Does Getting a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance in Alberta?
Driving is an important part of life for many Canadians. In Alberta, being caught speeding can mean a hefty fine, demerit points and even an impact on your car insurance rates. It’s a common question among Alberta drivers whether getting a speeding ticket affects your car insurance. Here, we will discuss everything you need to know about speeding tickets and their impact on your car insurance in Alberta.
How Does Your Car Insurance Work in Alberta?
Before we delve into the impact of speeding tickets on your car insurance, we should first understand how car insurance works in Alberta.In Alberta, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of car insurance coverage. This coverage includes third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured automobile coverage, and underinsured automobile coverage. Optional coverage is also available, such as comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, which can protect you against collision damage, theft, or other damages.In Alberta, the amount of money you pay for car insurance is primarily determined by your driving record, age, gender, location, and the type of car you drive. Your driving record is one of the most important factors in determining the cost of your car insurance in Alberta.
How Do Speeding Tickets Affect Your Car Insurance Rates in Alberta?
Getting a speeding ticket in Alberta can have an impact on your car insurance rates. This is because when you receive a speeding ticket, demerit points are added to your driving record. Alberta drivers can receive up to 15 demerit points on their driving record. The exact number of demerit points you receive for a speeding ticket in Alberta depends on how fast you were driving over the speed limit.Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of conviction. If you accumulate more than 8 demerit points, you may be required to attend a Driver Improvement Program. If you accumulate more than 15 demerit points, your driving privileges will be suspended. However, it’s important to note that demerit points alone do not determine your car insurance rates in Alberta. Instead, insurance providers in Alberta look at your driving record as a whole, including any accidents or other tickets you may have received. Not all speeding tickets will result in an increase in your insurance premium. However, if you have multiple tickets, especially within a short period of time, your car insurance company may determine that you are a higher risk driver and increase your insurance rates accordingly.
How to Avoid the Impact of Speeding Tickets on Your Car Insurance Rates in Alberta?
The best way to avoid the impact of speeding tickets on your car insurance rates in Alberta is to avoid getting a ticket in the first place. This means following Alberta traffic laws, respecting the speed limit, and driving safely on the road. If you do happen to receive a speeding ticket, you may be able to reduce the number of demerit points on your driving record by attending a traffic school or consultation. By doing this, you may be able to prevent an increase in your car insurance rates.Another effective way to minimize the impact of speeding tickets on your car insurance premiums in Alberta is to purchase car insurance with a provider that has a forgiveness policy. Many insurance providers in Alberta offer policies that include forgiveness for one minor traffic violation per policy term.
Conclusion
Getting a speeding ticket can be a stressful experience, but it shouldn’t mean that you’re stuck with higher car insurance rates for years to come. By being a responsible driver, following traffic laws and taking steps to minimize the impact of speeding tickets, you can keep your car insurance rates in Alberta affordable. Remember that insurance providers in Alberta consider your overall driving record when determining your insurance premiums, so it’s important to drive safely and avoid other traffic violations as well.