Nova Scotia Car Insurance

Learn about how to get car insurance in Nova Scotia

Car insurance in Nova Scotia is one of the many things you need to get to drive legally in the province. Fortunately for residents, you have some of the most affordable rates in the entire country.

So, whether you are driving up to Peggy’s Cove, along the Cabot Trail or residing in a coastal community or a larger city such as Halifax or Sydney, you can have the confidence in knowing you are saving on Nova Scotia car insurance.

Here we will outline how car insurance works in the province. Get get some great tips to find the lowest rates and save.

NOTE: Auto insurance is currently not available through ThinkInsure in Nova Scotia.

Key takeaways about Nova Scotia car insurance

Nova Scotia has some of the most affordable car insurance rates in Canada
Insurance is mandatory, and Nova Scotia is a no-fault province
Insurance is available through insurance companies and brokers

How does car insurance in Nova Scotia work?

cars are parked in froont of colourful wooden row houses

Auto insurance is available through private insurance companies. They compete for your business by issuing competitive pricing. You shop the market to assess coverage and premium options.

The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance regulates insurance. They enforce the Insurance Act and manage disputes between insurers and drivers.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) must approve rate changes. They ensure all drivers are subject to fair premiums.

Nova Scotia car insurance requirements

All drivers must have a minimum of $500,000 in third party liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Without this, you cannot register your vehicle, and you cannot drive legally.

Is Nova Scotia a no-fault insurance province?

Yes. The province operates using a no-fault insurance system. This means you deal with your insurance company to file claims, regardless of who is at fault.

Can I get temporary car insurance in Nova Scotia?

Standard car insurance policies are valid for 6 or 12 months. You do have the option to apply for a 30-day temporary insurance permit.

Mandatory Nova Scotia car insurance

Insurance is required by law. You are required to have an insurance policy with the following protection:

Your plan also includes these supplementary benefits:

Medical payments: up to $50,000.
Funeral expense benefits: Up to $2,500.
Disability income benefits: 80% of gross weekly income; 104 weeks partial disability; lifetime if disabled; maximum $250/week.
Death benefits: Death of head of household or spouse $25,000. Death of dependant $5,000.

Optional car insurance in Nova Scotia

You have the choice to add additional coverage for more protection. Policy add-ons include:

You also can add insurance endorsements or, Standard Endorsement Forms (SEF) for specific types of protection. Some of the most added plans are:

SEF 44 – Family Protection
SEF 43 R & L – Limited waiver of depreciation
SEF 40 – Fire, theft deductible
SEF 20 – loss of use
SEF 19 – Actual cash value
SEF 13C – Glass exclusion

How much is car insurance in Nova Scotia?

The average cost of car insurance in Nova Scotia is $1,066 per year. This works out to about $89 per month. Drivers pay some of Canada's lowest premiums Compared to other provinces. Residents are saving hundreds of dollars per year when you compare to car insurance rates in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C. Halifax and Cape Breton residents pay more than people in smaller towns across the province.

Why are insurance rates so low in Nova Scotia?

Because of government car insurance reforms, Nova Scotia has some of the most affordable rates. They were first introduced in 2003 and have resulted in a reduction of premiums by about 30%. The government provides you with a larger selection of plans and providers to choose from.

The province also offers the “First Chance Discount.” This gives new drivers credit for three years of driving experience and six if they complete driver training. This significantly reduces costs for novice drivers. These steps have helped to make coverage more affordable.

What factors impact Nova Scotia auto insurance?

There are a lot of considerations used by insurers to set your rates. Here are some of the most common factors affecting your premiums:

Your profile: Where you live, age, gender, insurance and driving record, vehicle.
Insurance data: The level of risk in your region – accidents, theft, claims.
The formula used by insurers: Individual insurers weigh factors differently when setting premiums.
Coverage selection: The type of coverage, limits, and deductible.
Vehicle How much you drive and how you use your car.

How can I get the lowest car insurance in Nova Scotia?

There are many ways you can save more on your insurance policy. Here are some of the most common :

Comparing your options annually
Staying conviction free
Install winter tires
Qualifying for insurance discounts – group, student, senior, multi-vehicle, bundling
Staying loyal to your insurer
Increase your deductible

Speak to your insurance company or broker to identify even more ways to save.

Nova Scotia auto insurance FAQs

Is car insurance more affordable in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Car insurance in Nova Scotia is below the national average. You typically pay a few hundred dollars per year less than those in other provinces.

How much is car insurance in Nova Scotia for a new driver?

New drivers in the province will pay more than experienced ones. How much more you will pay will depend on your specific situation. Do you have your vehicle, or are you on your parents’ plan? Do you have a clean record? Did you complete driving school? These and many other factors will affect how much you pay.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Nova Scotia?

The rules for driving without insurance in Nova Scotia are strictly enforced. You must pay a fine from $2,000 to $4,000 on your first offence or spend 45 days in jail. You will also be classified as high risk driver. This will spike your future insurance rates. Penalties for additional offences are as follows:

1st offence: $2,000 to $4,000 or 45 days in jail. Possible car impoundment for 90 days.
2nd offence: $3,000 to $5,000 or 90 days in jail.

How long do tickets stay on your record in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia operates using a point system. Each conviction is assigned a number of points based on its severity. Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the driving conviction. After two years they will be removed from your record. However, most insurance companies consider tickets when assessing your rates for 3 or more years.

Does Nova Scotia have graduating licencing?

Yes. The province has a graduated licencing program (GLP). You will need to complete 3 steps to become fully licenced:

Class 7 Learner’s licence – level 1: You must be 16 and have your parents’ consent. You need to pass a written test about road rules and a road test. A class 5 driver must accompany you. Zero BAC.
Class 7 Learner’s licence – level 2: You need to have your level 1 licence for 12 months – 8 months if you take driver training. You must pass a level 2 road test. You are limited to 3 passengers. Zero BAC.
Class 5 full driver’s licence: You have your level 1 and level 2 licence for 12 months each.

Who are the best car insurance companies in Nova Scotia?

There are dozens of insurance companies in the province. Each one has unique insurance products and services to offer. In this sense, no one in particular is the best. What is most important is to find an insurer that can provide you with the right policy to meet your unique driving needs.

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2024-07-25