Optional Accident Benefits in Ontario
What’s Changing July 1, 2026
As of July 1, 2026, Ontario is introducing changes under the Insurance Act (Ontario) that will provide Ontario drivers with more choice and control over their Statutory Accident Benefits coverage. Under the new rules, only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits will remain mandatory, while many other important coverages such as, income replacement, caregiver benefits, and death and funeral benefits will become optional and must be selected by the policyholder.
What are Accident Benefits?
Accident benefits provide coverage if your injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
They can help cover things like:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Income replacement if you can’t work
- Caregiving or attendant care support
- Funeral expenses (in the event of a fatality)
What’s Changing with Accident Benefits in Ontario?
As of July 1, 2026:
- Some benefits that used to be automatically included will become optional add-ons
- You’ll have more ability to customize your level of coverage.
- Auto insurance will pay first for medical or rehabilitation benefits (except for medication costs) for an injury sustained in an automobile accident.
- Optional benefits under your auto policy will now only apply to named insureds, spouse of named insured, dependants of the named insured or spouse, and specified drivers on the policy.
What’s Staying the Same?
Standard Medical, Rehabilitation & Attendant Care will remain mandatory on all auto insurance policies in Ontario.
This covers medical expenses, therapy and personal care for injuries from an accident, including doctors’ visits and physiotherapy.
What Becomes Optional?
As of July 1, 2026 the following coverages will be optional:
Income Replacement
Helps replace lost income if you (or someone else covered under the auto policy) is injured and loses income from not being able to work.
Caregiver
Helps cover caregiving expenses if you or another covered person is injured in an auto accident and can no longer provide care for a household member, such as a child or aging parent, who needs it.
Non-Earner
If you or another covered person is a student or is unemployed and an auto accident keeps you (or another covered person) from leading a normal life, this benefit can provide financial support while you recover.
Lost Educational Expenses
Reimburses certain costs you (or another person covered under the policy) incurred to enroll in education programs (e.g. college, university or other schooling) and are unable to attend as a result of an auto accident.
Visitor Expenses
May cover reasonable and necessary travel and lodging costs of visitors (e.g. parents or siblings) if they visit you (or another person covered under the auto policy) while you (or the other person with coverage) is in treatment or recovering from auto accident-related injuries.
Housekeeping & Home Maintenance
Helps cover costs if you or another covered person is unable to perform the housekeeping and home maintenance tasks normally done before an auto accident.
Damage to Personal Items
Covers the cost of repairing or replacing personal items like clothing, prescription glasses or hearing aids that were damaged in an auto accident.
Death
May compensate some members of your family if you (or another person covered under the policy) is killed as a result of an auto accident.
Disclaimer: The descriptions of Statutory Accident Benefits above is a summary of the statutory accident benefits in Ontario Regulation 34/10. Do not rely on this summary alone. For full details, refer to the new SABs wordings available at fsrao.ca or speak with a licensed Ontario insurance broker.
What This Means for You
These changes give you more flexibility, but they also make reviewing your coverage more important than ever. Contact us today and we’ll help review your policy to make sure you have the right coverage.
You’ll now have the option to tailor your accident benefits—whether that means keeping costs lower or having extra protection for peace of mind.
What Should You Do Next?
- Contact us to review your current coverage and understand what benefits are included in your current auto insurance policy.
- Check your workplace or private benefits. You may already have similar coverage through a workplace plane, private benefits, or a life and health policy.
- Think about what coverage makes sense for your situation. Click Here to View a Self Assessment Checklist.
- Talk to your broker. We’re here to help you understand your options and make the right choice.
We’re Here to Help
These changes are designed to give you more control—but they can also feel overwhelming.
Our team is here to walk you through your options and help you make the right choice with confidence.
👉 Have questions or want to review your coverage? Call us today 613-232-5704.
Quick Links
Disclaimer
The descriptions of the statutory accident benefits in this material is a summary of the statutory accident benefits in Ontario Regulation 34/10 (the “SABS”). Do not rely on this summary alone. For full details, please speak with your broker and refer to the above quick links.