Best car insurance companies for immigrants in Canada

The best car insurance for immigrants in Canadian provinces will depend on a number of factors, such as the driver’s driving history, the type of vehicle they drive, their coverage needs, and their budget. However, here are some insurance companies that are known to offer car insurance coverage to immigrants in Canada:

1. Intact Insurance: Intact Insurance is one of the largest insurance companies in Canada and is known for offering a range of insurance products, including car insurance. They have a team of brokers who can help immigrants find the right coverage for their needs.
2. Desjardins Insurance: Desjardins Insurance is a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, one of the largest financial institutions in Canada. They offer a range of insurance products, including car insurance, and are known for their customer-friendly approach.
3. Allstate Insurance: Allstate Insurance is a large, multinational insurance company that offers car insurance coverage in Canada. They have a range of coverage options and are known for their competitive pricing and customer service.
4. belairdirect: belairdirect is a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation and offers car insurance coverage in Canada. They have a user-friendly online platform and are known for their competitive pricing and flexible coverage options.
5. The Co-operators: The Co-operators is a Canadian-owned insurance company that offers car insurance coverage in Canada. They have a network of insurance advisors who can help immigrants find the right coverage for their needs.

It’s important to note that the best car insurance for immigrants in Canadian provinces will depend on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. It’s a good idea to compare quotes from different insurance companies and speak to a licensed insurance broker or agent to find the best coverage for your needs.

Getting Cheap Car Insurance for Immigrants to Canada

Here are 20 tips to help immigrants find affordable car insurance coverage:

1. Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage for your needs and budget.
2. Know your coverage needs: Consider factors such as the type of vehicle you drive, your driving history, and your coverage requirements when choosing a car insurance policy.
3. Consider liability coverage: Liability coverage is mandatory in Canada, and it pays for damages or injuries you cause to other drivers in an accident.
4. Maintain a good driving record: A clean driving record can help you get lower insurance rates.
5. Take a defensive driving course: Some insurance companies may offer discounts for taking a defensive driving course.
6. Buy a car with safety features: Cars with safety features, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, can help lower insurance rates.
7. Bundle your insurance policies: Combining your car insurance with other insurance policies, such as home insurance, can result in discounts.
8. Pay annually: Paying for car insurance annually can be less expensive than monthly payments.
9. Increase your deductible: Raising your deductible can lower your monthly insurance payments.
10. Keep your car in a secure location: Storing your car in a garage or a secure location can help lower your insurance rates.
11. Use public transportation when possible: The less you drive, the lower your insurance rates will be.
12. Avoid filing small claims: Filing too many small claims can result in higher insurance rates.
13. Maintain a good credit score: A good credit score can help lower your insurance rates.
14. Ask about discounts: Ask your insurance company about discounts for things like having multiple vehicles, being a homeowner, or having a good driving record.
15. Choose a higher deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can result in lower insurance rates.
16. Drive a low-risk vehicle: Driving a low-risk vehicle, such as a sedan, can result in lower insurance rates compared to driving a high-risk vehicle, such as a sports car.
17. Limit the number of drivers on your policy: Adding too many drivers to your policy can increase your insurance rates.
18. Consider telematics: Telematics is a technology that tracks your driving habits and can result in lower insurance rates if you’re a safe driver.
19. Choose the right coverage: Make sure you choose the right coverage for your needs, and don’t over-insure or under-insure your vehicle.
20. Review your policy annually: Review your car insurance policy annually to make sure it still meets your needs and to look for any potential discounts or changes in rates.

The average cost of car insurance for immigrants or newcomers in Canada

here’s an example of average cost car insurance for immigrants/newcomers in Canada, broken down by province and major city:

Province: Ontario

• Average cost per year: $1,500 – $2,000
• Average cost per month: $125 – $167
• Major cities:
  • Toronto
    • Driver profile: Male, 35 years old, married, with 5 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2018 Toyota Camry LE
    • Average cost per year: $1,600 – $2,200
    • Average cost per month: $133 – $183
  • Ottawa
    • Driver profile: Female, 30 years old, single, with 2 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2019 Honda Civic LX
    • Average cost per year: $1,400 – $1,800
    • Average cost per month: $117 – $150

Province: Alberta

• Average cost per year: $1,200 – $1,500
• Average cost per month: $100 – $125
• Major cities:
  • Calgary
    • Driver profile: Male, 40 years old, married, with 10 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2020 Ford F-150 XLT
    • Average cost per year: $1,300 – $1,600
    • Average cost per month: $108 – $133
  • Edmonton
    • Driver profile: Female, 25 years old, single, with 1 year of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2017 Toyota Corolla
    • Average cost per year: $1,200 – $1,500
    • Average cost per month: $100 – $125

Province: Quebec

• Average cost per year: $800 – $1,200
• Average cost per month: $67 – $100
• 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
    • Average cost per year: $900 – $1,300
    • Average cost per month: $75 – $108
  • Quebec City
    • Driver profile: Female, 35 years old, single, with 7 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2015 Mazda3
    • Average cost per year: $800 – $1,200
    • Average cost per month: $67 – $100

Province: Nova Scotia

• Average cost per year: $900 – $1,200
• Average cost per month: $75 – $100
• Major cities:
  • Halifax
    • Driver profile: Male, 28 years old, single, with 4 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2018 Hyundai Elantra
    • Average cost per year: $1,000 – $1,300
    • Average cost per month: $83 – $108
  • Sydney
    • Driver profile: Female, 50 years old, married, with 20 years of driving experience, no accidents or tickets, driving a 2014 Toyota RAV4
    • Average cost per year: $900 – $1,200
    • Average cost per month: $75 – $100

Note: The above rates are approximate and can vary based on several factors like driving experience, age, car model, insurance coverage, and more.

What is a letter of experience in insurance?

A letter of experience (LOE) is a document that is used in the car insurance industry to provide information about an individual’s driving history and insurance history. The letter of experience is typically requested by insurance companies when an individual is applying for car insurance, or when they are renewing their existing policy.

The LOE provides information about an individual’s driving record, including any accidents, claims, and traffic violations. It also provides information about their insurance history, including the length of time they have been insured, their claims history, and any previous insurance coverage they may have had.

Insurance companies use the information in the LOE to determine the individual’s level of risk and to determine their insurance rates. The LOE is an important document for individuals who are seeking car insurance coverage, as it helps insurance companies assess their risk and determine if they are eligible for coverage.

How do I get an insurance history letter?

To obtain an insurance history letter, also known as a letter of experience (LOE), you can follow these steps:

1. Contact your current or previous insurance company: Contact the insurance company that you have or had a policy with and request a letter of experience. You may be able to make this request over the phone, via email, or through the company’s online portal.
2. Provide the necessary information: You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and policy number. You may also need to provide your address and driver’s license number.
3. Wait for the letter to arrive: Once you have provided the necessary information, your insurance company will generate the LOE and send it to you. This process can take several days to several weeks, depending on the insurance company.
4. Review the letter: When you receive the LOE, review it carefully to make sure all the information is accurate. If you find any errors, contact your insurance company and request that they be corrected.

Note that different insurance companies may have different procedures for generating an LOE, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company for specific instructions.

How does experience (LOE) for car insurance look like?

Here is an example of a letter of experience (LOE) for car insurance:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to provide you with my insurance history for the purpose of obtaining car insurance coverage. I have been a responsible driver for [number of years] and have a clean driving record with no accidents or violations.

I am currently insured with [current insurance company name] and have been a policyholder with them for [length of time]. During this time, I have not made any claims or filed any complaints with the insurance company.

I am now in the process of obtaining car insurance coverage for a new vehicle and I would like to provide you with my insurance history for your review. I have enclosed a copy of my current insurance policy for your reference.

Thank you for considering my request. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

FAQs

Here are some FAQs related to car insurance for immigrants/newcomers:

1. Is it necessary for immigrants/newcomers to have car insurance in Canada? Yes, it is mandatory for all drivers in Canada, including immigrants and newcomers, to have car insurance before driving on public roads.
2. Can immigrants/newcomers get car insurance in Canada with a foreign driver’s license? Yes, some insurance companies in Canada may accept foreign driver’s licenses for a limited time, but it is recommended to obtain a Canadian driver’s license to avoid any issues.
3. Are car insurance rates for immigrants/newcomers higher than for Canadian citizens? It depends on several factors, including driving history, age, car model, and insurance coverage. However, immigrants and newcomers may face higher rates due to lack of driving experience in Canada and other factors.
4. Can an immigrant/newcomer get a discount on car insurance? Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts for various reasons, such as good driving record, low mileage, and more. It is recommended to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
5. What should immigrants/newcomers consider when choosing car insurance in Canada? Some factors to consider when choosing car insurance include coverage options, deductibles, premium rates, customer service, and any discounts or promotions. Additionally, it is important to understand the insurance policy details and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
6. Can an immigrant/newcomer transfer their driving history from their home country to Canada? In some cases, yes. Immigrants and newcomers may be able to transfer their driving history to Canada if they can provide proof of their driving experience, such as a driver’s abstract or insurance record. However, this may not always be possible, and it is recommended to check with the local authorities for specific requirements.
7. What happens if an immigrant/newcomer gets into a car accident without insurance? Driving without insurance is illegal in Canada, and immigrants and newcomers who are caught driving without insurance may face fines, penalties, and even legal action. Additionally, they may be responsible for paying for any damages or injuries caused in the accident out of pocket.
8. Can an immigrant/newcomer add a family member to their car insurance policy? Yes, most insurance companies allow policyholders to add family members to their car insurance policy. This can be a good option for immigrants and newcomers who want to share a car with a spouse or other family member.
9. How can immigrants/newcomers find the best car insurance rates in Canada? It is recommended to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal. Additionally, immigrants and newcomers can consider taking a defensive driving course, which may help lower their insurance rates.
10. What should immigrants/newcomers do if they are not familiar with Canadian car insurance laws? Immigrants and newcomers can seek the help of a trusted insurance broker or agent who can explain Canadian car insurance laws and regulations, answer any questions, and help them choose the right insurance policy for their needs.
11. How can immigrants/newcomers save on car insurance in Canada? Some ways to save on car insurance in Canada include taking a defensive driving course, increasing the deductible, bundling car insurance with other types of insurance, and maintaining a good driving record.
12. How long does it take for immigrants/newcomers to get car insurance in Canada? The process of getting car insurance in Canada can vary depending on the insurance company and the individual’s circumstances. It is recommended to start shopping around for car insurance as soon as possible to ensure you have coverage before driving on public roads.
13. Can immigrants/newcomers cancel their car insurance policy at any time? Most insurance companies allow policyholders to cancel their car insurance policy at any time, but there may be penalties or fees associated with early cancellation. It is recommended to check with the insurance company for specific details.
14. What should immigrants/newcomers do if they are involved in a car accident in Canada? If an immigrant or newcomer is involved in a car accident in Canada, they should exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, take photos of the scene and damages, and notify the police and their insurance company as soon as possible. It is recommended to seek legal or professional advice if needed.