Ontario changes auto accident benefits June 2016
Once again Ontario is amending the accident benefits coverage
in the standard auto insurance policy wording OAP 1. This is the “No Fault accident benefits compulsory in every auto insurance policy in Ontario. Therefore, these changes affect every Ontario insured, including you. These changes take effect June 2016. The change is in the Medical + Rehabilitation and Attendant Care Benefit.
See below
Accident Benefits Coverage
Prior to June 2016 |
As of June 2016 |
Options | ||
Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant care benefits |
Medical + Rehabilitation: Reimbursement for reasonable necessary medical and rehabilitation expenses like physiotherapy not covered by OHIP or Group Insurance plans. |
$50,000 for Medical + Rehabilitation (non-catastrophic injuries). |
$65,000 total for Medical + Rehabilitation and Attendant care (non-catastrophic injuries). |
Increase to $130,000 non-catastrophic injury. |
Attendant Care: Reimbursement for an attendant to look after you either at home or within a healthcare facility. |
$36,000 for Attendant care (non-catastrophic)
|
$1,000,000 total for Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant care for catastrophic injuries. | Increase to $2,000,000 for catastrophic injuries. | |
Non-Catastrophic injuries: Minor Injuries (sprains, whiplash) +serious injuries (broken bones, severe strains). |
$1,000,000 for Medical + Rehabilitation for catastrophic injuries |
Increase to $1,000,000 for non-catastrophic injury and $2,000,000 for catastrophic injury to a total of $3,000,000. | ||
Catastrophic Injuries Loss of limb, para/quadriplegia |
$1,000,000 for Attendant care for catastrophic injuries |
The standard auto policy includes only the standard benefits. Therefore, insured’s need to review their own situations and requirement and consider enriching the benefits of required. Unfortunately, none of us know when we might be involved in an accident that causes injuries to the vehicle occupants.
We have, since 2010 sent our Accident Benefits information with renewals recommending you review this section or your auto insurance as your needs may change from year to year.