I was invited to post about this as it affects everyone. A couple caveats first (sorry).
Caveat 1 - There are differing perspectives on these changes. Government, Auto insurers, and Lawyers are all chiming in - links below. Will try to present this info neutrally, however, I’m a healthcare provider at a clinic that treats accident victims, so I’m biased too. Some WCCers may have more or different expertise. Hopefully they’ll offer additional insights/perspectives. (If someone thinks I should take this down, tell me and I will).
Caveat 2 - These changes are new and complicated. People in the industry are still trying to make sense of them, myself included. I am also not an expert, lawyer, policy writer/reader. I’m writing as a member of the public and of WCC, sharing some notes with friends based on what I’ve read. Please inform yourself via reliable sources instead and please don’t post this externally (I’d like to keep my job, thank you).
When and Where?
- The Ontario government rolled out these changes July 1, 2026.
- Some changes are in effect now, some apply only to accidents occurring after July 1st, some apply only to policies purchased or renewed after July 1st.
What changed?
- The collection of coverage benefits that were standard (meaning they applied to anyone affected by a car accident in Canada) is now much smaller. Several benefits became optional, meaning you have to opt-in (and pay for them) and they won’t apply to people not covered under your policy.
- Benefits affected: income replacement, non-earner and caregiver benefits, lost educational expenses, housekeeping/maintenance expenses, death and funeral benefits, and more.
- Auto insurance is now “first payer” (meaning your health benefit plan, if you have one, kicks in after instead of before your auto insurance med rehab dollars). Folks with health benefit plans are more likely to benefit than lose from this change.
- Certain Auto Insurance Forms now include a Gender X option - yay!
Who is covered under your policy?
- You, your spouse, your dependents, and those explicitly named on your plan.
- Examples of people not covered by your plan: cyclists, pedestrians, other drivers, your friend/relative/neighbour/adult child/kid’s soccer mate who is in your vehicle whether borrowing it or a passenger.
Things you might find helpful:
- Get informed by real sources (not me!). Read up on this (from multiple perspectives), talk to your broker, insurer, lawyer, government rep, etc.
- Consider your family’s needs and talk with your spouse, adult kids, and others you drive or who use your car. Confirm who all is named on your plan and if others should be.
- Understand the options you select/decline before renewing or changing your plan.
- If you decide to change insurers and your current policy start/renewal date is before Jul 1st and your renewal isn’t soon, you may want to consider the impact of leaving your plan sooner than you need to.
- If you choose your level of health benefit coverage or purchase additional coverage, you may want to review your overall coverage and adjust accordingly.
Some links (from three perspectives, nothing too heated). There’s lots more online.
FSRA: https://www.fsrao.ca/media/29826/download (and email below)
Insurance Bureau of Canada : Ontario Auto Insurance Changes
Ontario Trial Lawyers: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaQnGUyBg9n/
