Better. Faster.
More Affordable.

Care-First auto insurance is coming January 2027.

Care-First delivers substantial relief for Alberta drivers

Why are trial lawyers against the Care-First auto insurance system?

New Government Report Forecasts Escalating Claims Costs

Grid rating system will end under Care-First

What is Care-First auto insurance?

Care-First is the government’s new auto insurance system for Alberta drivers, taking effect January 1, 2027. What it means for Alberta drivers:

  • More affordable. Simplifying the claims process and removing excessive legal costs from the system will save drivers hundreds annually.
  • Better, faster care. The new system will provide improved medical, rehabilitation and income benefits for Albertans injured in a collision, including lifetime treatment for catastrophic injuries. In fact, they will be the best benefits in the country.

Why is a new auto insurance system needed?

Under the current system, those injured in collisions are often forced to undertake costly legal battles that delay the care and benefits they need. And when they finalize their settlement, up to 40% can disappear in legal costs. These litigation trends are also the main reason why Albertans pay some of the highest premiums in Canada today.

With Care-First, Alberta will move to a system that emphasizes care over courts. Those injured in collisions will receive faster, better care that’s determined by medical professionals. By reducing legal costs, drivers will also save hundreds annually on their premiums.

It’s a win-win.

How much will I save?

In September 2026, the government’s regulator of auto insurance rates calculated, based on actual insurer filings, that drivers will save $300 on average under Care-First. These savings are even greater than previous estimates.

What do I need to do to prepare for the change to the new system?

Nothing! Every driver in the province will automatically move to the new system on January 1, 2027 and will see the change in premiums reflected on their next renewal.

For more details on the changes and what they will mean for you, please visit:

Care-First Frequently Asked Questions

Insights

Care-First delivers substantial relief for Alberta drivers

Read about Care-First delivers substantial relief for Alberta drivers

Why are personal injury lawyers against the Care-First auto insurance system?

Read about Why are personal injury lawyers against the Care-First auto insurance system?

Alberta’s rate cap is deepening the financial crisis in the auto insurance market

Read about Alberta’s rate cap is deepening the financial crisis in the auto insurance market

Grid rating system will end under Care-First

Read about Grid rating system will end under Care-First

The risks of government-run auto insurance systems

Read about The risks of government-run auto insurance systems

The problem with rising legal costs

Read about The problem with rising legal costs

News

Media Coverage
Bell: Big savings on auto insurance for Alberta drivers — the numbers
edmontonjournal.com
September 9, 2026
Read about Bell: Big savings on auto insurance for Alberta drivers — the numbers
Media Release
Care-First to deliver greater savings than expected for Alberta drivers
ibc.ca
September 9, 2026
Read about Care-First to deliver greater savings than expected for Alberta drivers
Media Release
AIRB Report Underscores Need for Care-First Auto Insurance Reform
ibc.ca
August 31, 2026
Read about AIRB Report Underscores Need for Care-First Auto Insurance Reform
Media Release
Care-First Nears Launch as Alberta Finalizes Key Insurance Rules
ibc.ca
August 17, 2026
Read about Care-First Nears Launch as Alberta Finalizes Key Insurance Rules

Better Auto Alberta is the trusted source of information for auto insurance reforms. Its goal is to provide Albertans with clear, accessible updates and insights on the new Care-First system and what it means for them. 

Better Auto Alberta