What to know about auto insurance when you move to a new province
If you're moving to a new province there’s more to do than pack your belongings and find a new place to live. You also need to transfer your driver’s license and obtain new car insurance because each province has its own set of rules and regulations. The good news is the process can be very easy.
Here are four steps you can follow to transfer your auto insurance to a new province:
1. Contact your current insurance company
Although each province has its own rules when it comes to how drivers need to be insured, your current insurance provider may be able to cover you when you move. Keeping your existing policy and making changes can be a cost efficient option and easier to transition because cancelling your current policy and finding a new provider can come with fees.
If you need to cancel your old insurance policy, keep a record of when and how you contacted your previous insurance provider and make sure your new insurance policy is in place before you cancel. The last thing you want to do is be caught on the road without valid auto insurance because that can lead to big fines. Don’t wait too long to cancel your old policy, though, because you don’t want to be stuck paying two sets of auto insurance premiums.
2. Shop around for the best auto insurance rates
If your current insurance provider is unable to continue your coverage, you need to shop around for new auto insurance. Get at least three quotes from new insurance companies before choosing one. Be sure to compare apples to apples. You need to make sure that you compare the same type and amount of insurance for the same make and model of car. This will ensure you’re getting the best deal on the coverage you need.
Also ask for all applicable discounts when shopping around for the best insurance rates including discounts for having a good credit score, a clean driving record, and using telematics.
3. Know the minimum requirements
Not only does each province have its own requirements for the minimum amount of insurance drivers need to have, some provinces also regulate where and how you buy your insurance. If you’re relocating to British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan you’re required to purchase insurance from the provincial government.
In these three provinces the insurance providers are as follows:
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
- Manitoba Public Insurance
- Saskatchewan Government Insurance also known as the Saskatchewan Auto Fund
4. Get a new driver’s license
Not only do you need to purchase new car insurance when you relocate to a new province, you also need to get a new driver’s license. The good news is that most provinces simply exchange your old license for a new one. However, you'll still need a visit to your province's transportation bureau.
Each province requires you to exchange your licence within a certain period of time after moving. You can check the DMV for your new province to get the exact rules, but remember that sooner is always better.