What you get from Care First auto insurance in Alberta
Hi everyone — I wanted to share a quick, friendly update on a change coming to Alberta auto insurance on January 1, 2027, and what it means for you. The short version: it’s called Care First, and most of us win. 🚗
First, faster, better care. Injured Albertans get medical treatment without the long court battles. Specifically, care stays open-ended until you reach maximum recovery — whereas today a $50,000 cap over two years limits it.
Second, real income support. If you can’t work, Care First pays 90% of your income, up to about $128,000/year. By comparison, today’s system tops out closer to $31,200/year for two years.
In addition, you get bigger lump-sum benefits. Catastrophic injuries draw up to about $306,000, while families can claim death benefits up to about $615,000.
Finally, lower premiums. The regulator projects savings averaging about $300/year, and 90% of drivers see savings. On top of that, the grid-rating penalty that loaded extra cost onto young and new drivers is going away.
The trade-off
That said, for most accidents you can’t sue for pain and suffering. In exchange, though, you get guaranteed care and income support — without the legal fees that today swallow up to 40% of a settlement.
What I’d suggest
So, a change this big is the right time to look at your whole picture, not just the cheapest number. If you value solid coverage over chasing a price, the Thor Insurance personal lines team is your people: we cover every line of home and auto, and we give real advice and superior service.
Meanwhile, a simple win: bundle your home and auto. One renewal, one team that knows your full story, and coverage that stays solid.
If you drive a commercial vehicle too
Now, some of my clients carry a personal policy plus a truck, fleet, or farm vehicle used for work. Here’s the quick read for that side:
-
First, your vehicle damage coverage doesn’t change. Collision and comprehensive work the same as always, because this is only about injuries.
-
Second, who gets hurt decides which system applies. If WCB covers the injured person, their claim goes through WCB, not Care First. The two stay completely separate — you’re in one or the other, never both. Alternatively, if no WCB coverage applies (say, a sole proprietor in their own vehicle, a volunteer, or a worker in a non-registered industry), then Care First steps in, just like it does for everyone else.
-
Third, not sure whether WCB covers your crew? That’s a WCB Alberta question, not an insurance one, so call them at 780-427-4952 to confirm. I can’t classify it for you, and frankly I don’t want to guess.
-
Importantly, if you employ people who aren’t on WCB, let’s talk before January 1. Under the old system you could rely on suing an at-fault driver for your worker’s injury. However, that door closes on January 1, so a quick review keeps a gap from opening.
Not with Thor yet?
If that sounds like you, reach out before your next renewal. There’s no random calling and no pressure — and no rush, because plenty of time exists before then. We’ll make sure your coverage holds when it counts. 💙
Already a Thor client?
On the other hand, if you already drive with Thor, you don’t need to lift a finger — we’re already on it. We review every renewal in advance, something most brokers and direct-writing insurers simply don’t do. Therefore, if we spot an improvement, or if another carrier we represent offers better coverage and savings, we’ll reach out before you renew. Meanwhile, sit back: your protection rests in good hands. 💙
Either way, for the full official details, visit https://betterautoalberta.ca/.
