Automotive Insurance

Automotive Insurance in Saskatchewan

Introduction

If you’ve recently moved to Saskatchewan from Iran, you may be paying higher-than-expected car insurance premiums – especially if you’re considered a new driver by SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance). But did you know that your insurance history from Iran can be used to lower your rates — even retroactively?

Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this opportunity.

Why It Matters

In Saskatchewan, your car insurance rate is influenced by your safety rating, known as the Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) scale. New drivers usually start at zero, which means you pay the base premium. But experienced drivers who have maintained a clean record can earn up to a 25% discount over time.

As a newcomer, SGI doesn’t automatically know your past driving experience, but if you provide an official insurance history from Iran, SGI may apply credit for your past years of claims-free driving. This can significantly reduce your insurance cost — and sometimes apply retroactively to premiums you’ve already paid.

What You Need

To qualify, you must provide SGI with a letter or certificate from your previous insurance provider that includes:

Your full name (must match your immigration documents)
Policy numbers and duration of insurance coverage
A clear statement that you had no at-fault accidents or claims during the coverage period
Issued on official letterhead
If not in English or French, a Canadian certified translation is required

How to Get This from Iran

The best and most credible source is the Central Insurance of Iran (Bimeh Markazi), which regulates all insurers in Iran.

Here’s how:

Visit their website: https://www.centinsur.ir
Navigate to استعلام سوابق بیمه‌ای وسایل نقلیه
Log in using your national ID (کد ملی)
Download your insurance history report
Make sure your report looks the same as the sample given below (with claim status)
Ask for an official translation of the document in Canada (Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association is the only provider of such translations in Saskatoon)

Alternatively, you can contact your former Iranian insurance provider directly and request an official letter with the required details.

Where to Submit the Report

Once you have the translated report:

Visit your SGI Licensed Issuer office (e.g., any driver licensing office in Saskatoon)
Bring:
- Your driver’s licence or immigration documents
- The translated insurance report
Ask to have your insurance driving history evaluated for SDR credit

If accepted, SGI may adjust your rating and apply a discount immediately. If you’ve been paying full premiums already, ask about a retroactive adjustment or refund.

Conclusion

Don’t leave money on the table. If you were a responsible driver in Iran, you deserve to be recognized for it here in Saskatchewan. Providing your automotive insurance history to SGI can save you hundreds of dollars a year, and may even result in retroactive savings.

Disclaimer

The information provided in these resources is intended for informational purposes only, and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the content or any consequences resulting from the use of the provided information.

These resources are the property of the Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association and may be freely referenced, provided that a link to the corresponding page on the Association’s website is included.

Automotive Insurance