Car Insurance in Alberta
On top of being a legal requirement, getting the right car insurance protects you and your car in case of any emergencies. So, with car insurance through Johnson, we’ll be by your side from prairies to mountain peaks.
Insurance that goes the extra kilometre
Choose physical damage coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage
This covers against fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, windshield damage and other types of damage, not related to a collision.
Collision Coverage
This pays for damage caused by collision with another vehicle or object, or if your car rolls over.
All Perils Coverage
This covers your vehicle by combining Comprehensive and Collision coverages—and best yet, you’ll only pay one deductible.
Go the distance with these add-ons
Loss of Use
If your vehicle is getting repaired due to damage covered under your policy, we’ll get you a replacement or reimburse you for reasonable transportation costs.
Rental Vehicle
This covers damage to vehicles you drive, but don’t own—like a rental car. In some cases, you’ll also get access to other standard coverages.
Depreciation Waiver
A new car's value depreciates quickly. This cover adds value back to your vehicle in the event of a claim.*
Roadside Assistance
Popped tire? Locked out? Need a tow? Give us a call and we’ll get you help.
Enjoy more without paying more
Get these benefits with your car insurance, regardless of the coverages you choose.
24/7 Claims
Whenever you need us, we’ll be here to help. All day, every day.
First Accident Forgiveness
Available to eligible drivers because there’s a first time for everything, even accidents. With first accident forgiveness, your driving record at Johnson won’t change as a result.
What affects your rates in Alberta
Here’s the insider knowledge on what we look for when determining your premiums.
Your vehicle
We look at your car’s make, model, cost of parts, and claims history to see how likely it is to be involved in an accident or stolen.
Where you live
With more people and vehicles on the road, living in a larger urban area could increase the likelihood of an accident.
How much you drive
Do you commute or drive to different locations for work? Or just now and then for convenience? How often you’re behind the wheel could affect your rates.
You
Your experience on the road and any previous driving accidents or convictions could affect your rates.
Optional coverage
Any optional coverages you select will affect your rates. We’re happy to work with you to find the coverages that suit your needs best.
Your deductible
The higher the deductibles you choose, the lower your insurance rates are. However, higher deductibles mean you pay more upfront if an accident happens, so it’s important to find the balance that’s right for you.
The changing world of insurance
Beyond your circumstances, there are external factors that affect insurance rates for all Canadians; like the rising number of claims. In general, claims are becoming more frequent and more expensive due to:
- The rise of extreme weather events and weather-related accidents.
- Lower interest rates making cars more affordable—more cars on the road can lead to more collisions
- Increased instances of distracted driving, which can also cause collisions
- Vehicle technology advances increasing the cost of repair and part replacement
Learn more about what affects your car insurance rates on The BlogHouse.
More than just insurance
We know that our coverage is just the beginning. We'll help answer your questions and give you the tips and tricks you need before getting in the driver's seat.
Tips for driving in Alberta
Alberta’s unique geography makes it an amazing road trip destination, whether you’re planning a staycation in the province or visiting from farther away. Here are some things you should know when travelling from point A to B in AB:
- The weather can change unexpectedly in the mountains, so be ready for anything and pack accordingly! Snow in the summer is not unheard of and having your winter tires installed as early as October is a good idea.
- Make sure you keep an eye on your gas tank. You don’t want to be caught off guard, especially as you head into the Canadian Rockies.
- Alberta is known for its wildlife, and it’s very important to keep a careful eye out for animals while driving, especially at night.
- Be aware of controlled avalanches. These are occasionally set off in the Rockies to help reduce the impact of natural ones.
- Ensure you have your insurance documentation on hand, whether it’s the policy for your own vehicle or a car rental contract.
Safe travels!
Have questions? We’re here to answer them
Before getting behind someone else’s wheel, you need to know that your insurance does not necessarily follow you as a driver.
When driving someone else’s car, you would be covered under their insurance policy while driving their vehicle, as long as you:
- Have a valid Canadian driver’s license. Not from Canada? Travellers from outside Canada can check with the regulatory body of the province they will be driving in.
- Are using the vehicle with the owner’s permission.
- Haven’t committed a crime under Canada’s Criminal Code while operating your car.
- Don’t use the vehicle for one of the uses not allowed in the vehicle owner’s policy (for example, no racing)
- Are not specifically excluded from driving their vehicle.
If you have an accident while driving someone else’s car, you will need to present proof of insurance. You should make sure that you have this before borrowing the vehicle.
If the car's owner doesn't have insurance, there may still be limited coverage under your own policy to protect you, however, not all of your usual coverages are provided. Also, keep in mind that your coverage won’t apply when driving a car owned by someone else in your household.
This covers the cost of damage to your vehicle by something other than a collision or overturning. Examples are:
- Falling or flying objects
- Broken glass
- Vandalism
- Animal impact
It covers you against many types of damage, but there are some exclusions, including:
- Theft by a household member
- Damage caused by a breakdown
- Corrosion
This coverage is optional in most provinces, but if you finance or lease a vehicle, the financial institution may require you have it.
If you were at fault in the accident, you will be personally responsible for the damage to your vehicle. This also applies if you are in an accident and don’t know who hit you.
In Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories, if another driver was at fault, you can claim payment from that driver. In Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island you can claim from your own insurer, as long as you weren't at fault.
This is a very personal decision, and you'll want to make this decision on a case-by-case basis.
Here are some factors you may want to consider before making a claim:
- If the cost of the repair or replacement is not much more than your deductible, it may not make sense to make a claim. (The deductible is the amount you must pay before a claim is paid.)
- Will making a claim affect your future premiums? Your driving record is one of the factors that helps determine your premium, so it’s best to factor in the cost or repair/replacement versus the cost of a higher premium.
For auto incidents, you are legally required to report any damage, accident or loss to your insurer.
If you’re unsure, you can always ask one of our friendly and professional Service Specialists.
We want you to know that we’re still here to support you!
Read more about our COVID-19 relief efforts and get answers to your most common questions through our COVID-19 page.
