Insurance Act

In the Insurance Act an automobile is defined as a self-propelled vehicle:

1 (d) "automobile" includes a trolley bus and a selfpropelled vehicle, and the trailers, accessories and equipment of automobiles, but does not include watercraft , aircraft or railway rolling stock that runs on rails.

The terms "vehicle", "self-propelled vehicle", and "watercraft" are not defined in the Insurance Act. However, "vehicle" is defined in the Traffic Safety Act.

Traffic Safety Act
The Traffic Safety Act defines a "vehicle" broadly. The definition excludes a mobility aid:

1 (ww) "vehicle", other than in Part 6 [ Off Highway Vehicles ], means a device in, on or by which a person or thing may be transported or drawn on a highway and includes a combination of vehicles but does not include a mobility aid .

The Traffic Safety Act does not use automobile and instead uses the term "motor vehicle". It also differentiates between motor vehicles and "off highway vehicles". Under the Traffic Safety Act 'off-highway' vehicles have to be registered and insured.

Dictionary Definition
Black's Law Dictionary Defines "vehicle" as:

1. Something used as an instrument of conveyance.
2. Any conveyance used in transporting passengers or things by land, water, or air.

The Auto Policy

The definition of "automobile" in the Standard Auto Policy defines "automobile" by using that same word in the definition:

In this policy except where stated to the contrary the words "the automobile" mean …

• The Described Automobile - an automobile, trailer, or semitrailer specifically described in the policy or within the description of insured automobiles set forth therein;
• A Newly Acquired Automobile - an automobile, ownership of which is acquired by the insured and, within 14 days following the date of its delivery to him, notified to the insurer in respect of which the insured has no other valid insurance, if either it replaces an automobile described in the application or the insurer insurers … All automobiles owned by the insured at such delivery date and in respect of which the insured pays an additional premium required …

For more information, contact:

Amanda Kostek
CBM Lawyers
Edmonton