According to a 2016 poll, less than half of Ontarians were aware of new auto insurance reforms that came into effect. Yet, the changes have a deep impact on the amount of coverage available after an accident.
How Do Reduced Benefits Affect You?
For individuals involved in non-catastrophic accidents, Ontario auto insurance coverage has been reduced by approximately 24%. With the exception of those under 18 years old, the time limit for receiving these benefits has also been cut in half - down from ten years to five years.
Those who sustain severe impacts such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries are especially affected. Entitlement to catastrophic benefits has been cut in half. This means that individuals severely injured in car accidents are entitled much less in medical and rehabilitation benefits.
Read more about the changes by reading our related posts listed at the end of this article.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
If you still haven't decided on your options, it's not too late to take action to ensure adequate benefits for you and your family.
Policyholders have the option of purchasing added protection coverage to safeguard against reduced benefits. However, purchasing additional coverage needs to occur before a car accident. Once the accident occurs, you cannot add additional protection to cover you for that particular accident.
Gluckstein Lawyers encourages Ontario drivers to speak to their insurance brokers about exploring the option of additional auto insurance coverage.
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LINKS
>> LAT Awards Accident Benefits denied by Insurance Companies
>> New Statutory Accident Benefits - Considered Your Options Yet?
Sources:
www.canadianunderwriter.ca/associations/42-polled-ontarians-aware-upcoming-auto-insurance-reforms-ibao-1004091981/
www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/rates/Pages/q2-2016.
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