Car with BC registration

[tanus]

Hi
I am having my car registered (BC number Plate) with BC, but I am planning to move to Alberta soon. Suppose my car insurance is going to expire on September 25th 2012 and I am moving in August 2012.
My doubts are:
1.Can I drive my car in Alberta with another province number plate until it expires and I can renew my insurance after expiration in Alberta

2. How car insurance system works in Alberta ( I mean car insurance by Government agency or private agencies)

3. How car insurance get fixed / how they decide how much we need to pay

4. Is there any hidden cost while transferring car from one province to another province
will appreciate your comments.

 

[seton]

Had a friend just move to Calgary with his car from Ontario, so I'll relay what I remember from him:

1. I believe the requirement is within 90 days you need AB plates after moving (and transfer your driver's license).

2. Alberta has private car insurance.

3. Not sure - I'm guessing that having a driver history letter from your BC insurer will probably help (generally insurance is based on your driving history, age, and other risk factors)

4. I believe my friend told me it cost him about $150 to do his license and car. You will need to do a car inspection (because it was out of province) - not sure what the cost of that was. That will be a cost, which can add up if you have things to fix before passing the inspection.

 

[tanus]

Thanks man.
This info will help me.
and one more thing If you could do for me?
Can you ask him how life there in Alberta especially in Calgary?
I mean Jobs, Taxes, Car insurance and all other stuff.
I will appreciate what you are going to do for me.
Cheers

 

[seton]

I think generally he likes it - he got a job pretty quickly (I think as a project manager in construction). Weather was the biggest adjustment for him from Toronto during winter. Also the fact that he's from Trinidad and it's much more expense to fly from Calgary versus Toronto (and further).

Provincial taxes are flat in Alberta (10%), which gives you lower taxes compared to most provinces - it may depend on where you're coming from. For example, BC has a 5.06% tax rate on the first $37k of income. As such, if you're in the $37k range, then taxes might be higher in Alberta. However Alberta has a highest basic personal amount (ie non-taxed) so you can just use a calculator to figure out your tax burden.

Car Insurance in Alberta is, on average, on par with Toronto. Parking is expensive in downtown Calgary, but their have a nice light-rail system / buses when I last visited. Like Vancouver / Toronto, lots of people working downtown don't drive to work.

 

[tanus]

Thanks dear whatever you find out.
Cheers