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I believe one of the shocks for Americans who move to Canada is the skyhigh auto insurance premium, possible 2-3 times higher than in the US. As far as I know, it is much harder and time-consuming to obtain a driver's license in Canada (especially Ontario), while in most US states, it is rather simple (and cheap). Theoretically, accident rates should be lower. But why is the insurance premium so much higher?
Why is it so high? It says that because of the medical claims, but I thought Canadians have universal healthcare.
I plan to bring my car up there but just for weekend and road trips. Do you think it's a bad idea to bring it and just rent a zipcar whenever I need it? By the way, planning to move to Vancouver downtown.
Provincial vehicle insurance rates vary a great deal across Canada. Ontario and BC are both high. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are low unless you are from here, in which case you complain about it anyway. There is a basic rate and basic coverage, which includes a certain deductible in the event of an at-fault accident, and then there are extras such as additional liability coverage that you can buy, or loss-of-use if you have to rent a vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired.
As far as health care is concerned, I know people who used to go running to MPIC with a claim for every minor fender bender and get a few thousand out of the insurance company for fairly vague injuries. Manitoba therefore introduced no-fault insurance to eliminate those types of minor claims. There was not a direct impact on universal health care, in that you would still be taken care of by the health care system but rather on the insurance company (which is publicly owned, not privatized) itself.
As I understand it, in at least some states, you aren't required to have collision insurance. That would certainly make a difference in premiums. Here's a link that might help you: The Differences Between Canadian and U.S. Car Insurance
But your best bet is to research the specific province you are moving to for the right information regarding that province, comparing basic coverage that you must have in order to be insured here.
As I understand it, in at least some states, you aren't required to have collision insurance. That would certainly make a difference in premiums. Here's a link that might help you: The Differences Between Canadian and U.S. Car Insurance
Whether or not you're required to have collision insurance is largely driven by whether you own the vehicle free-and-clear of any liens. If you took out a bank loan to buy the vehicle, or it's being leased, you'll have to have collision insurance. Liability insurance pays for damage to the other vehicle if you're at fault.
quote=grmasterb;9806920]Whether or not you're required to have collision insurance is largely driven by whether you own the vehicle free-and-clear of any liens. If you took out a bank loan to buy the vehicle, or it's being leased, you'll have to have collision insurance. Liability insurance pays for damage to the other vehicle if you're at fault.
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Thanks, I thought it was something like that. Here we have to have all the insurance - collision, liability and third party liability, regardless of whether the vehicle is paid for. I also hear sometimes about people in the US "adding" other people to their insurance policies. Here as long as there is a valid driver's license, all people driving vehicles are equally insured for all of the above things. (at least that's how it works in Manitoba). You can't opt out of that coverage.
Car insurance in Manitoba is even cheaper than the states but in Ontario it can twice or three times as high. In the US statefarm is the cheapest option for most people, in Canada its the most EXPENSIVE!!! My recommendation is to go with "Belairdirect" as they offer me cheapest rates for me.
Car insurance in Manitoba is even cheaper than the states but in Ontario it can twice or three times as high. In the US statefarm is the cheapest option for most people, in Canada its the most EXPENSIVE!!! My recommendation is to go with "Belairdirect" as they offer me cheapest rates for me.
You simply can't compare primiums in Manitoba with US provinces with large population, maybe with states like Maine or Montana.
Ontario should be compared with New York, Illiois etc.
I would say it's because the insurance companies, together with the Government, are a monopolistic and mafiotic alliance, that's why
Change of thought ...
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