Accident benefits reforms
What Ontario drivers need to know
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is making auto insurance accident benefits 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.
Auto insurance accident benefits provide financial support if you're injured in a car accident, regardless of fault covering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income.
What’s staying the same?
The following auto insurance accident benefits will be optional:
An important change to who is covered
Starting July 1, 2026, optional accident benefits under your policy will only cover the following individuals:
- The named insured
- The spouse of the named insured
- depend of the named insured and of the named insured’s spouse
- Persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile
This means certain passengers, pedestrians and cyclists who may have been covered under your optional benefits in the past will no longer be eligible. Standard auto insurance accident benefits will still apply to all passengers.
Auto insurance working harder for you
Auto insurance will pay first for medical or rehabilitation benefits (except for medication costs) for any injury sustained in an auto accident. This means a workplace or private health plan stays intact for other life events, exactly when you need them most.
What this means for you
If you’re an existing customer
Your policy will renew with your current accident benefits coverage and limits, unless you agree with your insurer to decline the benefits or make changes to them. However, who is covered under your policy for newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026, regardless of renewal effective date.
If you’re a new customer
Customers who are purchasing a policy on or after July 1, 2026, can choose which optional accident benefits they would like to purchase. Talk to your broker about which benefits are included and which you may want to add based on your needs.
What steps should I take before my renewal?
Review your current coverage before your next renewal
Remember you will keep the same accident benefits you have today unless you want to change them.
If you are thinking about making a change to your accident benefits
Consider which newly optional accident benefits are right for you.
Consider which coverage is right for you
Speak with your broker and they can help explain your options before you make any changes.
Review your workplace or private benefits plan
You may have coverage through your workplace, private benefits plan, or life and health insurance providers.