Source: Adapted from the FSRA Auto Insurance Reforms Communications Toolkit — Customer Fact Sheet. For the original document and the latest updates, refer directly to FSRA's July 1, 2026 SABS changes page.
What are Statutory Accident Benefits?
Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) can provide financial support if you are injured in an auto accident. These benefits can be available regardless of who caused the accident and can cover things like medical treatment, rehabilitation, and income if you can't work because of your injuries.
What's changing?
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario drivers will have more choice and control over their coverage. Certain essential benefits will remain mandatory, while many others will be optional — selectable or removable when purchasing or renewing your policy.
If you're an existing customer, your policy will renew with the same coverage and limits unless you agree in writing to decline benefits or make changes. Who is covered for newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026, regardless of renewal date. Before making changes, check if your personal or work benefits already provide similar coverage.
Customers purchasing or renewing on or after July 1, 2026 can choose which optional accident benefits they would like to purchase.
Essential accident benefits coverage remains
Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits will continue to be included in all auto insurance policies. They cover medical expenses, therapy, and personal care assistance for injuries from an accident — including doctor visits, physiotherapy, and help with daily activities like bathing and dressing.
Optional benefits you can now choose to add
The following benefits will become optional. You can choose to remove or add these to your policy depending on your needs. Coverage limits vary by insurer — ask your broker.
Income replacement
Helps replace income you or another covered person may lose because of an auto accident.
Non-earner
If you or another covered person is a student or unemployed and an auto accident keeps you from leading a normal life, this benefit can provide financial support while you recover.
Caregiver benefits
Helps cover caregiving expenses if you or another covered person is injured and can no longer provide care for a household member, such as a child or aging parent.
Lost educational expenses
Helps cover education costs if an auto accident keeps you or another covered person from attending school or an education program.
Expenses of visitors
Helps cover reasonable and necessary expenses of visitors, such as siblings or parents, if you or another covered person is injured.
Housekeeping & home maintenance
Helps cover costs if you or another covered person is unable to perform housekeeping and home maintenance tasks normally done before the accident.
Damage to personal items
Helps cover the cost to repair or replace personal items (e.g., clothing, prescription eyewear, hearing aids) damaged in an auto accident.
Death benefits
Compensates some family members if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.
Funeral benefits
Helps cover some funeral costs if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.
Still optional (as before)
- Supplementary medical, rehabilitation and attendant care
- Dependant care
- Indexation
Disclaimer: The descriptions of statutory accident benefits in this document are a summary of the statutory accident benefits in Ontario Regulation 34/10 (the "SABS"). Do not rely on this summary alone. For full details, refer to the FSRA or speak to your licensed insurance broker.