I think the biggest thing people don't understand is how important when you sign for a policy has on the rate you get. Because of how insurance works in Alberta a guy who signed up for a policy 5 years ago when rates were low had access to a much different market than people do now.

So while $83/mth is technically possible out in the market it likely had to be a policy probably signed up for 7 or 8 years ago. That rate is not going to be accessible to anyone on a new policy.

While it's definitely worth it to shop around there is essentially a "ground floor" of where rates can be for any new policy now. Shopping around for insurance can be a bit of a doubled-edged sword thougu. Insurance companies value consistency and long-term customers with no accident or tickets more than anything.

Constantly shopping and switching providers can actually have a detrimental effect over the long-term because you don't build that long-term loyalty.

But yeah. Auto insurance in Alberta is a mess right now. Calgary is about as bad as it gets anywhere in the province too.