The Ontario government has made a number of amendments to auto insurance coverage over the last two years. As with any legislative amendments, the real changes faced by those who find themselves in the court system as a result of a motor vehicle accident take some time to work their way through the system – and the government’s not done shaking things up just yet.
How you see the changes depends on where you stand.
Good News for Insurers
The changes came in the wake of 2013’s Automobile Insurance Rate Stabilization Act (AIRSA), which mandates auto insurance rate reductions. The recent legislation was designed to mitigate losses by insurers by reducing their claims expenses. According to insurance industry analysts, the legislation has begun to show results in terms of the changes making their way through the system.
Bad News for Injured Drivers & their Passengers
Accident benefits were first reduced – drastically – in 2010. Then in November 2014, Bill 15 took away any right to sue over accident benefits except under certain specific conditions. In the 2015-16 budget, the Liberals made the industry even more promises:
- To further reduce mandatory accident benefit coverage limits (non-catastrophic injuries as defined by the law) – currently at $50,000 for medical benefits and $36,00 for attendant care – to a total of $65,000 for both;
- To combine maximum coverage for catastrophic injuries and attendant care for same – currently at $1 million each – to a total of $1 million for both.
The changes will take effect June 1, 2016.
Accident Benefits Coverage
It’s more important than ever to ensure that you get the full benefit of your auto insurance when you need it most as an accident victim. Remember:
- You are fully entitled to accident benefits whether you are at fault or not (although you are ineligible if you were committing a criminal offence for which you were convicted at the time);
- Benefits include weekly income replacement when you cannot work, medical and rehabilitative benefits and attendant care.
We Can Help
That’s where we come in. If you’ve been in a car accident let our experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers help you sort through the issues at a difficult time and make sure your interests are protected.
Call us (905) 949-9433 for a free consultation with an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer. We look forward to hearing from you.
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