More choice, more control
Ontario's auto insurance reforms put you in the driver's seat
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is making auto insurance more flexible. Some accident benefits that were previously
included in every auto insurance policy will become optional, giving you more choice to select coverage that fits your needs.
What Are Statutory Accident Benefits?
Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) can provide financial support if you are injured in a car accident. These benefits may be available regardless of who caused the accident and can cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and income if you can’t work because of your injuries.
What's 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 attendant care, dependant care and indexation benefits.
What's Becoming Optional?
Helps replace income that you or another covered person may lose due to an auto accident.
If you or another covered person is a student or unemployed and an auto accident keeps you from leading a normal life, this benefit can provide financial support while you recover.
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.
If an auto accident keeps you or another covered person from attending school, this benefit can help cover the costs you have lost.
Helps cover reasonable and necessary expenses of visitors, such as a sibling or parents, if you or another covered person is injured in an auto accident.
Helps cover costs if you or another covered person is unable to perform housekeeping and home maintenance tasks normally done before an auto accident.
Helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing personal items, such as clothing, prescription eyewear, or hearing aids, damaged in an auto accident.
Compensates some family members if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.
Helps cover some funeral costs if you or another covered person dies due to an auto accident.
Who is Covered Under Statutory Accident Benefits?
Starting July 1, 2026, the newly optional benefits under your auto policy will only apply to: the named insured, the spouse of the named insured, dependents of the named insured and of the named insured’s spouse, and persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile. This means some people, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and certain passengers who may have been covered in the past, may no longer be eligible.
What This Means for You
Existing Customers
Your policy will renew automatically with your current coverage and limits unless you agree in writing to make changes. However, who is covered under newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026, regardless of your renewal date.
New Customers
Customers purchasing or renewing a policy on or after July 1, 2026 can choose which optional accident benefits to purchase. Ask your broker which benefits are included in your quote.
Commercial Customers
Speak to your insurer, agent, or broker to learn more about how this change impacts you or your employees.
What Steps Should I Take?
- Review your current coverage — know what benefits you already have in your auto insurance policy.
- Review your workplace or private benefits plan — you may already have coverage through your workplace or health insurance.
- Think about your needs — consider which coverage is right for you.
- Speak to your insurer, agent, or broker — they can help explain your options.
Need Help?
Contact us at:
Toronto: 416-239-2727
Toll Free: 1-800-741-6130
grayrock@grayrockins.com
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Disclaimer: The descriptions of the statutory accident benefits in this document 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 SABS or speak with your insurer, agent, or broker.
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Toronto: 416-239-2727 | Toll Free: 1-800-741-6130