car insurance for newcomers - how to keep it cheap?

[hassanbukhari]

Did you had any US road experience? How can you get such a low price from how long you are driving in Canada and when you get your G2.

My best quote so far is from a Desjardins (sP?) general insurance in Ontario. It's only about $200 a month, at $100 more a month for our two cars and I do have a accident, low claim (under $1500) from 5 months ago otherwise a claim/toicket/blemish free for 15 years record. I had tried at least 5 other places and all were at least $50 more a month.
They did ask about our records and claims, ect not sure how it did actually play in though.

 

[can_usa_97]

Did you had any US road experience? How can you get such a low price from how long you are driving in Canada and when you get your G2.

Yeah I've had my US license for 15 years, and my husband had a Canadian temp for 2 years and a US license for 13 but he's older as well, by 3 years. We are 30 and 33 yrs old.

 

[hassanbukhari]

That's the reason why you get the good rate.

 

[TatianaWintherWaisanen]

As an illegal immigrant in Canada myself can I apply for a driver's license here, and to practice here I am in London Ontario and I also want to get and find out the car insurances that are there for illegal immigrants, or if there are also private car insurances for illegal immigrants here in Canada, it' s just that I will have to apply for a driver's license here first they have here.
What is the best way to get affordable car insurance as a newcomer to Canada? They seem to rip off immigrants from what I have seen by the sample quotes I have been getting...
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[NetMecca]

Depending on the type of vehicle you purchase and whether or not you have financing on the vehicle, the type of coverage that you purchase will have a direct affect on your premium. If you purchase a vehicle cash or outright the only insurance you are absolutely required to have in Canada is Third party liability coverage. This will cover damage to property of or injury to others, but will not cover your own damage. Eg. Collision with another vehicle (your fault) insurance should pay for repairs to other party's vehicle, as well as potentially injuries to the drivers. Your own damage however will not be covered, so you will have to pay yourself to repair your own vehicle. this may save you some money.

The no claim letter is also a good idea though I have found it has limited value, and often insurers will not give you the full benefit of your years of claim free driving in another country. Most will give you some benefit, but not all.

I suggest that when you arrive you find a licensed insurance broker to discuss all these options with. They will give you the best advice.

Good luck with your journey. It is stressful and a little fun to figure all these things out.

 

[Diego Perez]

If you think insurance in Canada is expensive, try looking at what it costs in the UK

Since I was 25 I haven't paid more than £500 for comprehensive car insurance (I drove Ford, Mazda, Volvo) which includes every possible benefit (key cover, legal, RAC including home start, etc). Car insurance in the UK is very cheap compared to Canada.

 

[Hurlabrick]

Since I was 25 I haven't paid more than £500 for comprehensive car insurance (I drove Ford, Mazda, Volvo) which includes every possible benefit (key cover, legal, RAC including home start, etc). Car insurance in the UK is very cheap compared to Canada.

Totally agree! Car insurance in the UK is VERY cheap compared to Canada. I had full NCD in the UK and paid £GBP350 per annum for a Nissan 350Z sports car! I now pay $CAD1800 odd per annum for a Nissan Murano as they would not give me more than 1 year no claims despite that I had proof of 30 years no claims from the UK - just the way it is. Not complaining, just observing!

 

[canuck78]

Totally agree! Car insurance in the UK is VERY cheap compared to Canada. I had full NCD in the UK and paid £GBP350 per annum for a Nissan 350Z sports car! I now pay $CAD1800 odd per annum for a Nissan Murano as they would not give me more than 1 year no claims despite that I had proof of 30 years no claims from the UK - just the way it is. Not complaining, just observing!

Just wanted to mention it is variable by province so some provinces are better than others.

 

[Hurlabrick]

Just wanted to mention it is variable by province so some provinces are better than others.

Good point. For Canada, I am talking Ontario.