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Auto Reform Ontario

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Auto Reform: Accident Benefit Options

On your car insurance policy there are a set of optional coverages known as accident benefits. As your auto insurance broker it is our job to ensure we provide with you solutions for you and your lifestyle based on these optional accident benefits.
As of July 1st, 2026 accident benefits will be changing for Ontario auto insurance policy holders. You have the choice to Top Up the coverage or Give It Up. It is important to be aware of how these optional coverages can impact your personal finances and recovery if you’re injured in an automobile accident.

What is changing with your accident benefits?

After July 2026, only three accident benefits will remain mandatory:
  • Medical Care – help pay for treatment or medical care after an accident.
  • Rehabilitation – help pay for services such as therapy, chiropractic care, etc. with the goal of helping you recover from the accident.
  • Attendant Care – help pay for a caregiver if your injuries prevent you from caring for yourself.
These cover essential treatment and support if you are seriously injured in a collision.
Everything else will become optional, including:
  • Income Replacement: Pays a portion of your income if you cannot work due to an automobile incident.
  • Caregiver Benefits: Helps cover childcare or dependent care if you are injured.
  • Housekeeping and Home Maintenance: Pays for help around the home.
  • Death and Funeral Benefits: Provides financial support to your family.
Drivers will need to decide which of these protections they want to top up or give up.

Who can use the accident benefits?

With the changes in 2026, the accident benefits you choose will only apply to the people specifically covered under your policy. Prior to the change, anyone involved in the accident, whether they were driving, a passenger or a pedestrian were eligible to claim from accident benefits. Now, your protection is only available to the people on your policy. This means that your coverage may not extend to everyone in your vehicle. Passengers who do not have their own insurance may no longer be covered under your optional accident benefits.
Under the new ststem the optional benefits you choose will only apply to specific people:
  • The Named Insured on the policy
  • Spouse or Common-law partner
  • Dependent children or other dependents
  • Any drivers listed on your policy

Why these changes are happening?

The new accident benefits gives drivers more choice, but it also means your coverage will depend on the decisions you make. The accident benefits that were once automatically included on your auto insurance policy can now be removed or given up. These selections could leave you without income replacement, dependent care, or financial protection after a serious accident.
The right options for you to choose depend on your unique situation. As you grow you may need to adjust your benefits. Your workplace benefits, income, family responsibilities, and savings all affect what protection you actually need.
Before making changes, it’s worth reviewing your situation with a licensed Ontario insurance professional. An experienced broker can help you understand your options, identify potential gaps, and make sure your choices are based on protection, not just price.
Take the quiz below to see what coverages make sense for you and get connected with one of our experienced brokers.

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Mike Cunha has been my “insurance guy” for the past couple of years and has been an absolute pleasure to deal with. Mike has quoted me on auto insurance, our home, and on our trailer insurance. In all cases, Mike’s quotes beat every other received. I would strongly recommend giving Mike Cunha at McDougall a call to see the packages and pricing he can offer – I am confident you will find that his combination of pricing and service cannot be beat.

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We had a very positive experience when we met with Dean Coulter. Once all the preliminary reviews were completed Dean went through a very detailed analysis of our insurable items and went to work to find the best rates that would meet our requirements. After presenting the breakdown we were amazed that would be saving hundreds of dollars against our prior company who we had been with for over 25 years. We asked our son to get his insurance evaluated and again saved literally hundreds of dollars a year in costs. There is no question that Dean and the McDougall Insurance group spend the time and resources to get their clients the best rates. We recommended that you take the time to call and have your insurance evaluated by Dean and his team. You will not be disappointed.

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Our experience with McDougall/ Brister Insurance Morrisburg has always been very positive. They have knowledgeable and pleasant staff who go the extra mile. Have always had professional and timely responses to any questions that we have had. Would recommend.

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I have been with Scott Ferrier from McDougall Insurance for over 8 years and I could not be more happy with the service I have received! I am challenging client, in that I leave everything until the last minute, but Scott is always available and ready to make things happen! My husband finally switched over to McDougall as well for his car insurance, and Scott was able to save him over $300 a month!!! Needless to say I would recommend anyone checking out McDougall Insurance.

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Excellent service, friendly, knowledgable staff! Very responsive to inquiries and requests. I would definitely recommend McDougall insurance to friends and family!

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We have experienced nothing but superior service from our Account Executive, Scott Ferrier. He responds to our questions quickly and presents all the important and pertinent information. This allows us to make our informed choices quickly and easily.The prices are definitely fair. What I like the most is that Scott truly cares about us, his clients. I would recommend McDougall Insurance in Arnprior to my family in friends in a heartbeat.

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