Car insurance in Saint John

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If you’re a motorist in Saint John, New Brunswick, then it’s imperative that you have the right car insurance. Whether you're commuting across the Harbour Bridge, cruising along Rothesay Avenue, or navigating Route 1, it's essential to have auto insurance that fits your needs and local driving conditions. That is where BrokerLink comes in.

BrokerLink compares rates from a wide range of providers, ensuring you get the best deals available.

What is Saint John car insurance?

Car insurance in Saint John is all about protecting yourself financially. You pay a monthly premium, and if you’re ever in an accident or your vehicle gets damaged or stolen, your insurer helps cover the costs.

According to the 2021 Census from Statistics Canada, around 45% of Saint John residents were in the workforce, and of those commuting to work, 86% used a car, truck, or van. That means most people here depend on their vehicles to get around, which makes having the right auto insurance not just smart, but essential.

Do you need auto insurance coverage in Saint John?

In New Brunswick, car insurance is required by law. To legally drive on the road, Saint John drivers must carry valid auto insurance at all times.

But it’s about more than just following the rules. Having the right insurance gives you peace of mind. In a city like Saint John, where most people rely on their cars to get to work, run errands, or travel across the region, having the right car insurance policy helps keep you protected on the road.

For coverage that fits your lifestyle and your budget, talk to a local Saint John insurance broker who understands the area and can help you find the right policy for your needs.

Types of car insurance in Saint John, NB

New Brunswick requires certain types of auto insurance by law, like liability insurance, while others are optional and offer extra protection. Let’s take a look at the different types of coverage options so you can choose what makes the most sense for your needs.

Mandatory

Optional

This is one of the most important parts of your Saint John car insurance policy. It protects you financially if you're responsible for an accident that injures someone else or damages their property. It can also help cover legal fees if you’re sued. In Saint John, you’re required to carry at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage.

If you’re in an accident that wasn’t your fault, DCPD allows your own insurance company to pay for the repairs to your vehicle. You don’t have to wait on the other driver’s insurer, which makes the claims process easier and faster.

This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or can’t be identified, such as in a hit-and-run. It helps cover medical costs and property damage when the other driver isn’t able to.

If you or someone else, like a passenger or pedestrian, is hurt in a crash, accident benefits coverage helps pay for things like medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other recovery-related expenses. It kicks in no matter who caused the accident.

Collision coverage is a popular optional add-on for drivers in Saint John. It helps pay for repairs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged in a crash, whether you hit another car, a stationary object, or if your vehicle rolls over. It’s especially helpful if you’re frequently driving around the city or commuting along busy routes like Rothesay Avenue or the Harbour Bridge.

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision-related damage. That includes things like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, falling objects, or even hitting wildlife on the roads surrounding Saint John. It can be especially beneficial with our unpredictable Maritime weather.

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Saint John drivers 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.

If you're buying a new car, adding this coverage to your policy is worth considering. It ensures you're covered for the full value of your vehicle without factoring in depreciation. That means if your car is stolen or totalled, you'll be reimbursed for the cost of a brand-new vehicle—not just what it's worth after wear and tear.

If you ever get into an accident and your car needs repairs, loss of use coverage has your back. While your car is in the shop, this coverage helps pay for other ways to get around—whether that's hopping on public transit, using ride shares, or renting a car. It can be a real lifesaver, especially if your car ends up being out of commission for days or even weeks.

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Ways to save money on Saint John auto insurance

Make sure you’re not overpaying for car insurance in Saint John by checking out these helpful ways to save.

Discounts

Bundle your insurance policies

If you have other types of coverage (like tenant or home insurance), consider bundling them with your auto insurance. It’s a simple way to save, with discounts of up to 15% per policy. Also, if you have more than one vehicle, you could save even more, as some insurers offer up to 20% off when you insure two or more vehicles together.

Use winter tires

Did you know that 94% of Atlantic Canadians used winter tires in 2023? That’s according to a recent report from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. And it makes sense—winters in Saint John can be pretty unpredictable, with plenty of snow and ice on the roads. For that, many insurance companies offer a discount, often up to 5%, just for using winter tires during the colder months.

Savings Options

Choose a higher deductible

If you’re comfortable paying a bit more out of pocket in the event of a claim, bumping your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or more could lead to noticeable savings on your monthly rate.

Work with an insurance broker who knows Saint John

At BrokerLink, we work for you, not the insurance companies. We are insurance experts who know how to navigate the industry and can help you compare quotes to find the right coverage at the best price. If you’re hoping to save on car insurance in Saint John, get in touch with a local BrokerLink broker today.

Factors that affect Saint John car insurance rates

Insurance companies look at a variety of key factors when determining your rate, and each company weighs them differently, meaning no two quotes are the same. Here are some of the factors they look at and how some affect your insurance premium:

Your driving history

They look at things like your driving history, which includes how long you've been driving, if you've been in at-fault collisions, filed insurance claims, or have multiple driving convictions like impaired driving or speeding tickets. According to the RCMP, they handed out close to 19,188 speeding tickets in New Brunswick in 2021. Having these on your record can lead to higher insurance premiums.

Your location

They also consider things like crime rates and weather risks for where you live and work. For example, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), Saint John ranked sixth on their 2023 list of the top seven costliest cities for auto theft claims in Atlantic Canada (which also includes Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador), with a 135% increase in auto theft claims costs since 2018. This means that for anyone living in Saint John, their insurance premiums will likely reflect this increased risk of theft.

How you use your vehicle

They'll look at how often and why you drive, too. Someone who commutes daily on Route 1 or through Uptown Saint John during rush hour faces a higher likelihood of accidents than someone who works from home and only drives occasionally on weekends. The more kilometres you put on your vehicle, the higher your exposure to potential claims.

The type of coverage you choose

Your insurance rate will also depend on the level of protection you choose. Basic mandatory coverage will meet New Brunswick’s legal requirements, but it might not offer the full protection you want. Adding optional coverages such as collision, comprehensive, or accident forgiveness may increase your premium, but it will also give you more overall coverage when you truly need it.

Your claims history

Finally, they'll look closely at how often you’ve made claims in the past. A long history of claims, especially at-fault ones, can make you appear riskier to insure, which may result in higher rates. On the other hand, maintaining a clean, claims-free record may lead to significant discounts and preferred rates over time.

Contact us

With the approved 11.47% insurance hike in 2024 and a possible additional 9.86% in 2025, it's more important than ever to shop around and compare quotes. For a free, personalized car insurance quote in Saint John, reach out to BrokerLink, where we shop around and compare quotes for you!

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout New Brunswick. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive Saint John car insurance quote in minutes.

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Saint John car insurance FAQs

Becoming an insurance expert simply to understand more about your policy isn’t a necessity when you work with BrokerLink. That’s our job! Having a base understanding of your insurance coverage can go a very long way to helping safeguard you and your assets, and as such we want to help provide you with that base knowledge. Listed below are some of our most commonly asked questions about Saint John car insurance.

Can I transfer my car insurance from another province to New Brunswick?

Yes, you can typically transfer your car insurance from another province to New Brunswick if you end up moving. However, it's essential to notify your insurance provider about your move and update your policy accordingly.

Keep in mind that insurance regulations and coverage requirements may vary between provinces, such as varying public and private insurance systems, so it's advised that you work with your insurance broker to ensure your coverage meets New Brunswick's specific guidelines.

Are there any specific regions within New Brunswick that have higher insurance premiums?

New Brunswick has the fourth highest auto insurance premiums in Canada and, yes, some areas in New Brunswick will have higher premiums than others. Urban areas with higher population densities may experience more accidents, theft, and vandalism, leading to higher premiums. Additionally, regions with more severe weather conditions, such as areas prone to flooding or winter storms, may also have higher insurance rates due to increased risk.

Simply put, some postal codes may come with higher rates than others. If you’re considering a move and your budget is tight, this is always something you can take into account. As well. You can combat an increase in your premiums by enlisting a broker to help you with your specific insurance needs.

Can I still get auto insurance in Saint John, even if I have a less-than-perfect auto insurance record?

Ultimately, yes, you won’t be “excluded” from coverage if you have a few infractions on your record or a couple of at-fault accidents. However, on renewing your car insurance, you may notice that your auto insurance coverage premiums will have hiked quite a bit. Drivers who have a less-than–favourable driving record will generally see much higher premiums than those who have a clean driving record.

There are ways to combat this, however. You can call your provider to discuss the possibility of discounts, take a defensive driving course and utilize all the safe driving tips you learn to reduce the risk of further accidents, and more. Always be open and honest with your broker about your history to allow them to help you find the best coverage.

Can I transfer my car insurance from another province to New Brunswick?

Can I still get auto insurance in Saint John, even if I have a less-than-perfect auto insurance record?

Are there any specific regions within New Brunswick that have higher insurance premiums?

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Car insurance in Saint John

What is Saint John car insurance?

Do you need auto insurance coverage in Saint John?

Types of car insurance in Saint John, NB

Third party liability insurance coverage

Direct compensation property damage

Uninsured automobile coverage

Accident benefits

Collision coverage

Comprehensive coverage

Accident forgiveness coverage

Waiver of depreciation

Loss of use coverage