Car Insurance in Nova Scotia
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 always be by your side, from the Cabot Trail to Peggy’s Cove.
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 Nova Scotia
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.
Making the most of your Nova Scotia road trip
Planning a Nova Scotia road trip? Follow these practical tips so that you can make the most of everything the province has to offer.
- Before hitting the road, check your vehicle:
- Make sure all your tires are properly inflated.
- If appropriate, ensure you have proper winter tires to help you manage in snowy or icy conditions.
- Make sure all your vehicle’s fluids (oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, etc.) are all topped up to a proper level.
- Make sure your wipers are functioning properly for frosty conditions or unexpected showers.
- Understand the drive and plan your stops:
- Check traffic apps to find out the best routes and times to avoid delays.
- Book your accommodations early. Nova Scotia is a popular tourist destination!
- Learn some of the history of the places you’ll be visiting. Road trips are all about discovering new things.
Enjoy your adventure!
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 licence. 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 is a coverage available in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.
Direct Compensation Property Damage means that you deal with your own insurance company for a claim, regardless of who is at fault for the accident and your claim will be processed without waiting for a third party decision. In some provinces, this covers damage to your vehicle and/or its contents if another person was fully or partly at fault for the accident.
It is called direct compensation because even though someone else causes the damage, you collect directly from your insurance company. It is a standard inclusion in your policy when you purchase third party liability insurance.
No-Fault Insurance means you deal with your own insurance company for a claim, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This means you can be reimbursed without waiting for legal responsibility to be decided for most types of injuries.
Fault is still assigned, even though we use the term no-fault insurance. Insurance companies estimate the degree of fault assigned to each driver as it affects premiums. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and PEI, this is based on fault charts or rules, to help keep decisions fair and consistent.
This coverage is available if you have an accident caused by someone who is uninsured (i.e. neither the owner or driver is insured) or not identifiable (for example, in a hit and run). You are covered by your own insurer thanks to Uninsured Motorist Cover (in Alberta) and Uninsured Automobile coverage (in other provinces). To qualify, the other driver has to have been at fault.
How much coverage is available?
You will be covered up to the statutory limit in the province where you live or the province where the accident took place, whichever is less. This is generally $200,000. The exceptions are Nova Scotia ($500,000) and Quebec ($50,000).
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.
