Auto Insurance question

[Scrambler]

I finally bought my auto insurance so I can take those expired BC plates off my car and drive again. This was the first time I bought insurance in Alberta.

I have now realized that I gave them my drivers abstract but not my claims history (had one accident). I'm used to ICBC, where the insurance and driving services are all done by the same crown corporation. Normally when you give your drivers abstract to them, it pulls up everything.

They've sold me the policy, but I believe they don't know about the accident in BC. I don't want to be a scammer, but I'm also worried about telling them about an old accident after they've already sold me a policy.

[Nancy]

I would guess that they will come back and ask you for your claims history and proof of prior insurance, and then will reassess your premium.

[Scrambler]

Originally Posted by Nancy

I would guess that they will come back and ask you for your claims history and proof of prior insurance, and then will reassess your premium.

That's kind of what I was thinking, I'll wait for them to come to me, not go to them. If they do a background check on my vehicle's VIN then of course they'll see it, if they don't well then I guess I save on insurance. It's not a scam, I can tell them that I was unfamiliar with the process as auto insurance is done quite differently in Alberta than what I've been used to in the past.

[ken0042]

I'd say you should be fine unless you specifically lie to them. Or, about this at least. It would be one thing to omit telling them your license is suspended until 2027, but this is different. They asked for your driving history in the form of an abstract. There is no reason to assume that they wouldn't get your insurance history from your previous insurance company.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Scrambler

I finally bought my auto insurance so I can take those expired BC plates off my car and drive again. This was the first time I bought insurance in Alberta.

I have now realized that I gave them my drivers abstract but not my claims history (had one accident). I'm used to ICBC, where the insurance and driving services are all done by the same crown corporation. Normally when you give your drivers abstract to them, it pulls up everything.

They've sold me the policy, but I believe they don't know about the accident in BC. I don't want to be a scammer, but I'm also worried about telling them about an old accident after they've already sold me a policy.

Did they ask you about any accidents or anything?

I would be careful because this could be something they could list as "fraud" and then you wouldn't get any type of coverage if something happens.

It will suck to pay more money but in the long run it could be worth it for you.

[jydk]

They must be rating you as a new driver. What is done is when you first apply not having your claims experience letter and drivers abstract they rate you as if you just got your licence today. So you would be a 0 on the grid and a 1-1 merit. If you want to get your ICBC letter just call 1 800 663 3051 and press 3. They can email it to you right away. Depending on how long you have had your licence it will probably be cheaper once you give them your ICBC letters. If you are young (under 25) and not had your licence for more the 5 years then it will probably be more. When you applied it is standard on the application to ask where you've lived the last 6 years and where you have all been licenced. As soon as you say BC they will want your letters. Also they will have asked you if you've had any claims. If you told them no and did in fact have one, they could deny any claims you might have in the future for non-disclosure.

[Scrambler]

Originally Posted by jydk

They must be rating you as a new driver. What is done is when you first apply not having your claims experience letter and drivers abstract they rate you as if you just got your licence today. So you would be a 0 on the grid and a 1-1 merit. If you want to get your ICBC letter just call 1 800 663 3051 and press 3. They can email it to you right away. Depending on how long you have had your licence it will probably be cheaper once you give them your ICBC letters. If you are young (under 25) and not had your licence for more the 5 years then it will probably be more. When you applied it is standard on the application to ask where you've lived the last 6 years and where you have all been licenced. As soon as you say BC they will want your letters. Also they will have asked you if you've had any claims. If you told them no and did in fact have one, they could deny any claims you might have in the future for non-disclosure.

Yeah, I'm pretty close to your second category (young - not licensed for over 5 years). I switched my BC license to an AB license when I moved here and it showed up as a 'GDL' so the insurance company probably took as a new driver with no past insurance. Strangely enough though, they never did ask me where I've been for the last 6 years.

I suppose if I have no accidents for several years (naturally I surely don't plan to!) then I should be ok.

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Scrambler

I finally bought my auto insurance so I can take those expired BC plates off my car and drive again. This was the first time I bought insurance in Alberta.

I have now realized that I gave them my drivers abstract but not my claims history (had one accident). I'm used to ICBC, where the insurance and driving services are all done by the same crown corporation. Normally when you give your drivers abstract to them, it pulls up everything.

They've sold me the policy, but I believe they don't know about the accident in BC. I don't want to be a scammer, but I'm also worried about telling them about an old accident after they've already sold me a policy.

In Alberta, either you (or normally the broker) fill out an "Auto application". You then review it and sign off on it.

There is a question specifically related to accident history. If you do not declare an accident they do have the option to cancel your coverage for non-disclosure.

Most companies though will simply re-rate you to the correct risk catagory, in most cases resulting in an increased premium.

Years ago it was easy to "forget" to mention an accident in another province; but inter-provincial sharing of this information has advanced greatly.