Updates to Accident Benefits in Ontario

July 1, 2026 Ontario’s auto insurance system is undergoing a major transformation. These changes impact how accident benefits are structured, selected, and paid.

What Are Accident Benefits (SABS)?

Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) are included in every Ontario auto policy and provide no-fault coverage, meaning you’re protected regardless of who caused the accident.

They are designed to support to support recovery and financial stability after an accident, covering things like Medical and rehabilitation expenses, Income replacement, Attendant care, Family and caregiving costs.

These benefits often play a critical role in helping individuals recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

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Why the Reform Is Happening

The Ontario government introduced these reforms to:

  • Increase consumer choice and flexibility
  • Allow drivers to customize coverage based on their needs
  • Potentially reduce premiums by removing overlap with workplace or private benefits

However, while affordability is a goal, the responsibility of choosing the right protection now shifts more heavily onto the consumer.

What Stays Mandatory

Under the new rules, the following core protections will remain included in every policy:

  • Medical benefits
  • Rehabilitation benefits
  • Attendant car benefits

These continue to cover treatment, therapy, and personal care support after an accident

What Becomes Optional

Many important protections will now be optional add-ons. These include:

Helps replace lost income if you are injured and lose income from not being able to work

Helps cover caregiving expenses if you or another covered person is injured in an auto accident and can no longer provide care for a household member, such as a child or aging parent, who needs it.

If you or another person is a student or unemployed and an auto accident keeps you (or another covered person) from leading a normal life, this benefit can provide financial support while you recover.

Reimburses certain costs you (or another person covered under the policy) incurred to enroll in education programs (e.g. college, university or other schooling) and are unable to attend as a result of an auto accident.

May cover reasonable and necessary travel and lodging costs of visitors (e.g. parents or siblings) if they visit you (or another person covered under the auto policy) while you (or the other person with coverage) is in treatment or recovering from auto accident-related injuries.

Helps cover costs if you or another covered person is unable to perform the housekeeping and home maintenance tasks normally done before an auto accident.

Covers the cost of repairing or replacing personal items like clothing, prescription glasses or hearing aids that were damaged in an auto accident.

May Compensate some member of your family if you (or another person covered under the policy) is killed as a result of an auto accident.

 

May pay for some funeral expenses if you (or another person covered under the policy) is killed as a result of an auto accident.

 

What happens when your policy renews

If you already have a policy:

  • It will renew with your current coverage and limits
  • You’ll have the option to review, remove or add benefits

What this means for you

With more customization comes more complexity.

Speaking with a licensed broker can help you:

  • Identify gaps between auto and health coverage
  • Avoid duplicating coverage unnecessarily
  • Ensure you’re protected where it matters most

Reach out to us today to discuss your policy.

We’re Here to Help

As your local insurance team, we’re here to make this simple. We’ll guide you through the changes and help you choose coverage that protects you and your family.

Quick Links

Disclaimer

The descriptions of the statutory accident benefits in this material is a summary of the statutory accident benefits in Ontario Regulation 34/10 (the “SABS”). Do not rely on this summary alone. For full details, please speak with your broker and refer to the above quick links.