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Car insurance for international drivers in Canada: what you need to know.

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Auto insurance news

How traffic convictions and collisions impact your auto insurance rate

Among the more important factors weighed by car insurance companies when setting premiums is a person’s driving record, specifically, the kinds of convictions they have and the types of collisions they’ve been in.

These are the top 10 most ticketed cities in Alberta

These are the top 10 most ticketed cities in Alberta

Drivers who ignore the rules of the road may get slapped with a traffic conviction and higher auto insurance premiums for up to three years. Find out the most ticketed cities in Alberta.

Key findings:

  • Overall, 36% of Fort Saskatchewan drivers who got a car insurance quote from LowestRates.ca reported having a traffic ticket on their driving record, making it the most ticketed city in Alberta.
  • Drivers with one minor traffic conviction may not see their auto insurance rate change; however, those with two or more convictions can expect their premium to rise by at least 25%.

About the author

Hayley Vesh is an editor/writer in the personal finance space. Her work has also appeared in Global News. She is passionate about financial literacy and the pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning.

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March 9, 2023

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What kind of auto insurance do you need if you drive for Uber or Lyft?

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Can you get a vacant home insurance policy?

If you're planning on travelling during the holidays, just purchased property that you're not moving into right away, or if you happen to own a space that you haven't rented out yet, you may want to familiarize yourself with the insurance implications when it comes to that vacant space.

What income do you need to afford a $1-million house in Toronto?

What income do you need to afford a $1-million house in Toronto?

Is owning a house in Toronto even possible anymore? Well, the reality is, it depends on how much you make. We break down exactly what salary you have to take home to afford a $1-million house in the Big Smoke.

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Oh, Toronto housing.

Until recent years, hopeful homebuyers in Toronto would often start their housing journey by scooping up a starter home. In many cases, they could get a single-detached home with a few bedrooms and a spacious backyard.

About the author

Jessica Mach is a freelance writer for LowestRates.ca. She's covered the documentary film industry at realscreen, and her work has also appeared in The Hairpin.

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Canadian First-time Homebuyers Guide 2023

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Government of Canada programs to support homebuyers in 2023

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How much life insurance do I need? Three ways Canadians can decide

You’ve been putting it off for far too long and you know that you need to make a decision. 

REPORT: The most popular fuel types among used vehicles in Canada

Key findings

  • Gasoline is both the most popular and most widely available fuel type. On average, 75% of Canadians viewed used gas vehicles in Q3 2021 on Carpages.ca, and more than 12,000 gas stations are currently operating in Canada.
Replacement value is central to home insurance pricing. Here’s why

Rebuilding a property from the baseboards up after a fire, explosion, or extensive water damage is any homeowner’s worst nightmare.

Mortgage Default Insurance Calculator

Mortgage Default Insurance Calculator

When you buy a home in Canada with a down payment that is less than 20%, you’re required to buy mortgage default insurance. This type of insurance protects the lender if you default on your mortgage payments.

This type of insurance is also referred to as “CMHC insurance” because the country’s largest provider is the government-owned Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). However, you can also obtain mortgage insurance from two private insurance companies: Sagen (formerly Genworth Canada) and Canada Guaranty.

Today’s lowest rates in

How to calculate mortgage default insurance rates

Whether you obtain mortgage insurance from the CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty, all three providers charge the same premiums. Premiums are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, based on the down payment. The loan-to-value ratio measures the size of the loan against the price of the property being purchased.

How to pay mortgage default insurance premiums

There are two options for paying your mortgage default insurance:

Private mortgage insurance in Canada

Mortgage default insurance is often referred to as “CMHC insurance” because the Crown corporation is Canada’s largest provider, owning an estimated 46% market share. But if a homebuyer doesn’t meet the CMHC’s strict qualifications, they can seek out mortgage insurance from two privately owned insurance companies: Sagen and Canada Guaranty.

About the author

The LowestRates.ca writing team focuses on telling original stories and bringing you the latest news in the world of personal finance.

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This is how the car you drive affects your insurance rate

This article has been updated from a previous version. 

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