Auto Insurance

Accident Benefits Auto Reform 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Ontario government is updating the standard automobile insurance policy. These changes impact both your coverage options and who is covered under your policy. Please review the details below to understand what this means for you.

Changes to Mandatory Coverages

Any Ontario Auto Policy renewing after July 1, 2026, will have the option to exclude coverages that were previously mandatory. The Accident Benefits portion of your auto policy will change so that only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits will remain standard in auto policies. You cannot remove these three coverages.

All of the following coverages will become optional:

You may choose to opt out of these coverages depending on your needs.

All Ontario automobile policy renewals will remain at the current coverage limits that were in place prior to July 2026. Clients who wish to remove coverages or modify their coverage limits must contact their broker in order to make those changes.

To learn more about the accident benefits that are becoming optional and what they cover, we’ve included an Auto Reform Coverage Guide below.

Changes to Who is Covered by Optional Accident Benefits

Also beginning July 1, 2026, any optional accident benefits that you select for 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, and persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile.

Changes to the Minor Accident Limit

Changes are also being made to Ontario’s Minor Accident Protection Rule. This July, the minor accident limit will increase from $2,000 to $5,000. Under the Minor Accident Protection Rule, insurers cannot increase premiums for one qualifying minor at-fault accident, provided there are no injuries, no insurer payout, and damage is under $5,000 per vehicle involved in the accident. Policyholders can make use of this rule once every three years, and may choose to pay these expenses out of their own pocket rather than filing an at-fault claim with their insurance company.

Some important questions to consider when reviewing your coverage include:

• Do you have both short and long-term disability coverage through your employer? Would your coverage through work cover an auto accident?
• Are you the main caregiver for children or other dependants, such as elderly parents?
• Are you a student, unemployed, or retired?
• Do you regularly use items like prescription glasses, hearing aids, or mobility devices that would be expensive to replace if damaged in an accident?
• Would you need to hire help for household chores if you were injured?

Our goal is to ensure you can make informed decisions about your coverage following these changes. We would be happy to review your current policy with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.

Focus on enjoying the ride. Let us find you the best coverage.

Determining the right insurance coverage and finding the best rates can be confusing, time consuming and stressful, but you don’t have to navigate the entire process alone.

Our insurance experts understand that every vehicle and driver in Ontario is unique, and that is why we help you choose the right auto insurance, offering various coverage options tailored to your specific needs. Whether you use your vehicle for daily work commute, running errands, enjoying weekend adventures, or occasional use, we’ve got you covered.

Car insurance includes both mandatory and optional coverages. It’s important to determine your coverage needs and budget. Remember, adding extra coverage will increase your rates, and factors like age, accident history, or tickets can also affect your premiums.

Trust Our Brokers for Expert Guidance. Contact us now to receive a free quote.