Ontario drivers face changes to standard accident benefits on auto policies

Ontario's 2024 auto-insurance reforms take effect July 1, making several accident benefits optional while medical, rehabilitation and attendant care remain mandatory.

Ontario will change how some accident benefits are offered in auto insurance, following reforms introduced in 2024. The new rules take effect on July 1. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits will remain mandatory. Other statutory accident benefits will become optional add-ons to be selected when buying or renewing a policy. Key facts: - The reform was introduced by the provincial government in 2024 and is scheduled to begin on July 1. - Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care stay mandatory; nine other accident benefits become optional items under an "à la carte" model. - Existing policies will renew with current coverage and limits unless a policyholder agrees in writing to remove optional benefits. - Under the new rules, auto insurers will be the first payer for health services to treat crash injuries, and insurers typically send renewal notices about 60 days before a policy renewal. Summary: The change shifts several statutory accident benefits from a standard package into optional add-ons, and advocates have raised concerns about potential financial exposure for some groups such as retirees, students and self-employed workers. Implementation is set for July 1, and insurers will notify clients in the usual renewal process about available choices.