The ability to predict what the price of crude oil will be tomorrow would make anyone rich virtually overnight. Were I to have this ability, I could have easily exchanged my seat in front of my computer with a beach chair on a sunny island in the Bahamas! Unfortunately not a lot of people in this world have much say in or control over this matter.

In our previous article, we explored why gasoline prices don’t always move in sync with crude oil. The gap between the two is often surprising, and while many familiar factors play a role, several lesser‑known dynamics are just as important.

As a general guideline, expatriates relocating to Ontario can expect to pay on average $2,500 to $3,000 a year in insurance premiums. Quebec car insurance, including the public and private portions for one year, can amount up to $900 to $1,200 per year. In B.C. a driver can expect to pay between $1,400 and $2,000 a year. Expatriates can expect even higher premiums if they reside in highly populated city centers, such as the Greater Toronto Area. These premiums are estimates and will differ depending on personal circumstances. They will not only depend on the province but also on factors such as, for example, driving records.

How can you be sure you’re getting the best possible price on a new vehicle? Most shoppers start with what they see online or on the showroom floor: the MSRP, or “sticker price.” This is simply the manufacturer’s suggested retail price — not what the dealer actually paid for the vehicle.