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HomeCar Insurance ResourcesDoes Changing Address or Moving Affect Car Insurance?

Yes, changing your address can affect your car insurance in Canada. Your insurance rate may change based on the new location, as different areas can have different risks associated with them such as crime rates, weather patterns, and driving conditions. Additionally, the distance you drive to work and other daily activities may change, which can also impact your insurance rate.

It’s important to inform your insurance company of your change of address so that your policy can be updated and your insurance rate can be adjusted accordingly. Failure to do so may result in your policy being cancelled or not providing coverage if you need to make a claim.

Average cost of car insurance after changing address in Canada

Here’s an updated example of average cost car insurance for after changing address in Canada, broken down by province and major city, including the percentage rate change up or down:

Province: Ontario

  • Major cities:
    • Toronto
      • Driver profile: Female, 30 years old, single, with 5 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2016 Honda Civic
      • Moved from North York to Scarborough
      • Average cost per year after moving: $1,400 – $1,800 (-12.5%)
      • Average cost per month after moving: $117 – $150 (-18.3%)
    • Ottawa
      • Driver profile: Male, 40 years old, married, with 10 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2019 Toyota RAV4
      • Moved from Orleans to Barrhaven
      • Average cost per year after moving: $1,300 – $1,600 (-7.1%)
      • Average cost per month after moving: $108 – $133 (-11.1%)

Province: Alberta

  • Major cities:
    • Calgary
      • Driver profile: Female, 25 years old, single, with 2 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2015 Honda Civic
      • Moved from downtown Calgary to Airdrie
      • Average cost per year after moving: $1,200 – $1,500 (-7.7%)
      • Average cost per month after moving: $100 – $125 (-6.8%)
    • Edmonton
      • Driver profile: Male, 35 years old, married, with 5 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2018 Toyota Camry
      • Moved from downtown Edmonton to St. Albert
      • Average cost per year after moving: $1,250 – $1,550 (+4.2%)
      • Average cost per month after moving: $104 – $129 (+4.0%)

Province: Quebec

  • Major cities:
    • Montreal
      • Driver profile: Male, 45 years old, married, with 15 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2016 Honda Accord
      • Moved from Plateau-Mont-Royal to Pointe-Claire
      • Average cost per year after moving: $850 – $1,250 (-5.6%)
      • Average cost per month after moving: $71 – $104 (-5.6%)

Province: Nova Scotia

  • Major cities:
    • Halifax
      • Driver profile: Female, 35 years old, married, with 8 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2017 Toyota Corolla
      • Moved from Clayton Park to Dartmouth
      • Average cost per year after moving: $850 – $1,200 (-5.6%)
      • Average cost per month after moving: $71 – $100 (-7.4%)

Notes:

  • The average cost of car insurance in Canada varies depending on various factors such as driving history, age, car model, and insurance coverage.
  • Moving from a densely populated area to a less populated area, or from a high crime area to a low crime area can generally result in lower insurance rates.
  • Insurance rates can also be influenced by the specific insurance provider, so it is recommended to shop around and compare rates from multiple providers.
  • In some cases, changing addresses can result in an increase in insurance rates, especially if the new area has higher rates of accidents, theft, or vandalism.
  • To save on car insurance after changing addresses, it is recommended to maintain a clean driving record, take advantage of any available discounts, and choose the right coverage for your needs and budget.
  • It is also important to update your insurance company with your new address as soon as possible to avoid any coverage issues.

Is it mandatory to inform my insurance company about my change of address?

calling

Yes, it is generally a good idea to inform your insurance company of a change of address. Your insurance policy is typically based on the assumption that you will be living and using your insured property at a specific address, and a change in address can affect the coverage and terms of your policy. For example, if you move to an area with a higher risk of theft or damage, your insurance company may need to adjust your premiums or policy terms to reflect the increased risk.

Additionally, if you don’t inform your insurance company about a change of address, and something happens at your new location that would have been covered under your insurance policy, your claim might be denied or delayed because your policy was not up-to-date.

So, to ensure that your insurance coverage remains in effect and that you receive the full protection you’re entitled to under your policy, it’s important to inform your insurance company of a change of address as soon as possible.

How will the distance I drive to work or other daily activities impact my insurance rate?

The distance you drive to work or other daily activities can impact your insurance rate in several ways.

One factor is the amount of time you spend on the road. If you drive a long distance to work or other activities, you will be spending more time on the road and will be at a higher risk of getting into an accident. This increased risk can affect your insurance rate.

Another factor is the type of driving you do. If your daily commute involves a lot of highway driving, you may be at a lower risk of accidents compared to someone who drives in heavy traffic or on rural roads. Your insurance company may take this into consideration when determining your insurance rate.

Additionally, the type of car you drive and the area you live in can also impact your insurance rate. If you drive a sporty car in a high-crime area, for example, you may have higher insurance rates than someone who drives a sedan in a low-crime area.

Overall, insurance companies consider many factors when determining your insurance rate, including your driving habits, the type of car you drive, and the area you live in. The distance you drive to work or other daily activities is just one of many factors that can impact your insurance rate.

What should I do if I change my address and forget to inform my insurance company?

If you change your address and forget to inform your insurance company, you should contact them as soon as you can to update your policy. You should provide your insurance company with your new address and any other relevant information, such as the date of your move and the type of dwelling you now live in.

It’s important to inform your insurance company of your change of address because your policy may be based on the assumption that you will be living and using your insured property at a specific address. A change in address can affect the coverage and terms of your policy, and if you don’t inform your insurance company, your policy might not provide the protection you expect if you need to make a claim.

Informing your insurance company of your change of address is also important for the protection of your personal information. Your insurance company may use your address to mail important policy information and to verify your identity, and updating your address will ensure that your information remains accurate and up-to-date.

Can I keep my car insurance policy if I move to a different city or province?

auto-insurance-policy

Yes, you can generally keep your car insurance policy if you move to a different city or province within your country. However, there may be some changes to your policy that you will need to be aware of, such as changes to your coverage or premium, based on the new location you will be driving in.

Insurance companies consider a variety of factors when determining your car insurance rate, such as the type of car you drive, your driving record, and the area you live in. If you move to a new city or province, some of these factors may change, which could affect your insurance rate. For example, if you move to an area with a higher crime rate, your insurance premium may go up to reflect the increased risk of theft.

How long does it take for my insurance rate to change after informing my insurance company about my change of address?

The amount of time it takes for your insurance rate to change after informing your insurance company about your change of address can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific circumstances.

In general, if you inform your insurance company about your change of address, they will review your policy and determine if any changes are necessary based on your new location. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the insurance company’s policies and procedures.

Once the review is complete, your insurance company will notify you of any changes to your policy, such as changes to your coverage or premium. If there are no changes to your policy, your insurance rate will remain the same.

Will my car insurance policy be cancelled if I don’t inform my insurance company about my change of address?

If you fail to inform your insurance company about a change of address, it could potentially lead to the cancellation of your car insurance policy. This is because your insurance company needs to have an up-to-date and accurate record of your contact information in order to effectively communicate with you and send you important policy documents and information.

Moreover, your change of address could impact your insurance coverage, as your insurance rates are typically based on your location and the level of risk associated with that area. So, it’s important to inform your insurance company about any changes to your address as soon as possible, to ensure that your coverage remains in force and that you are not at risk of having your policy cancelled.

How does the risk associated with my new location impact my insurance rate?

The risk associated with your new location can impact your insurance rate because insurance companies use actuarial data and statistical analysis to determine the likelihood of a claim being made and the cost of that claim. They then use that information to set insurance premiums.

Some factors that can affect the risk level of a location include:

  • Crime rate: High crime rates can increase the risk of theft or vandalism to your vehicle.
  • Weather patterns: Areas prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or hailstorms, can increase the risk of damage to your vehicle.
  • Road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as heavy traffic or a high number of accidents, can increase the risk of collision or other types of vehicle damage.
  • Availability of auto repair services: Areas with a high concentration of auto repair shops or other similar services may indicate a higher risk of accidents.

Based on these and other factors, insurance companies will assign a risk rating to each geographic area, which will then be used to determine insurance premiums for policyholders in that area. If you move to an area with a higher risk rating, your insurance premiums may go up, while moving to an area with a lower risk rating could result in lower premiums.

Are there any discounts available if I move to a location with a lower risk profile?

Yes, it’s possible that you may be eligible for discounts if you move to a location with a lower risk profile. Many insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who live in areas with a lower risk of accidents, theft, or other types of damage to their vehicles.

For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you move to a neighborhood with a lower crime rate or an area that has a lower frequency of severe weather events. You may also be eligible for discounts if you move to an area with good road conditions and a high concentration of auto repair services, as these factors can lower the risk of accidents or damage to your vehicle.

To find out if you are eligible for any discounts, it’s best to contact your insurance company and ask about their policy regarding discounts for living in low-risk areas. They will be able to provide you with more information and help you determine if you are eligible for any discounts based on your specific circumstances.

Keep in mind that different insurance companies may have different criteria for determining discounts, so it’s always a good idea to compare quotes from several different companies to find the best rate for your situation.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

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