Ontario auto insurance accident benefits changes
More choice and control over your coverage
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario drivers will have more choice and control over their auto insurance coverage. While certain essential accident benefits will remain mandatory, many others will become optional and can be added or removed when buying or renewing your personal or commercial policy.
What are Statutory Accident Benefits?
Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) provide financial support if you are injured in a car accident. These benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident and can cover things like medical treatment, rehabilitation and income if you can’t work because of your injuries. Below we explain which coverages are staying the same and which ones are becoming optional.
Which coverages are staying the same?
Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits will continue to be mandatory on all auto insurance policies. These benefits help cover essential recovery support after an accident like medical expenses, therapy, and personal care assistance for injuries from an accident including doctor visits, physiotherapy, and help with daily activities like bathing and dressing.
You’ll still have the option to purchase the following additional or increased benefits and coverages:
Supplementary medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits
Helps cover expenses for medical benefits beyond the standard limits.
Dependant care benefits
Helps cover costs associated with caring for dependants such as a child, or spouse or aging parent.
Indexation benefits
Helps ensure the income replacement benefit is adjusted to reflect the cost of living changes each year.
Which coverages are becoming optional?
The following auto insurance accident benefits will become optional:
Income replacement
Helps replace income you lose because of an accident.
Non-earner
If you're a student or unemployed and an accident keeps you from leading a normal life, this provides financial support while you recover.
Caregiver benefits
Covers caregiving expenses if you or another covered person is injured and can no longer provide care for a household member such as a child or aging parent who needs it.
Lost educational expenses
If a car accident keeps you from attending school or an education program, this benefit helps cover the costs you’ve lost.
Expenses of visitors
Covers reasonable and necessary expenses of visitors if you or another covered person is injured in an accident.
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 the accident.
Damage to personal items
Covers the cost to repair or replace personal items (e.g., clothing, prescription eyewear, hearing aids, etc.) that were damaged in the accident.
Death benefits
Compensates some family members if you or a covered person dies due to an accident.
Funeral benefits
Helps cover some funeral costs.
Who’s the first payor for medical and rehabilitation expenses?
Starting July 1, 2026, an important difference to highlight is that your Wawanesa auto insurance will become the first payor for medical or rehabilitation claims (except medication expenses). That means that if you’re injured from an auto accident, we will pay for your medical or rehabilitation expenses first so you can save your workplace benefits for other life events.
Who’s covered under Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS)?
Starting July 1, 2026, optional benefits under your auto policy will only apply to:
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The named insured
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The spouse of the named insured
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Dependants of the named insured and of the named insured’s spouse
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Persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile
This means that some people, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and certain passengers who may have been covered in the past may no longer be eligible for certain optional accident benefits unless they are included in the categories listed above.
What this means for you
What steps should I take?
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1
Review your current coverage and listed drivers (if you’re an existing member)
Know what benefits you already have today through your auto insurance policy and ensure all drivers are listed.
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2
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.
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3
Think about your needs
Consider which coverage is right for you.
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4
Speak to your insurance broker
They can help explain your options and ensure your policy is up to date.
Make informed decisions; choose the benefits that best fit your needs.