Driving without insurance in Alberta, and all other Canadian provinces is against the law. If you are caught driving without proper coverage, you will face steep fines and other penalties.
As the costs continue rising, many drivers take risks and drive without a valid policy. This puts other drivers and themselves at risk.
This blog explains the repercussions of driving without insurance, fines, and penalties and answers common questions.
In Alberta, you are required to have valid insurance to drive. The Alberta Traffic Safety Act defines the law for insurance requirements :
54(1) Except as otherwise permitted under this Act, a person shall not do any of the following :
Drivers can face a number of penalties. You can face fines, a licence suspension, and see your premiums increase.
You will not be arrested or face criminal charges. However, you could face jail time for failure to pay fines for driving without a policy. You could be arrested if you are caught in a criminal act while driving with no insurance.
Getting caught driving without valid insurance will cost you :
The maximum fine for your first offence is $10,000. The maximum fine for a second offence is $20,000.
Many people take the risk of driving without it to save money; driving without insurance in Ontario is also a problem. Here are some reasons not to drive without insurance :
Many assume you’ll have demerit points added to your record if you are caught without insurance. You will not receive demerit points in Alberta for driving without insurance. But you will face a hefty fine.
Yes. A licensed driver operating an uninsured vehicle can be charged, even if the vehicle is not theirs. If you borrow a vehicle, you must confirm it has valid insurance. Failure to check could result in a fine. The owner of the uninsured vehicle could also be charged.
No. It is not a criminal offence. However, you could be charged with a criminal offence related to a motor vehicle accident as an uninsured driver.
Yes. A licence suspension can be ordered by a judge if they deems it necessary. The combination of having your licence suspended and getting charged for driving without car insurance in Alberta can have a significant impact on your premium and ability to get insured.
There is a significant financial risk. If you are found to be responsible for a collision, you are personally responsible for bodily injury costs. You could be sued and found liable.
The average cost per bodily injury claim is more than $15,000, and costs are on the rise. These costs will come out of your pocket.
One overlooked risk of driving without insurance is how you will react if you get into an accident. Many uninsured drivers are tempted to flee the scene of an accident to avoid fines and penalties. This will only make things worse.
If you get into an accident and leave the scene, you could also face hit-and-run charges—a $2,000 fine, the potential of six months in jail, and seven demerit points. You can also be charged under the criminal code of Canada and get a criminal record.
You are required to have proof with you at all times. The burden of proof is on the driver. Failure to produce evidence can result in a fine. There are no demerits associated with the ticket. Some police officers may allow you to prove you have insurance before they submit the ticket.
You also face a fine for driving without registration.
Getting caught can significantly impact your ability to get insured. It can result in :
Driving without car insurance in Canada is just not worth the risk. Contact us to find the best solution for your driving needs.
Categories | Auto |
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Tags | Auto Coverage |
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