Alberta drivers are paying some of the highest car insurance premiums in Canada, and the reason is clear: too many crashes. With increasing collision rates, severe winter conditions, and distracted driving on the rise, Alberta’s roads have become more dangerous than ever. Insurance companies use these statistics to justify skyrocketing premiums, but are they the real cause—or just an excuse?
Alberta’s Crash Rates Are Among the Worst in Canada
Alberta has one of the highest vehicle collision rates in the country. According to Alberta Transportation’s 2022 Annual Collision Report, there were:
- 135,000+ total vehicle collisions in Alberta
- 17,000+ crashes resulting in injuries
- 280+ fatal collisions
- 65% of all collisions occur in urban areas like Calgary and Edmonton
Compared to other provinces, Alberta’s numbers are staggering. In British Columbia, for example, the number of reported crashes is significantly lower per capita. Despite this, Alberta’s insurance premiums are almost double those in provinces like Saskatchewan or Manitoba, which have public auto insurance systems.
The Real Cause: More Dangerous Driving
Alberta’s increasing crash rates are driven by several key factors:
1. Distracted Driving Epidemic
Distracted driving is now responsible for nearly one-third of all collisions in Alberta. Texting, using GPS, and even eating while driving contribute to thousands of accidents every year. According to Alberta RCMP (rcmp-grc.gc.ca), distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than those focused on the road.
2. Harsh Winter Conditions
Alberta’s unpredictable weather makes driving riskier than in milder provinces. Snow, ice, and freezing rain contribute to nearly 50% of all crashes between November and March (alberta.ca). In comparison, provinces like British Columbia, which have milder winters, experience fewer weather-related collisions.
3. Increase in Speeding & Reckless Driving
Speeding remains one of the top causes of severe crashes in Alberta. RCMP statistics show that 40% of fatal collisions involve excessive speed (rcmp-grc.gc.ca). Despite strict penalties, speeding-related crashes continue to rise, putting more drivers at risk.
4. More Vehicles on the Road
With Alberta’s population growth, there are more cars on the road than ever before. Calgary and Edmonton, in particular, have seen massive increases in traffic congestion, leading to more accidents. Higher traffic volume means a higher chance of collisions—driving up insurance costs for everyone.
How Alberta Compares to Other Provinces
Here’s how Alberta stacks up against other provinces in both crash rates and insurance premiums:
| Province | Avg. Annual Crashes | Avg. Annual Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 135,000+ | $3,151 |
| British Columbia | 90,000+ | $1,775 |
| Ontario | 195,000+ | $2,299 |
| Saskatchewan | 25,000+ | $1,249 |
Even though Ontario has more crashes overall, its insurance rates are significantly lower than Alberta’s. Why? Ontario has a more regulated insurance system, while Alberta’s private insurers continue to raise rates unchecked.
Are Insurance Companies Taking Advantage?
While Alberta’s high crash rates are a factor, insurance companies are still turning record profits. Many argue that insurers are overcharging Alberta drivers while blaming the rising accident rates. In 2023, several insurance companies reported millions in extra revenue, despite claims of financial strain (canadianunderwriter.ca).
Conclusion: What Needs to Change?
Alberta’s rising crash rates are a problem, but that doesn’t mean drivers should be punished with soaring premiums. The government must take steps to:
- Improve road safety programs to reduce collisions.
- Increase penalties for distracted and reckless driving.
- Hold insurance companies accountable for excessive rate hikes.
Until then, Alberta drivers will continue to pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in Canada—whether they crash or not.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer today to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.