Car Insurance in Lloydminster

What types of car insurance are required in Lloydminster, Alberta?

Auto insurance is mandatory in Alberta. There are specific types of auto insurance that you must have in order to drive in the province. Without them, driving would be illegal, so you must make sure that you purchase a policy that meets the province’s minimum coverage requirements before getting behind the wheel. The purpose of this mandatory car insurance is to protect you and other drivers on the road. Primarily, it is designed to protect drivers against collisions. We go into detail about a few of these coverages below:

Third-party liability coverage

Liability car insurance covers policyholders for at-fault accidents that they get into. For instance, if you get into a fender bender and are found liable, you can file a third-party liability insurance claim to cover the costs of the accident. Liability insurance can pay for everything from medical expenses and repair bills to legal and defence fees. Alberta drivers must hold no less than $200,000 in third-party liability coverage at all times.

Accident benefits coverage

The purpose of accident benefits coverage is to pay for medical and rehabilitative expenses if you are involved in an accident and someone is injured. Since medical expenses can add up quickly, especially if physical therapy or prescription medication is required, accident benefits are important. It can also be claimed if you are unable to work temporarily due to your accident and need to file a claim for lost wages.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage (or DCPD for short) coverage can pay for property damage incurred during an accident, so long as the policyholder is not at fault for the accident. For example, if your car is severely damaged and the engine needs to be replaced, you can file a direct compensation coverage claim to be reimbursed for the repair costs.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for the cost of an accident if you find yourself in a collision with a driver who does not have car insurance. It can also help if you get into an accident with a driver who is underinsured, i.e. they do not have sufficient coverage to pay for the cost of the accident. Lastly, uninsured motorist coverage is what you would file a claim for if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident where you never learn the identity of the other driver.

Extra car insurance protection for Lloydminster drivers

Basic car insurance is important, but for many drivers, it isn’t enough. That’s where extra protection comes in. Extra protection is available through many types of optional car insurance coverage. Although the coverages below are not government-mandated, they are still extremely useful. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular types of optional coverage among drivers in Lloydminster, Alberta:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage is a type of property damage coverage that offers broad protection. It can pay to repair or replace your car if it gets damaged in a collision. The collision can be your fault or not, and you can still file this type of claim. The collision can also have been with another car, an animal, or a grounded object on the road, such as a tree. No matter what, you can file this type of claim.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is an important type of extra protection because it protects drivers against non-collision-related risks. For example, if your car is stolen or vandalized, you can file a comprehensive coverage claim. Similarly, if a tree branch falls on your car or it gets damaged in a hailstorm, this is the type of claim you would file. Comprehensive coverage can help pay to repair or replace your car, so long as it is damaged by an insured peril. Insured perils will be clearly outlined in your policy and usually include theft, vandalism, falling and flying objects, fire, explosions and riots, and weather-related events.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Lloydminster is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province and insurance company.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage is one final type of coverage that you could add to your Lloydminster car insurance policy. With this type of coverage, you can be reimbursed for the cost of taking alternate modes of transit if your car is damaged in an accident and is temporarily unusable. While it’s being repaired by a mechanic, you can take taxis, rent a car, or take public transit and be reimbursed for the costs by your insurance provider.

What factors impact Lloydminster car insurance rates?

Insurance companies in Alberta consider many factors when calculating Lloydminster insurance rates. These factors may include:

• Where you live and regularly commute
• Age
• Model, make, trim and year of vehicle
• Past claims
• Average mileage
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Insurance history
• Your deductibles
• The coverage you choose
• Regulatory bodies
• How you use your vehicle
• Gender
• Your credit score

Since insurance companies take into account such a wide range of factors, it can be difficult to know how much car insurance will cost you unless you request a free quote from an insurance broker. That is why BrokerLink has always offered our customers free car insurance quotes. We can help you find out exactly how much a policy will cost you. All you have to do is get in touch and answer a few questions about the type of car you drive, where you live, and your driving habits and one of our licensed brokers will get back to you with a free quote in five minutes or less.

Safe driving tips for Lloydminster drivers

Safe driving tips are crucial, especially when you consider the fact that driving safely can help you avoid accidents and, thus, avoid insurance claims. In turn, this can help you keep your car insurance rates low. If you want to stay safe on the road, follow these tips:

Pay attention to the road

This should go without saying, but paying attention to the road is extremely important. Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions, and these collisions can be serious. Thus, before you get behind the wheel, do everything in your power to minimize distractions. Please note that distractions can count as anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as eating, drinking, smoking a cigarette, texting and driving, turning on the radio, adjusting your AC system, or setting your GPS. Avoid these behaviours unless your vehicle is in park.

Do not exceed the posted speed limit

Obeying the speed limit is a second safe driving tip. However, this isn’t just a tip. It’s the law. You should always take note of the speed limit when driving and make sure not to exceed it. Speeding is another leading cause of accidents, as when you speed, you reduce your reaction time and brake time, which increases your chances of getting into a collision. Sometimes, it’s also smart to drive under the speed limit, such as when you’re driving through a construction zone, through a Community Safety Zone, or in inclement weather.

Increase your visibility

Visibility when driving is make or break. You want to have as much visibility as possible. When driving at night, turn on your high and low beams when appropriate. During the day, if you’re driving in the sun, make sure to use your sun visor and wear sunglasses if necessary. Further, when driving in the winter, clear any snow, ice, or salt buildup off your mirrors and windshields before pulling out of the driveway.

How to file a car insurance claim in Lloydminster

The primary purpose of car insurance is financial protection. When does this financial protection come into play? When you file an insurance claim. If an incident occurs, you will need to file an insurance claim with your provider. If you’ve never done this before, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a step-by-step overview on how to file a car insurance claim in Lloydminster:

1. Contact your insurance company following the accident

First, you will want to reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible following the accident. This is to let them know what happened and to receive instructions on what to do next. Your insurance provider will give you all the information you need on how to proceed with filing a claim, such as what forms to fill out and what evidence you should provide. They can also help you determine what type of claim to file and answer questions about how long the claims process will take. Something else to keep in mind is how the payment is received, should you be entitled to a payout.

2. Gather evidence from the accident

Gathering evidence from the accident is the next step that you will need to take when filing an insurance claim. This step is crucial, as you will need evidence to prove your case. You will also need evidence to prove the extent of the damages. Types of evidence for insurance claims include the police report, witness statements, photos and videos of the accident, medical bills, repair receipts or estimates, and more.

3. Fill out the necessary forms and submit your claim

Step number three is to fill out any forms sent to you by your insurance company. There will usually be at least one form that needs to be completed. This form is where you can provide some of the evidence you gathered in step two. Once you send it to your insurance company, which can typically be done online, your claim will be officially submitted.

4. Cooperate with the insurance adjuster

An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case once the claim has been submitted. Although the insurance adjuster might be able to make a recommendation based on the information provided with your claim, they may have additional questions or need extra evidence. If this is the case, they will likely contact you. Do your best to cooperate with them, answering their questions promptly and to the best of your ability. This will help the claims process move as quickly as possible.

5. Your insurance provider will reach out to you once a decision has been made

The final step is to wait to hear from your insurance company. Your insurer will get in touch once a decision has been made. This decision will not only state whether or not the claim has been approved but also how much money you will receive if it’s been approved and how you will receive it.

If you need help filing an insurance claim with your provider following an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to BrokerLink.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is proud to be the go-to insurance brokerage in Lloydminster. We have worked hard to develop a reputation as a trusted insurance provider. When you come to us, you can rest easy knowing that we have your best interests at heart. We will take the time to understand your needs and budget before searching for your ideal policy.

Contact BrokerLink to learn more about your Lloydminster car insurance options

At Lloydminster BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person by visiting our location in Lloydminster or any of our other locations across Alberta. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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Car insurance Lloydminster FAQs

What types of car insurance can a Lloydminster insurance broker help me find?

A Lloydminster insurance broker can help you find any type of car insurance, ranging from mandatory car insurance coverage like third-party liability car insurance to optional car insurance coverage like accident forgiveness coverage. We can also help you find young drivers insurance, senior car insurance, occasional driver car insurance, and more. Speaking of occasional driver insurance, if you think you might qualify for this type of policy, which is usually much cheaper, learn how to calculate mileage here.

How do I get a winter tire discount on car insurance in Lloydminster?

You can get a winter tire car insurance discount in Lloydminster by meeting the conditions for this type of discount laid out by your insurance company. Since winter tires are not a legal requirement in Alberta, many insurance providers offer discounts to those who install winter tires on their cars. Find out exactly what dates the winter tires need to be installed, as well as what models of tires qualify.

How does renewing car insurance work in Lloydminster?

Renewing car insurance is a relatively quick process as long as you do so before your policy expires. While expired car insurance renewal is possible, the process is a bit longer. To renew your policy, contact your insurance broker or insurance company and let them know that you wish to renew your policy when the term is up. Your policy may automatically renew. This should be indicated in your policy documents. They will let you know what the renewal process looks like, as well as if there are any changes to your premium.

Now would also be a great time to make any changes to your policy that you see fit, such as adding or removing coverage, raising or lowering your deductibles, or raising or lowering your coverage limits. You should be able to contact your insurance company about renewals over the phone or even online by logging into your account.

If I get into an at-fault accident while driving, will my Lloydminster auto insurance rates go up?

Most likely. Unless your policy features accident forgiveness coverage, and this was your first at-fault accident, and the accident is eligible for accident forgiveness coverage, you will likely face an increase in your premium. The premium increase will happen the next time that your policy is renewed. You should expect to pay more for your car insurance plan until the at-fault accident is no longer on your driving record, which could take a number of years. That said, if you are not found liable for the accident, then it may not affect your rates at all.

Do I need car insurance to drive in Lloydminster?

Yes. Driving without car insurance in Lloydminster or anywhere in Alberta is illegal. This is because car insurance is a legal requirement. It is government-mandated. Thus, if you are caught driving without it, you can face serious consequences. In Alberta, uninsured motorists may be fined thousands of dollars, have their vehicles impounded, have their driver’s licence temporarily suspended, and even face jail time if they are unable to pay their fines.

How can I find cheap car insurance in Lloydminster?

There are several ways to save money on car insurance in Lloydminster. One of the most popular options is to bundle insurance policies. Although insurers may have multiple bundle packages available, one of the most popular options is to bundle home insurance and car insurance. If you need more than one car insurance policy, then buying multiple auto insurance policies can also save money.

Another effective way to find cheap car insurance in Lloydminster is to qualify for a car insurance discount, such as a winter tire discount, an occasional driver discount, a safe driver discount, a telematics discount, or a driver’s education discount.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.