Ontario’s Auto Insurance Reforms Puts You In The Driver’s Seat.

Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is changing auto insurance to provide more flexibility and choice. Some accident benefits that were previously included automatically in every auto insurance policy will become optional, allowing you to choose coverage that better fits your needs. Click to begin your self-assessment here.

Accident Benefits (July 1, 2026)

Standard Benefits

• Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care (Cost of Examinations)

Optional Benefits

• Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care
• Income Replacement
• Dependent Care
• Non-Earner
• Caregiver Benefits (An Impairment)
• Caregiver Benefits (Catastrophic Only – If Available)
• Housekeeping and Home Maintenance (Catastrophic Only – If Available)
• Lost Educational Expenses
• Expense of Visitors
• Damage to Clothing, Glasses, Hearing Aids etc
• Death Benefits
• Funeral Benefits
• Indexation

What are Statutory Accident Benefits?

Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) provide financial support if you are injured in an automobile accident.  These benefits can be available regardless of who caused the accident and may help cover:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Attendant care
• Income replacement if you are unable to work due to your injuries

Who is Covered under Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs)

Effective July 1, 2026, newly optional accident benefits under your auto insurance policy will only apply to:

• The named insured on the policy
• The spouse of the named insured
• Dependents of the named insured or their spouse
• Drivers specifically listed on the automobile policy

This change applies regardless of when your policy renews.

What Coverages Are Staying the Same?

Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits will continue to be included in all auto insurance policies.  These benefits help cover essential recovery support after an accident.

You still have the option to purchase additional or increased benefits and coverages, such as:

• Supplementary medical, rehabilitation and attendance care
• Dependent care benefits
• Indexation benefits.

What Coverages Are Becoming Optional?

As of July 1, 2026, the following accident benefits will become optional:

• Income Replacement

Replaces income you or another covered person may lose due to an automobile accident.

• Non-earner

Provides financial support if a student or unemployed person is unable to live a normal life because of accident-related injuries.

• Caregiver benefits

Helps cover caregiving expenses if you or another covered person can no longer care for a child, aging parent, or dependent due to injury.

• Lost educational expenses

Helps cover certain education-related costs if an accident prevents attendance at school or an educational program.

• Expenses of Visitors

Covers reasonable and necessary expenses for close family members who visit you while you recover from serious injuries.

• Housekeeping & Home Maintenance

Helps pay for assistance if you are unable to perform household or home maintenance tasks you handled before the accident.

• Damage to Personal Items

Covers repair or replacement of personal items (e.g. closing, prescription eyewear, hearing aids) damaged in an automobile accident.

• Death Benefits

Provides financial support to certain family members if you or another covered person dies as a result of an automobile accident.

• Funeral Benefits

Helps cover some funeral or burial expenses if you or another covered person dies due to an automobile accident.

What This Means to You as an Existing Customer

Your policy will renew automatically with your current coverage and limits, unless you agree in writing with your insurer to decline or change certain benefits.

However, who is covered for newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026, as outlined above, regardless of your renewal date.

What should you do?

• Review your current auto insurance coverage
• Review your workplace or private benefits plan
• Consider what coverage is appropriate for your current stage of life
• Speak with your insurance broker

What This Means to You as a New Customer

If you are purchasing or renewing an auto insurance policy on or after July 1, 2026, you will be able to choose which optional accident benefits you would like to include in your coverage.