Auto Insurance Is Changing – What You Need to Know!
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.
If Your Policy Is Renewing, Review Optional Benefits Beforehand
Your policy will renew automatically with your current coverage and limits, unless you agree with your broker/insurer in writing to decline certain benefits or make changes to them.
Who is Covered?
Although your current policy will renew with the same coverage and limits, who is covered under your policy for these nine newly optional accident benefits will change on July 1, 2026, regardless of the renewal effective date.
Optional accident benefits will only apply to:
2
The named insured.
The spouse of the named insured.
Dependents of the named insured and of the named insured’s spouse.
Persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile.
*Some options are as low as $0.80 per month. Contact our Team for a Quote.
The Following are some Standard Recommendations based on some common situations and are for illustration purposes only. Please speak with a Broker about your Specific Needs and to obtain a quote on coverage. Some of the options are available for as little as $0.80 per month.
If you are working, we recommend at a minimum:
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Income replacement.
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Increasing Medical Rehabilitation and Attendant Care to $130,000 for non-catastrophic injuries.
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Caregiver (if you have children or elderly parents living with you).
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Housekeeping and Home Maintenance (catastrophic).
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Expense for Visitors.
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Damage to Personal items.
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Death Benefit.
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Funeral Benefits.
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Indexing Benefits.
If you do not earn an income, we recommend at a minimum:
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Non-Earner Benefit.
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Increasing Medical Rehabilitation and Attendant Care to $130,000 for non-catastrophic injuries.
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Caregiver (if you have children or elderly parents living with you).
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Expense for Visitors.
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Damage to Personal items.
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Death Benefit.
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Funeral Benefits.
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Indexing Benefits.
If you are a student, we recommend at a minimum:
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Non-Earner Benefit OR Income Replacement.
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Lost Education Expenses.
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Increasing Medical Rehabilitation and Attendant Care to $130,000 for non-catastrophic injuries.
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Caregiver (if you have children or elderly parents living with you).
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Expense for Visitors.
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Damage to Personal items.
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Death Benefit.
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Funeral Benefits.
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Indexing Benefits.
Due to these changes, we expect an increase in lawsuits arising from injuries where people are not carrying sufficient coverage. We therefore recommend you carry a minimum of $2,000,000 Third Party Liability and strongly consider increasing it to $3,000,000.
Links for Additional Information
Disclaimer: All Recommendations are for illustration purposes only. Please speak with a Broker about your Specific Needs and to obtain a quote on coverage.
The descriptions of the statutory accident benefits in this document are a summary of the statutory accident benefits in Ontario Regulation 34/10 (the “SABS”). Do not rely on this summary alone. For full details, refer to the SABS or speak with your insurer, agent, or broker.