Read this first. Ontario changed accident benefits again on 1 July 2026, and that change is more significant for most drivers than the 2016 one described below. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits stayed mandatory; most other benefits became optional, and the optional ones now reach only the named insured, their spouse, dependants and listed drivers. The 2016 history below still matters, because the benefits available to you depend on the rules in force on the date of your accident — but do not read it as a description of what a policy carries today.
Ontario significantly reformed accident benefits effective June 1, 2016, and the changes reduced the standard coverage most drivers carry by default. Because so many people never adjust their policies from the default, the reforms quietly lowered the benefits available to a large number of accident victims. Understanding what changed helps explain why coverage after an accident can feel thinner than expected.
Combining medical/rehabilitation and attendant care into one limit
Before the reforms, medical and rehabilitation benefits and attendant care benefits had separate limits for non-catastrophic injuries. The 2016 changes combined them into a single, lower standard limit for most (non-catastrophic) claims. That means the same pool of money now has to cover both treatment and attendant care, so it can be exhausted faster.
Shorter durations for some benefits
The reforms also shortened the time period over which certain standard benefits are available for non-catastrophic injuries. A benefit that might once have been available for a longer period could now run out sooner under the default coverage.
Optional benefits to buy back coverage
To offset the reduced defaults, the reforms made a range of optional benefits available for purchase. Drivers can pay more to increase their medical/rehabilitation and attendant care limits, add or increase income replacement, and buy other enhancements. The catch is that these must be purchased before the accident — you cannot add them afterwards.
The practical consequence
Because the standard coverage was reduced, one of the first questions after a serious accident is whether the injured person had bought any optional increased benefits. Someone who purchased higher limits may have substantially more coverage than someone on the default. Many people do not remember or realise what they bought, so checking the actual policy is important.
Points to keep in mind
- Standard non-catastrophic coverage was reduced, so it can run out faster than people expect.
- Optional benefits can meaningfully increase coverage but must be in place before the accident.
- The exact limits are set by regulation and have been adjusted, so confirm the figures for your accident date.
For education only. Exact limits change; confirm the SABS version and optional coverage that apply to your accident date.
This article is general information for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a consultation.