SABS optionality changes — your questions answered

1. 1

   What changes are coming to accident benefits on July 1, 2026?

   Ontario is making changes to give drivers more choice and flexibility. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain mandatory. All other accident benefit coverages, such as income replacement, will become optional. Who is covered for these optional benefits will also change.
2. 2

   Who is covered?

   • The named insured
   • The spouse of the named insured
   • Dependants of the named insured and of the named insured's spouse
   • Persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile
3. 3

   Which accident benefits will be optional and what will remain mandatory?

   Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain included in all auto insurance policies. Optional benefits include income replacement, non-earner, caregiver, lost educational expenses, expenses of visitors, housekeeping & home maintenance, damage to personal items, death benefits, and funeral benefits. Supplementary medical/rehab/attendant care, dependant care, and indexation continue to be optional.
4. 4

   Who can purchase optional benefits under an auto insurance policy?

   Every policyholder can add or remove optional accident benefits from their policy.
5. 5

   Why would someone choose to add, remove, or decline optional benefits?

   Some Ontarians already pay for similar benefits through their employer or private plans. These reforms eliminate a one-size-fits-all approach, so consumers no longer have to pay for benefits they may already have elsewhere or do not want.
6. 6

   How does removing optional benefits affect my insurance premiums?

   If you choose to remove benefits that have become optional from your existing coverage, it may impact your premium.
7. 7

   What steps should I follow to determine which optional benefits suit my needs?

   Review your current coverage, review your workplace or private benefits plan, think about your needs, and speak to your insurer, agent, or broker.
8. 8

   Where can I find more information about optional insurance coverage?

   To learn more, speak with your insurer, agent or broker. You may also download our fact sheet.
9. 9

   What information do I need to know before speaking to my broker?

   Review your current auto policy and your personal or work benefits. You can also use our self-assessment checklist to get started.
10. 10

    What if I have an existing policy? Will these changes affect me?

    Yes — if you're a renewing customer, all accident benefits except medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care will become optional. Your policy will renew automatically with your current coverage and limits unless you agree in writing to decline or change benefits. Who is covered for newly optional benefits will change on July 1, 2026 regardless of renewal date.
11. 11

    How will this impact me if I'm buying insurance for the first time on or after July 1, 2026?

    You can choose which optional accident benefits you'd like to purchase. Ask your broker which benefits are included in your quote.
12. 12

    Can I change my optional benefits after I've selected them?

    Yes, at any time. But only the coverage in place at the time of an auto accident will apply to your claim. Contact your broker to review your options and update your policy.
13. 13

    Can I remove optional benefits from my policy if I no longer need them?

    Yes — agree with your insurer in writing to decline certain benefits or make changes. Before deciding, review your current policy and any personal or work benefits that may already provide similar coverage.
14. 14

    Can I remove or add optional benefits if I start a new policy?

    Yes — if you're shopping for a new policy on or after July 1, 2026, you may choose which optional accident benefits you'd like to purchase.
15. 15

    How can I add optional benefits to my policy?

    Speak to your insurer, agent, or broker to add the optional accident benefits to your auto insurance policy.
16. 16

    Will these changes affect all drivers and types of auto insurance policies?

    Yes — the changes impact all drivers and auto insurance policies in Ontario, including personal private passenger, commercial, motorcycle, snowmobile, and all-terrain vehicle policies.
17. 17

    Do accident benefits apply when renting a car?

    You may be covered for certain accident benefits when renting a car. Review your auto insurance policy and the rental contract to understand what you're covered for.
18. 18

    Will passengers in my car still be covered if I opt out of certain coverages?

    Optional accident benefits will only apply to the named insured, their spouse, dependants, and listed drivers. Passengers not in those groups won't be covered for optional benefits — though standard accident benefits will still apply to all passengers.
19. 19

    What happens to uninsured pedestrians and cyclists?

    Standard accident benefits still apply. Optional accident benefits will only apply to the named insured, spouse, dependants, and listed drivers.
20. 20

    What should I do if I have an ongoing claim when the changes take effect?

    There is no impact to ongoing claims. The auto insurance coverage you had at the time of the accident applies to your claim.
21. 21

    If I have both auto insurance and a supplementary health plan, which one do I claim from first?

    Starting July 1, 2026, auto insurance will pay first for medical or rehabilitation benefits (except medication costs) for any injury sustained in an auto accident — helping you preserve your workplace or private plan benefits for other life events.

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.