Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board

The AIRB does not provide quotes or recommendations for auto insurance. There are many things to consider when choosing auto insurance. We encourage Albertans to shop the insurance market to find the right policy for them. We also have resources to help you find an insurance company that meets your needs. If you are interested in obtaining a quote, contact your agent, broker or direct writer, or refer to our list of auto insurance companies.

The Ministerial Order defines a “Good Driver” as a driver who, irrespective of their number of years of driving experience, on the inception date of the renewal of their auto insurance policy, does not have:

• any at-fault claims in the previous six years,
• any criminal code convictions in the previous four years,
• any major convictions in the previous three years, and
• more than one minor conviction in the previous three years.

If you meet the definition of Good driver, have not moved, changed vehicles or added a new driver to your policy then contact your insurance company to find out why the Good Driver Rate Cap did not apply to you. 

Your rate is determined using a combination of factors, including your personal characteristics, type of vehicle, coverage amount, deductible, and insurance company. There are three ways to purchase auto insurance in Alberta. The option you choose is a matter of personal preference.

• Agent: An insurance agent sells the products offered by one company.
• Broker: An insurance broker has contracts to sell insurance for more than one insurance company.
• Direct Writer: A direct writer insurance company has its own sales employees to sell policies through an office, call centre, or website.

Many insurance companies and independent insurance quoting sites have tools to provide drivers with quotes. The AIRB encourages you to shop the market and use our rate comparison tool.

Use the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) "Find a Broker" tool.

Your insurance still applies when you lend your vehicle as long as:

• Your friend has the proper documents in case of an accident (insurance, registration, etc.)
• Your friend has a valid drivers license
• You gave verbal or written permission for the friend to drive your car (i.e. your friend didn’t steal your car).

Learn who to contact with questions or concerns about your insurance rates.

A grid step is a position on a scale that measures licensed experience and at-fault accident claims. Each step is associated with a percentage used in the grid rate calculation.

Ride-share drivers should be aware that the standard personal auto insurance policy excludes coverage for any vehicle used for carrying passengers for compensation or hire. Learn more about the insurance needed to be a ride-share driver.

The Government of Alberta introduced DCPD as part of the Automobile Insurance Reforms announced in October 2020. It was effective for all policies in Alberta on January 1, 2022. The main intent of this change is to provide Alberta drivers with an efficient way to process vehicle damage claims. If a driver is in an accident, they will work directly with their insurance company instead of the other party’s insurance company. This process allows for a more efficient and customer-focused claims process. DCPD is part of the mandatory coverage for Alberta drivers. DCPD changes who pays, not what is paid for.

Refer to the Alberta Government website for a list of endorsements available to Alberta drivers. Ask your broker or agent which ones are appropriate for your needs.