James Bartlett Brebner once said, “Americans are benevolently ignorant about Canada, while Canadians are malevolently well informed about the United States.” How right Brebner was. While Americans lionize French-Canadian women, the beauty of British Columbia and the angelic voice of Celine Dion, the chary inhabits of America’s attic lambast Hollywood cinematic bunk, the gross naiveté that passes for American patriotism and 3.2% beer. But recently, the Yanks have gained extra ammunition in their international cockfight with their snowmobiling northern brethren. According to recent polls, Canadians are poor drivers.

Of Pop, Pedals and Portly People
Kanetix just wrapped up a distracted driving study, and discovered that eight out of 10 Canadians admit to at least one poor driving habit. The top offense is eating and drinking while driving. A staggering 39% of Canadian drivers admit to sipping a soda – or “pop,” as the Canadians would say – and nibbling a snack or two while cruising. Coincidentally, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says that 25% of Canadians are obese, with that number expected to climb to 30% within five years. Ironic, eh?

Rampant Illegality
The next major offence discovered by Kanetix is speeding. Men are the worst offenders, with a full 41% admitting to the occasional joy ride. Speeding not only vastly increases the potential for dangerous accidents, but also balloons insurance premiums, decreases fuel efficiency and may result in more emitted pollutants – but try telling that to the Canadians, or the Germans and their beloved Autobahn. The bronze medal goes to texting and talking on hand-held phones while driving. Both are illegal in the Great White North. Applying makeup arrives near the bottom, with only 3% of Canadians admitting to putting on makeup while driving. Assuming Canada is not brimming with metrosexual men, that means 6% of women admitted to freshening up while gunning through green lights.

Are Canadians Annoying?
But bad driving is about more than illegal habits and mascara. According to a 2011 poll by the Canadian Automobile Association, three out of four Canadian drivers are more irritating now than they were five years ago. Only 2% of respondents believe that the average Canadian driver is less annoying than he or she was half a decade prior – bless their eternally optimistic hearts.

The Dangers of Road Rage
Road rage is when mild-mannered people, the same ones who throw baby showers and offer housewarming presents, turn in purple-faced warriors vying for the occupation of Mafian hitman. In recent years, Canadians have been tossing off the shackles of civility and indulging their pre-Neanderthal selves with malevolent glee. Out of over 5,000 Canadians polled by the CAA, 86% believed that road rage was the most annoying motoring habit. The other top contenders, which included cutting people off, tailgating, excessive aggressiveness and constantly switching lanes, were also concerned with belligerent motoring. Is the Canadian citizenry morphing into a self-centered bunch of rally-racing hopefuls in need of anger management therapy?

But road rage is more than an annoyance or a joke. The report, “Death and injuries from road rage: cases in Canadian newspapers,” by Reginald G. Smart and Robert E. Mann noted that, “It is possible that, on closer inspection, collision statistics could reveal a significant role for road rage as a cause of death and injury on Canadian roads.” The report indicted men as the primary perpetrators with a disproportionately large number of female victims. According to the CBC in the article, “The Drive to Survive: Reducing Road Deaths in Canada,” over 200,000 Canadians have met death while driving in the last 50 years, more casualties than in both World Wars. Annoying? Try deadly.

False Math: C+ = B+
But here’s the kicker: The average Canadian driver thinks he or she is better than the average Canadian driver. In Kanetix.ca’s poll, 19% of respondents called themselves a “perfect driver,” which either illustrated their extreme naiveté, arrogance, or 5th-grade sense of humor. A recent Insurance Corporation of British Columbia poll showed that drivers ranked other motorists as a C+ while bestowing a gracious B+ on themselves. As ICBC psychiatrist John Vavrik noted, “People have a hard time looking in the mirror and recognizing that they’re part of the problem.” To curb the popularity of a raised middle finger and lowered right foot, ICBC is advertising a simple prescription, a la Mister Rodgers: smile and wave. Wave with five fingers, please.

In reference to poor Canadian driving habits, CAA spokesman Jeff Walker said, “The good news is they are all correctable behaviours. If we concentrate more on good driving habits … we will all benefit.” All of us except Americans, that is. Americans still have light beer, and their most famous singer is best known for a detachable nose and child molestation lawsuits. Suddenly, bad driving doesn’t seem so bad.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence throughout Canada. If caught, you may be forced to endure a number of consequences ranging from licence suspension and vehicle impound to higher car insurance rates. But these facts alone fail to demonstrate the true costs of drunk driving in the context of your auto insurance.

Below, we’ll approach this issue by first explaining the significance of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This is the number most people focus on. It is worth gaining a better understanding of the role it plays in determining whether you are driving while impaired. We’ll also take a look at the effects a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction as well as the direct and indirect costs it imposes.

How Important Is Your Blood Alcohol Concentration?

Police officers can determine the amount of alcohol currently in your body by measuring the amount in your bloodstream. This latter measurement, known as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), can be taken via a blood test, urinalysis, or breathalyzer test.

Your BAC is important in relation to the maximum allowable limit (0.08). If your BAC is higher while operating a vehicle, you can be immediately charged with an offence, with your car impounded and licence suspended. But many people are unaware they can be charged with a crime, even if their BAC is below the limit. The penalties vary by province.

For example, suppose you live in Ontario, and are pulled over by a police officer. He or she measures your BAC at 0.06. Even though you are below the maximum allowable limit, you are considered to be within a “Warn Range” (0.05 to 0.08).

If this is your first time, the police officer can suspend your licence for up to three days and levy a $150 fine. For a second-time offence (within five years), your licence may be suspended for up to seven days. In addition, you may have to pay another $150 fine and enroll into an alcohol education program. Subsequent offences result in even stiffer penalties.

To summarize, your BAC is important, but not only in the context of Canada’s maximum allowable limit of 0.08. A lower BAC can still pose problems; you may be technically “legal” with regard to the Criminal Code, but still suffer penalties depending on your province.

The Sobering Costs Of Driving While Drunk

If you’re caught driving while drunk, you’ll earn a DUI conviction. There are direct costs, especially if you cause an accident.

First, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs effectively voids your auto insurance coverage. Consider what voided coverage implies. An accident usually results in damage to one or more vehicles; a severe collision may total them. Without coverage, you will be expected to compensate the other driver for any needed repairs. You’ll also need to repair or replace your own vehicle. This alone can cost thousands of dollars, without considering other property damage.

If someone is injured as a result of the accident, you will be held liable for costs related to their hospitalization, therapy, and medications. Severe injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Drivers who were involved in the collision will seek compensation from their respective insurers (via accident benefits). Their insurers will likely file lawsuits to pursue recompense from you.

Lastly, your premiums will likely skyrocket. It is not uncommon for drivers who receive DUIs on their driving records to find that their rates triple. Even if your insurance company offers accident forgiveness, they will be disinclined to forgive an at-fault accident caused while drunk.

Indirect Costs Of Drinking And Driving

One of the “hidden” costs of drunk driving involves the suspension of a person’s driver’s licence. If you rely on your vehicle for your livelihood, losing your licence – even temporarily – can have devastating effects. In Ontario, a first-time DUI offence results in a 3-month suspension. Second and third-time DUI offences produce much longer suspensions. This may cause you to lose your job.

You already realize that drinking and driving make a poor combination. But it is important to have a realistic view of the costs involved. Not only will your car insurance rates rise dramatically, but you may be held liable for damages and injuries that result from an at-fault accident.

If you are looking for ways to save on your car insurance, you are not alone. Millions of people are wishing that they paid less for their insurance. Having to pay even more money to drive your car doesn’t appeal to many, but there are some easy ways to ensure that you don’t have to pay more than you need to.

#1 – Look For Discounts

Your insurance provider will give you discounts based on different criteria. If you bundle your policy with other policies such as a homeowners policy, or a life insurance policy, you are going to save money. A policy holder who has many safe drivers on their policy can save money for that as well.

#2 – No-Claims

If you don’t have any claims, you may be entitled to save money on your next car insurance policy. At the very worst, you may be able to save on your deductible should you ever have an accident. The average savings is going to be around 10-20 percent off your premium.

#3 – Shop Around

The best way to get the greatest deal on anything is to shop around. Compare quotes from different insurance companies and see who gives you the best deal. Most sites will even allow you to compare quotes from various companies, so you can see them side by side without having to travel around the Internet.

#4 – Think About What Kind Of Car You Are Driving

A car that is stolen more often can leave you paying more for your insurance. The more that your insurer has to pay to keep you covered, the more you are going to pay for your policy. Safer cars will cost you less in the long run. Things like airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices can help you save.

#5 – Stick With One Company

There are insurers out there who will lower your bill simply for being a loyal customer. Check with your insurance provider to see if there are any ways you can save simply by keeping your policy with the same company. Can’t get any easier than that.

#6 – Eliminate Unneeded Coverage

If you can drop your collision coverage on an older car, or you can lower your bodily injury coverage to a lower rate, you can save money. The less coverage that you have, the cheaper your insurance policy is going to be. Check with the DMV, or with your insurance company, to see what levels of minimum coverage you need to legally drive in your state.

Saving money on car insurance really can be as easy as picking up the phone, or going online. If you are willing to take a few minutes to shop around and check out what your best offers could be, you will save yourself a lot of money over the term of your policy. You owe it to yourself to save as much money as possible on car insurance.

Surprisingly, many people are content to pay their auto insurance premiums each year without investigating whether they are paying too much. In many cases, consumers are paying for unnecessary coverages; they are neglecting discounts for which they are eligible; and they’re paying rates that are higher than those offered by other companies. With a few minor changes, many could save hundreds of dollars each year.

With these things in mind, we’ll present several questions about your auto insurance coverages below. Our goal is to motivate you to take a closer look at the details of your policy, and make changes to lower your rates.

What Types Of Coverages Do You Actually Need?

You are required to have third-party liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in order to drive. Most provinces and territories also require you to have Accident Benefits (Newfoundland and Labrador is the exception). Other coverages are optional, which means you can customize your policy to fit your personal circumstances. The problem is, many consumers pay for endorsements they should abandon.

For example, consider collision and comprehensive coverages. Both are useful if your vehicle is new or valuable. The former covers damage due to accidents. The latter covers theft and damage due to floods, vandalism, and other events that are unrelated to accidents. Both are expensive. Yet, many people pay for them on vehicles that are worth very little.

Know the types of insurance you need. Get rid of the rest.

How Familiar Are You With Your Current Coverages?

In order to streamline your policy to include only the coverages you need, you must first learn what each endorsement covers. For example, you may decide that comprehensive is not worth maintaining since your vehicle is old, and there is little risk you’ll experience a covered event. Deciding whether to abandon this type of insurance requires knowing what it offers.

If you’re uncertain about the details of the endorsements on your policy, ask your insurer to clarify them. Only then will you be able to make an objective decision.

Are You Receiving The Discounts You Deserve?

Many consumers neglect to ask their insurers about the discounts they offer. Some companies apply them automatically if they know the policyholder is eligible for them. For instance, you may drive very little, and thus qualify for a low-mileage rate reduction. Your insurer may apply this discount without your having to ask for it based on the number of miles displayed on your odometer (they have this number on file.) But don’t assume they will apply it automatically. Ask for it.

Some discounts are offered for items about which you must inform your insurer. These include anti-lock brakes, an alarm system, and completion of an approved driver education course. Other items require you to take a particular action – for example, combining your auto and property insurance under one company. Each discount will lower your premiums. But you need to find out whether your insurance company offers them.

Are You Aware Of The Criteria Used To Determine Your Rates?

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the factors your insurer considers when calculating your premiums. That knowledge will help you to shape your profile as a policyholder.

For example, the type of vehicle you drive influences the way your insurer evaluates the financial risk of covering you. Most companies rely on a vehicle’s CLEAR (Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating) grade, which takes into account the claims history of the vehicle. If you are thinking about buying a new car, choose one that presents a low claims risk. Doing so will help to keep your premiums low.

Learn how your insurer calculates your rates. The information can result in thousands of dollars in savings over subsequent years.

When Did You Last Compare Rates From Other Insurers?

Most consumers realize that an auto insurance package comprised of the same set of coverages, limits, and deductibles, will command varying rates at different insurance companies. Yet, many fail to compare quotes each time their policies are about to expire. This remains one of the most reliable methods for reducing premiums. If you are unaware of the rates offered by competing insurers, there is no way to know whether your current company’s rates are competitive. Shop around.

When it comes to car insurance, what you don’t know can hurt you financially. Review each of the items above, and use the knowledge to enjoy lower rates.