Ontario changed your auto accident benefits. Here’s what to check at renewal.
Since July 1, 2026, most accident benefits on Ontario auto policies are optional. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care are still included, but benefits like income replacement are now your choice. Frank can walk you through what you have, and what your household might need, before your policy renews.
No obligation. Nothing changes without your approval.
- Licensed broker (RIBO)
- English or French
- Weekends available
- A real person, by phone
What changed on July 1, 2026
Still mandatory
Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain part of every policy bought or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.
Now optional
Income replacement, non-earner, caregiver, housekeeping and home maintenance, dependant care, death and funeral, and several other benefits.
Your renewal is the moment
The change applies when you buy or renew. An existing policy renews with the same coverage unless you agree in writing to decline benefits.
Questions to answer before you decide
- Would you lose income if a crash kept you from working? Do you have disability coverage through work?
- Does anyone depend on you for care, such as young children or a family member?
- Who in your household drives, and who has no workplace benefits?
- Would your family need death and funeral benefits?
- What does your workplace or private health plan already cover?
How it works
- Send a short requestPick a time for a call and add documents if you have them. It takes a few minutes.
- Frank reviews and comparesA licensed broker looks at your situation and compares options.
- You decideTalk it through by phone. Nothing changes without your approval.
Also new: who pays first
For accidents on or after July 1, 2026, auto insurers generally pay medical and rehabilitation expenses before a workplace or supplementary health plan does (medication is the exception). Read FSRA’s guide to accident benefit choices and the FSRA fact sheet.
What to have ready
- Your current auto policy or renewal notice
- Your renewal date
- Who drives in your household, and who has workplace benefits
- Any disability or life insurance you already have
Don’t have everything? Send what you have and Frank will ask for the rest.
Common questions
Do I have to change anything?
No. If you don’t make a choice, your policy renews with the same coverage. Optional benefits can only be removed if you agree in writing.
Will removing benefits lower my premium?
It may lower it somewhat, depending on the insurer. Weigh the saving against what you’d be without if you were hurt and couldn’t work.
Can I change my choices before my renewal date?
You can ask. Insurers are expected to have a process for requests before renewal, and Frank can tell you how yours handles it.
Who do accident benefits cover?
They can apply to you, your spouse and dependants, and in some cases to passengers and pedestrians. That’s why it helps to think about your whole household.
Make the right choice for your household
Send your renewal notice and Frank will explain your options in plain language. No obligation, and nothing changes without your approval.
Prefer email? Write to Frank.tereraho@insureu.ca.
More reasons to review your insurance
Frank Tereraho is a licensed insurance broker (RIBO) affiliated with InsureU Brokers Inc., 135 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON. This page is general information, not advice. Savings are not guaranteed. Quotes and coverage depend on each insurer’s underwriting and policy wording.