St. John’s is a unique city with its own ebb and flow. People and houses around every corner will catch your eye and ear. St. John’s individuality doesn’t stop there. With no grid plan, and with a rumour that its roads are horse paths that were originally paved over, St. John’s offers an exciting adventure to even the most experienced driver. With one-way streets that suddenly appear, intersections with sharp angles and low signage, you might need a little help from a GPS. Your insurance can be as unique as your route. At Munn Insurance you can find the most competitive auto insurance in St. John’s and save while you’re doing it.
Save on auto insurance in St. John's.
We're one of St. John's largest independent brokers. We specialize in auto insurance. With a simple online quote or a quick call, you will get quotes from up to eight insurance companies. And with savings of up to 30%, you'll be on the road with St. John’s best auto protection and benefits. That's a promise.
Save on auto insurance in St. John's.
We're one of St. John's largest independent brokers. We specialize in auto insurance. With a simple online quote or a quick call, you will get quotes from up to eight insurance companies. And with savings of up to 30%, you'll be on the road with St. John’s best auto protection and benefits. That's a promise.
St. John’s is a unique city with its own ebb and flow.
Driving in St. John’s – Tips to keep you on the road.
Watch out for moose
Although St. John’s is considered an urban area, the Outer Ring Road sees its share of moose during any time of the year. It should also be noted that moose don’t always stick to the outliers but have been known to wander into the city itself. Keep on the lookout, especially at night.
Put that cell phone down
Fines for using a cell phone when driving are high in the province of Newfoundland, and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary are extremely vigilant in the City of St. John’s. The current penalty is 4 demerit points with fines ranging from $350 to $1000.
Be weather prepared
Not just St. John’s, but Newfoundland as a whole is subjected to fast changing weather. Sunny in the morning, blizzard by lunch. With St. John’s twisty roads and steep hills, caution is always advised. It’s not unheard of to go sliding back down that hill.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Newfoundland has severe impaired driving regulations to help keep all residents safe. As of 2017, any driver whose licence was suspended after an impaired driving conviction will be required to enter a mandatory ignition interlock program as a condition of reinstatement. As well, anyone 22 years or younger is required to maintain a zero-blood alcohol content while driving. Not a risk you want to take.
A few facts about auto insurance in St. John’s.
- The average age of auto insurance policyholder in St. John’s is 32
- The average age of drivers in St. John’s is 45
- The number of accident claims in St. John’s in 2018 was 5000
- The top automotive brands we insure in St. John’s are Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Chrysler, Mazda
- 67% of people in St. John’s drive Cars
- 33% of people in St. John’s drive Trucks
Facts and myths about St. John’s.
Facts
Cabot Tower on Signal Hill was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s Voyage of Discovery.
St. John’s is the oldest city in North America, with Water Street being the oldest street in North America.
The oldest sporting event in North America is the St. John’s Regatta held on the first Wednesday every August.
The first transatlantic wireless message was received on December 12, 1901 by Guglielmo Marconi from Poldhu, Cornwall which is 3200 kilometres away.
Myths
St. John’s isn’t bicycle friendly.
Actually, St. John’s adopted a new cycling plan in 2009 and has been building a safe and convenient cycling network.
St. John’s streets are challenging to drive on in the winter.
This is very untrue. St. John’s and surrounding towns all have dedicated snow clearing services to keep all roads safe for all drivers in all conditions.
There isn’t a recycling program in St. John’s.
St. John’s has a very extensive recycling program with curbside recycling, metal and electronic recycling, backyard composting, household hazardous waste drop off, yard waste collection and Christmas tree recycling.
We do the shopping. You get the savings.
We do the shopping. You get the savings.
Newfoundlanders love choice. And they love saving too! At Munn Insurance, we deliver on both. As an independent insurance broker, we shop our extensive network of insurance partners to provide our Newfoundland customers with the best coverage at the best rate. Some of the insurance companies we search for our customers include:
How Munn Insurance saves you money.
We work for you – that’s what an insurance broker does. We shop the market on your behalf, so Munn insurance can offer you the most access to the best discounts from our insurance partners.
- Bundling (Auto + Home Discount)
- Multiple Vehicle Discounts
- Experienced Drivers Discount
- Safe Drivers Discount
- Claims-Free Discount
- Loyalty Discount
- And Many More
Combine your home and auto policies and save.
With Munn Insurance, home and auto policies are better together. It means extra savings and additional coverage. So combine them both and receive a discount on both. That’s like a double discount!
Combining also gives you the extra convenience of aligned renewal rates and less paperwork.
You can combine your auto policy with any Munn Insurance home policy for the following dwelling types:
- Private Homes
- Condos
- Tenants
- Cabins/Cottages
- Rented Dwellings
Special discounts and savings with a Munn Insurance group policy.
We recognize the value groups provide to Newfoundland communities. First Responders, Health Care Professionals, Alumni Associations, Educators and Instructors all play a vital role in helping others across the Island. They give so much, and we’re happy to give back. Munn Insurance Preferred Groups in Newfoundland are able to take advantage of special discounts and many extra-valuable benefits.
- Special Group Discounts
- Mortgage & Real Estate Assistance
- 0% Insurance Financing
- Home Repair Assistance
- Legal Assistance
- Health Assistance
- CAA Members can SAVE up to 20% on Auto and Home Insurance
- Access to multiple insurance markets; knowing you get the best coverage at the best rate
- Confidence and security of being a member of a preferred group
- Local, fast and efficient 24/7 Claims Service
- Legal Assistance
- Health Assistance
Get Newfoundland’s best leisure vehicle protection.
Newfoundlanders love their leisure time and their leisure vehicles. MyRide Leisure Insurance from Munn Insurance is the most competitive, comprehensive leisure vehicle insurance available in Newfoundland. Whether it’s your ATV, motorhome, motorcycle – or any of your leisure vehicles – A Munn policy offers more protection and value than any other program you’ll find.
- Boat and Watercraft
- ATV
- Snowmobile
- Classic Cars and Auto
- Motorhome, RV and Trailer
- Motorcycle
Car insurance laws in St. John's.
St. John’s drivers must be in possession of legally determined minimum insurance coverage to drive on our roads. These minimum limits have been enacted to ensure drivers are financially responsible if an at-fault accident occurs.
Current limits for auto insurance in St. John’s are:
- $200,000 in liability coverage per accident
- Uninsured and unidentified motorist coverage
St. John’s drivers are not required to carry accident benefits coverage, although most do choose to buy this coverage, which includes coverage for medical payments, disability coverage, and death benefits coverage. This type of insurance is mandatory in other provinces. Many drivers in Newfoundland also opt to increase their liability coverage to limit risk and financial exposure.
There are also other optional coverages that can be purchased. These include comprehensive and collision coverage to protect in the event of an at-fault accident or non-accident scenario such as theft.
St. John's car insurance – your questions answered.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, who determines auto insurance rates?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, individual insurers set auto insurance rates, which are then regulated and approved by the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities. Among the top factors that go into determining your rate are your driving record including tickets or at-fault accidents, the value of the car you drive as well as the make and model, and your driving habits including the length of your daily commute.
What are the factors used to determine auto insurance rates in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Auto insurance rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are determined by a variety of factors:
- Your driving record
- The type and age of your car
- Your insurance claims record
- Your annual mileage and territory of use
- How you use your car (personal or business)
- Whether or not any other drivers in the household use your car
The 2004 auto insurance reform prevents auto insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing rates solely on the basis of any of these factors:
- Age and gender
- Age of the vehicle
- Accidents in which you were not at fault
- Lapses in insurance except when tied to a license suspension for a violation of traffic laws
- Previously being refused insurance by another company
- Being insured with Facility Association
How do auto insurance rates in Newfoundland and Labrador compare to other provinces?
Newfoundland and Labrador auto insurance premiums fall in the lower half of the national rate spectrum.
- Ontario $1445
- British Columbia $1680
- Alberta $1251
- Manitoba $1080
- North West Territories $978
- Nunavut $963
- Nova Scotia $847
- Saskatchewan $936
- New Brunswick $819
- Prince Edward Island $796
- Quebec $661
Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2017 and 2016 for Quebec
Newfoundland and Labrador’s auto insurance rates are low. Why?
Auto insurance rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are on the lower side of the spectrum thanks, in large part, to the reforms enacted by the government in 2004. These auto insurance reforms helped reduce rates across the province. But according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, additional reforms are necessary to maintain rate stability. Problems that allow for large pain and suffering awards for relatively minor injuries continue to exist in the province’s auto insurance system.
What can I do to find cheap auto insurance in St. John's?
There are many ways to get cheap auto insurance in St. John’s:
- Work with an independent broker who can help you find the best policy
- Always pay your premiums on time
- Choose a vehicle with less susceptibility to theft
- Choose a vehicle with more safety and security features
- Maintain a good driving history
- Obey the rules of the road and avoid speeding tickets
- Understand and choose the right type of insurance coverage
- Shop around for the best policy
Is auto insurance mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. The law requires motorists to carry insurance on their vehicle.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, what are the penalties for driving without auto insurance in St. John's?
If you’re convicted of driving without insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador, you’ll have to pay a fine that ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 for your first offence. The fine increases to a range of $3,000 to $5,000 for second and subsequent offences. And there are other penalties that may accompany your fine. If you’re charged for driving without insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador, you may also have your driver’s license suspended and your vehicle impounded for 90 days.
What insurance system does Newfoundland and Labrador adhere to?
Newfoundland and Labrador operates under the tort system. This lets you sue an at-fault driver for your pain and suffering, wage losses, and other damages related to an accident.
How is fault determined by insurance companies in Newfoundland and Labrador?
In Newfoundland, the adjusters for the insurance companies involved in the claim will determine who is at fault. Each insurance company uses its own guidelines to come up with a fault determination.
Newfoundland is unusual in Canada in that it has no type of no-fault benefits. The insurance company for the at-fault driver is responsible for paying out on damages to the other driver’s vehicle as well as for injuries. Accident benefits are not a mandatory coverage in Newfoundland but are available to drivers who choose to add them to their insurance policy.
The handling of claims is governed by insurance regulations; the 2004 reforms helped to reduce the cost of lawsuits, but drivers can still be sued for pain and suffering.
As one of Atlantic Canada’s largest independent brokers, we work for you – not the insurance company. So we always have your best interests at heart. That’s why we will shop around to find you the best insurance at the best price.
Our Latest Advice
Do You Need Classic Car Insurance?
For many car enthusiasts, the idea of owning a classic car is enough to get their hearts racing. However, owning a classic car means taking a different approach to its care. Not all repair shops will know how to care for the engine; they may only be equipped for running diagnostics on today’s highly computerized cars.
If you are thinking about getting involved in the world of “old” cars, you should learn the various car classifications: antique, vintage and classic. Each class has its own meaning and mastering these is one of the most basic concepts of learning this hobby. While some of these classifications are open to interpretation and can vary, there are attempts to create conformity. In fact, in some cases there are state laws that regulate how these words are used. In other situations, there are definitions set by car collector groups.
Here are a few things to know before you buy:
Antique, Classic or Vintage?
While the terms antique, classic and vintage seem interchangeable, they are very separate designations. Antique cars, for example, are usually cars that are more than 45 years old and are maintained to keep the original manufacturer specifications.
Vintage cars may be antiques, and some antiques may be vintage – but that’s not always the case. Usually cars are considered vintage if they were manufactured between 1919 and 1930, though some classifications end the vintage designation at 1925. Learn more about the difference between vintage and classic cars here.
Classic cars must be at least 20 years old, but no older than 40 years old. As with antiques, cars should stay true to the original design – but those that are modified with aftermarket touches, may still qualify as a true classic car.
Classic Car Coverage
When it comes to insuring your classic, antique or vintage car, you will quickly find out it’s not the same as insuring the family car. If your car is a collectible, you’ll want to look into a policy designed specifically for collectibles. While your regular car is insured with the idea that it is depreciating in value almost immediately after you buy it, a classic or antique car may appreciate in value – particularly if you are planning to put work into restoring it.
Surprisingly, you may find the premium is lower on your classic or antique car, even though it might carry a higher replacement cost. That’s because collectibles such as classic, vintage and antique autos tend to spend more time in the garage than they spend on the road.
Depending on its designation, your car may be restricted for driving only at certain car club events, parades or other special occasions. When exploring coverage options, it is important to know if your car is mainly going to be used for shows rather than regular driving.
Since insurance rates can vary, make sure you talk with your agent about whether your car is antique, vintage or classic.
If you would like more information on classic car insurance, or if you have any questions on your home or auto insurance, please contact Munn Insurance toll free at 1-855-726-8627 today.
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