Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is making auto insurance more flexible. Some accident benefits that were previously included in every policy will become optional — giving you the freedom to choose coverage that fits your needs.
Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) can provide financial support if you are injured in a car accident. These benefits can be 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.
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 such as supplementary medical, rehabilitation and attendant care, dependant care, and indexation benefits.
The following accident benefits will become optional starting July 1, 2026. You can choose to add or remove them from your policy based on your personal circumstances and needs.
Before making changes, check if your personal or workplace benefits already provide similar coverage — and speak to your broker to understand what's right for you.
The following benefits will become optional. You can add or remove them based on your needs, for yourself and others covered under your policy.
Helps replace income you or another covered person may lose because of an auto accident.
If you or another covered person is a student or unemployed, this benefit can provide financial support while you recover from an accident that prevents you from leading a normal life.
Helps cover caregiving expenses if you can no longer provide care for a household member — such as a child or aging parent — following an auto accident.
If an auto accident keeps you from attending school or an education program, 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 are unable to perform the housekeeping and home maintenance tasks you normally did before the accident.
Helps cover the cost to repair or replace 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 die due to an auto accident.
Starting July 1, 2026, the newly optional benefits under your auto policy will only apply to:
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 accident benefits under your policy.
Your policy will renew automatically with your current coverage and limits, unless you agree with your insurer in writing to decline or change them. Who is covered under your policy for newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026, regardless of renewal date. Review your coverage and check if your workplace benefits already provide similar protection.
If you are purchasing or renewing a policy on or after July 1, 2026, you can choose which optional accident benefits you would like to purchase. Ask your insurer, agent, or broker which benefits are included in your quote. You may want to add optional benefits to your policy based on your needs.
Speak to your insurer, agent, or broker to learn more about how these changes impact you or your employees. Employers are not required to purchase optional benefits for commercial policies — employees may wish to review their personal policies to ensure they have the coverage they need.
Know what benefits you already have today through your auto insurance policy.
Avoid duplication — you may already have coverage through your employer, private benefits plan, or life and health insurance.
Consider your personal circumstances and which optional coverage is right for you and your family.
Your insurer, agent, or broker can explain all your options and help you understand the impact of changes.
Choose the benefits that best fit your needs and budget.
A concise overview of what's changing, what's staying the same, coverage limits, and who is covered under the new rules.
Download Fact SheetNine real-life examples showing how the optional benefits may apply to different individuals and families across Ontario.
Download ScenariosAnswer a series of questions to identify which optional benefits may be right for you and others covered under your policy.
Download ChecklistOur trusted advisors are here to help you navigate the changes and find the right coverage for your needs.
Contact Reith & AssociatesDisclaimer: 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.