider to let them know that you have moved and to give them your new address. Please note that your insurance premium may change when you give them a new address, as location is one factor that impacts premiums. In addition, if your last policy doesn’t meet the minimum coverage requirements laid out by the Alberta provincial government, then your coverage will need to be updated too, which can also affect your rates.
On the other hand, if your existing insurance provider does not offer coverage in Alberta, you will need to cancel your existing policy and purchase a brand-new policy in Alberta. At the very least you will need to start by contacting your insurance company for advice.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
