Posted by Jim
Driving on the Island
Speeding – A speeding infraction of more that 40 kph over the limit results in fines, charges, and vehicle impoundment totaling more that $1000. So we have to be on our best behaviour on the Island!
Even though the Island Highway (Hwy 1) is mostly double-lane, the speed limit on much of the south island is 90 kph which adds to the laid back style here, and feels somewhat safer. This makes sense for the busier tourist season too. The speed is well monitored as we’ve seen cars pulled over a few times by un-marked police cars. There is an inland section of the Hwy 1 north of Nanaimo where the limit is 120 kph.
The old highway, Chemainus Road, runs behind our lot, with a 60 kph speed limit. Although road noise is sometimes noticeable, because of a forested natural berm, it is mostly quiet.
The highway around Victoria gets quite busy at rush hours, so it’s advisable to avoid traveling there during those times. Tourist season also makes for busier traffic, particularly around Victoria.
The temperate climate reduces the damage to paved roads caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. All highways we’ve driven on were in very good shape and the lines highly visible. Since winter sanding is not required, roads are clean all year long. This helps keep vehicles cleaner, too, especially during the wetter season, which is like having a regular free car wash.
Vehicle Registration and Insurance
For comparison we are using the licensing of Wanda’s car which is a 2007 Subaru Impreza Limited Edition
Wanda currently pays $1130 per year in Saskatchewan, which includes a $266 discount for no accidents
We also pay $185 per year for a Package Policy providing liability insurance of $1M and collision deductible of $350, comprehensive deductible of $100 (including windshields)
In BC, Wanda would receive a 40% discount for no accidents which would cost $1223 per year, providing $1M liability and $300 deductible for both collision and comprehensive coverage (except windshield deductible is $200).
Sask
$1130+$185 = $1408
BC
$1223 (cost is $185 less for comparable coverage)
Notes on BC Coverage:
British Columbia has a one-time charge of $36 when a vehicle is first registered in the province
Insurance works on a sliding scale premium for accidents and is not a “no fault accident” system. This adds about $500 per year to the premium, but is reduced by an annual accident-free discount of 5%, culminating in a 40% discount over 8 years.
Example: the Impreza would cost $1704 with a 15% discount (3 yrs accident-free) – difference of $481
Links:
Everything you need to know about transferring, licensing and registering your vehicle when moving to BC from another province.
Fraser Adventure . com 