New Optional Benefits for 2026

More choice, more control: Ontario’s auto insurance reforms put you in the driver’s seat

Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is making auto insurance more flexible. Some accident benefits that were previously included in every auto insurance policy will become optional, giving you more choice to select coverage that fits your needs.

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What’s Becoming Optional

Income Replacement

Helps replace income you or another covered person may lose because of an auto accident.

Non-Earner

If you or another covered person is a student or unemployed and an auto accident keeps you from leading a normal life, this benefit can provide financial support while you recover.

Caregiver Benefits

Helps cover caregiving expenses if you or another covered person is injured in an auto accident and can no longer provide care for a household member, such as a child or aging parent, who needs it.

Lost Educational Expenses

If an auto accident keeps you or another covered person from attending school or an education program, this benefit can help cover the costs you have lost.

Expenses of Visitors

Helps cover reasonable and necessary expenses of visitors, such as a sibling or parents, if you or another covered person is injured in an auto accident.

Housekeeping and Home Maintenance

Helps cover costs if you or another covered person is unable to perform the housekeeping and home maintenance tasks normally done before an auto accident.

Damage to Personal Items

Helps cover the cost to repair or replace personal items (e.g., clothing, prescription eyewear, hearing aids, etc.) damaged in an auto accident.

Death Benefits

Compensates some family members if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.

Funeral Benefits

Helps cover some funeral costs if you or another covered person die due to an auto accident.

Navigating the 2026 Coverage Shifts: A Visual Guide

A table outlines various insurance benefits. Categories include Mandatory and Lifestyle & Family, or Vehicle Related. Entries cover liability, uninsured drivers, medical care, car loss, family protection, rentals, direct compensation, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

Income Replacement, Housekeeping, Death & Funeral, Non-Earner Benefit, Caregiver Benefit, Visitor Expenses, Lost Education, Damage to Personal Items.

Comparison chart of insurance coverage. Left: Pre-July 2026, listing health, income, daily life, and family support items with optional features. Right: Post-July 2026, showing reduced coverage with items crossed out. Dark blue background, white and yellow text.

Resources

Fact Sheet: 2026 Accident Benefits Reforms - What Ontario Drivers Need to Know

View Resource

OPCF 47R (Optional Accident Benefits Coverage & Priority of Payment)

View Resource

Self-Assessment Checklist

This checklist can help you decide which optional benefits may be right for you or others covered under your policy. You may be able to add or remove these benefits based on your needs.

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    How to Use the Self-Assessment Checklist

    • Read each set of questions carefully
    • Tick the box if your answer is “yes” for you or others covered under your policy. Leave it blank if your answer is “no”
    • If you check one or more boxes in a section, the benefit described may be worth considering
    • Speak to your broker to review your coverage and learn more about your options

    Before You Begin

    If you have a private or workplace benefits plan, you may already have coverage for some of the following benefits. Before making changes to the optional benefits on your auto insurance policy, review your existing workplace or private plan or speak with your benefits advisor to confirm that you have appropriate coverage.

    Need Help Understanding the New Changes?

    Our team of caring and knowledgeable professionals will help you find the right coverage to suit your unique circumstances. Let's get started. Just click the links below and we'll reach back to you in a responsive and timely manner.

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    The descriptions of statutory accident benefits contained in these documents and landing page provide only a summary of the benefits set out in Ontario Regulation 34/10 (the “SABS”). Do not rely solely on this summary; for complete details please contact your insurance broker.

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