Providing Flexible Car Insurance in Labrador
Labrador is a vast region on Canada’s northeastern edge, with sweeping vistas, coastal villages, and abundant natural resources. Even though it’s larger than Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island put together, Labrador has a population of just 26,500 people. Workers need car insurance in Labrador, but it’s important to choose coverage that fits the circumstances of each driver. Customizing terms can allow for greater protection where it matters and lower premiums.
What Factors Should Local Drivers Consider When Shopping for Car Insurance in Labrador?
Unlike Canadian regions with urban centres and bumper-to-bumper traffic, Labrador’s communities are relatively spread out. Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Central Labrador is home to about 7,000 families, and Labrador City in Western Labrador has a population of 7,400. With so many open spaces, driving risks can be different than the multi-vehicle car crashes more common in big-city environments.
Moose and Other Wild Animals
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to over 100,000 moose and 10,000 black bears. Moose can weigh up to 1,200 pounds, potentially causing serious damage when involved in car accidents. Other local wildlife includes woodland caribou, wolves, and coyotes.
To prepare for the risk of car accidents with moose or other wildlife, vehicle owners should invest in collision coverage. Collision car insurance covers many types of single-car crashes:
- Running into wildlife because of poor visibility
- Moose attacking a vehicle
- Sliding off the road because of slick conditions
- Hitting a telephone pole, tree, parked car, or other stationary object
There are roughly 500 moose-related crashes every year in the region. Good car insurance in Labrador is a smart investment.
Polar Weather Conditions
Drivers in Labrador also need to plan for tough road conditions: rain, slush, ice, snowstorms, and blizzards. Cities in the north experience polar weather, and Southern Labrador has a subarctic climate. The average annual temperature for the region is below zero, and the coldest days can reach minus 33 degrees Celsius. Frost appears during two-thirds of the year, so icy roads are common.
In addition to carrying collision coverage for vehicle repairs, it’s also wise to have personal injury car insurance coverage for accidents. This type of car insurance helps drivers cover the costs of medical care after a crash:
- Emergency treatments
- Transportation to the nearest hospital or care center
- Recovery care and therapy
- Medication related to the accident
Personal injury coverage applies to single-vehicle crashes and accidents involving other vehicles. Even though it’s not mandatory, many families consider this type of coverage a must for every vehicle.
What Other Types of Car Insurance Do Drivers in Labrador Need?
Some auto insurance is obligatory for Labrador residents. Every vehicle owner needs:
- Third-party liability insurance: To cover repairs and injuries when drivers hit another car
- Direct compensation for property damage: To cover damage to the driver’s vehicle in a multi-car accident regardless of fault
- Uninsured/unidentified automobile coverage: To cover costs from a car accident when the other driver isn’t insured or flees the scene
The minimum coverage for a car insurance policy is $200,000. In addition to these basics, some families choose optional coverage. These include larger coverage amounts, collision insurance, accident benefits insurance, underinsured driver coverage, and comprehensive vehicle insurance.
Comprehensive coverage can help with the cost of vehicle repairs in situations such as hail damage or fallen branches breaking a windshield. It also covers the theft of vehicles and parts.