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) 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?

Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain part of all auto insurance policies to support recovery after an accident. Additional coverages such as rehabilitation, attendant care and dependant care can be purchased.

The following auto insurance benefits will become optional:

Income replacement

Helps replace income you or another covered person may lose because of an auto accident.

Caregiver benefits

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.

Expenses of visitors

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.

Damage to personal items

Helps cover the cost to repair or replace personal items (e.g., clothing, prescription eyewear, hearing aids, etc.) damaged in an auto accident.

Funeral benefits

Helps cover some funeral costs if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.

Non-earner

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.

Lost educational expenses

If an auto accident keeps you or another covered person from attending school or an education program, this benefit can help cover the costs you have lost.

Housekeeping and 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.

Death benefits

Compensates some family members if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.

Who is covered under Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS)?

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
  • Dependants of the named insured and of the named insured’s spouse
  • Persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile

Some people, such as pedestrians, cyclists and certain passengers who may have been covered in the past may no longer be eligible for accident benefits.

What this means for you

If you’re an existing customer

Your policy renews automatically with current coverage unless you agree in writing to make changes. However, coverage for newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026 regardless of renewal date. Before making changes, check if your personal or work benefits already provide similar coverage.

If you’re a new customer

Customers who are purchasing or renewing 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.

If you’re a commercial customer or employee

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 (if you are an existing customer)

Know what benefits you already have today through your auto insurance policy.

Review your workplace or private benefits plan

Avoid duplication, you may already have coverage through your workplace, private benefits plan, or life and health insurance providers.

Think about your needs

Consider which newly optional accident benefits are right for you.

Consider which coverage is right for you

Speak to your insurer, agent, or broker and they can help explain your options

Looking to learn more?

Use the links below for a self-assessment checklist, customer fact sheet and customer Q and A.

SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
CUSTOMER Q&A