Topic: Alberta (Part 2)

[weebl]

So I have a little better idea of when I'll be settling down in Edmonton for my new job.  I certainly can't wait until Friday the 16th, the last day at my old job.  8 more working days including today.  Not that I'm counting or anything.   

I've figured out what needs to be done for licencing/registering our cars, and have just started to look into insurance.  And I thought you were supposed to have cheap insurance with private auto coverage!

Seems like most insursers either don't cover windshields, or if they do, the premiums are exhorbitant.  Are windshields cheap enough on a 2002 Protege and 2003 Golf to not worry about this?  Also, having been covered by ICBC, where no-fault claims have no effect on your insurance, I never worried about vandalism or glass claims in the past.  This seems to be taken into account for private coverage?

Lastly, our winshields hae some minor damage, and I understand there are very specific provisions about how severe the damage is before they must be replaced prior to importing the cars into Alberta.  If these BC claims (no skin off our backs in BC) affect us, would we really want new windshields installed in BC before moving?

Ideally, I wouldn't have either replaced, the damage is so minimal.  The Protege has two tiny chips, one about the size of a dime on the right side, not in the wiper covered area, and another very small one right in front of the driver.  Neither go beyond the outside glass layer.  I was led to believe by calling into the Department of Transportation that this would likely pass safety.  The gold on the other had has a crack at the very bottom left, out of normal view, maybe about 2 inches long.  About 2/3 of it runs into the area covered by the wipers.  This one is way more questionable.

Should I have these replaced before moving?

[tenpenny]

"And I thought you were supposed to have cheap insurance with private auto coverage!"

All the people with private insurance believe govt plans are cheaper, and vice versa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Drivesideways]

There's a reason why lots of folks who come here from Saskatchewan to work try to live here without "moving" here.

On the glass coverage, I decided several years ago I could drop glass coverage and save enough to pay for a new windshield every two years.  Seemed a reasonable risk to me.  Call around to a few shops and price the glass.

BTW...the provincial flower of Alberta should be...



I have no idea what to tell you about fixing your windshield before moving.

[AVToller]

"And I thought you were supposed to have cheap insurance with private auto coverage!"

All the people with private insurance believe govt plans are cheaper, and vice versa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not all the people. I've lived in BC since before ICBC was created, and I would hate to have to switch. I believe it is not only cheaper overall, but a better, fairer system than what one typically gets with private plans. 

[ovr50]

I've only lived in BC since 1980 so I wasn't here when it was private insurance; but I think that the Govt.-sponsored ICBC rates are very competitive and reasonable. I would say, based on comments posted here by ppl in AB and ON, that BCs rates are better. I would expect your insurance bill to rise in AB, Weebl. I would also replace the 2 windshields in BC and start in AB with clean slate and get the windshield insurance. You will need it (but maybe no more than those of us who drive the Coquilhala in winter... ).

Good luck.

[chris]

I'd suggest moving and getting the windshield changed when you get here (to Alberta) to avoid the PST - unless, of course, you can get the glass covered on your ICBC coverage!  Actually, I'd also call the inspection place in Alberta and see what they will accept with regards to the cracks.  You may get lucky and not have to change anything.  If you do, it may be cheaper here.

Personally I do not carry glass coverage as you'll end up paying for a new windshield every 2-3 years anyway AND risk increased premiums should you ever dare to claim something on insurance 

While I've currently got a crack in BOTH vehicles  I've found that, unless you're driving a lot on winter highways, serious cracks are not too big an issue. 

Oh, and regarding insurance, we get a "volume" discount as we've got our house and both vehicles covered under the same company.  You may want to check this out.


Chris... in Calgary