Changes to Automobile Insurance:
How Will It Affect You?

By: Sivan Tumarkin

On September 1, 2010, your automobile insurance coverage will change. It is very important that you pay close attention to the changes being introduced by the Ontario government.

The following are just some of the changes that will be effective September 1, 2010 if you suffer non-catastrophic injuries as a result of a car accident:

Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefits

Prior to September 1, 2010, if you were injured in a car accident, you could be entitled up to $100 per week for housekeeping and home maintenance benefits. In many cases you could get this benefit for up to 2 years. After September 1, 2010, your basic automobile insurance will not allow you to claim for housekeeping and home maintenance benefits.

Caregiver Benefits

If you were injured in a car accident, you could be entitled up to $250 per week if you incurred expenses as a result of being unable to continue as the main caregiver of a child or someone else you cared for in your household before the accident. After September 1, 2010, your basic automobile insurance will not allow you to claim for caregiver benefits.

Medical/Rehabilitation Benefits

If you were injured you could be eligible to receive medical and rehabilitation benefits (chiropractor, massage, physiotherapy, etc.) of up to $100,000. As of September 1, 2010 this amount will be reduced by your basic automobile insurance to $50,000.

Attendant Care Benefits

If you were injured and needed someone to help you with personal assistance you could be eligible to receive attendant care benefits of up to $72,000. This benefit will be reduced to $36,000.

"Minor Injury" Cap

This is a new concept introduced by the Ontario government. A "minor injury" may include a "sprain, strain or whiplash associated disorder". After September 1, 2010, some injuries will be considered "minor". If your injury is categorized as a "minor injury", you will only be entitled to receive up to $3,500 worth of treatment (chiropractor, massage, physiotherapy, etc.).

What This Means For You

Do not panic. For better or for worse, these changes, and many more, are coming. Contact your insurance company or insurance broker to ask them about all your automobile insurance options that are available to you once the new changes take effect on September 1, 2010. You will have options to pay a little bit more for significantly higher benefits in case you or your loved ones are injured in a car accident. We highly recommend that you upgrade your automobile insurance policy to include optional benefits and higher benefit coverage in case of an accident. This will ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in case of a car accident.

Note: The above is not intended as legal advice. Please contact Sivan Tumarkin at 416-860-9065 if you or someone you know has any questions regarding the above, or questions about any type of personal injury or insurance claim matters.