Ontario Automobile Policy
Effective Sept 1, 2010 the Ontario Government has made a number
of changes to the Ontario Automobile policy. The over all
intent of the changes is to bring stability to the pricing of
Automobile Insurance in Ontario. To accomplish this the
government has substantially reduced the benefits available under
the Accident Benefit section of the policy. Below is a quick summary
of the major changes to the policy. A more in depth look at
the specific changes can be found under the
"Detail of Benefit Changes" of this web site. There has
also been some changes to the liability (Tort) section of the
Ontario Policy. A new coverage has been added to allow
for the buy down of a deductible that is applicable in the event of
a court award. (See Tort section)
New Statutory Automobile Benefits (SABS).
- Capping medical/rehabilitation and
assessment/examination expenses for minor injuries to $3,500.
Replacing the existing Pre-Approved
Framework Guideline for Grade I and II Whiplash Associated
Disorders with a new Minor Injury Guideline for accidents
occurring on or after September 1, 2010.
Providing standard medical and
rehabilitation coverage for non-catastrophic claims of $50,000
(reduced from $100,000), with optional coverage of $100,000 or
$1,100,000.
Providing standard attendant care coverage
for non-catastrophic claims of $36,000 (reduced from $72,000),
with optional coverage of $72,000 or $1,072,000.
Providing standard caregiver, housekeeping
and home maintenance coverage for catastrophic claims and
optional coverage for non-catastrophic claims.
Capping each assessment to $2,000 – this
applies for all assessments, whether they are requested by the
claimant or insurer.
Providing payment for in-home assessments
only to claimants who have sustained more than a minor injury.
Eliminating rebuttal examinations and
future care reports.
Providing income replacement coverage to
$400 per week based on 70% of gross income and optional coverage
of up to $1,000.
Providing $2,500 for accounting reports to
support income replacement benefits claims.
Merging treatment plans and applications
for approval of assessments or examinations into one process.
Providing adjusters with discretion in the
use of insurer examinations.
Creating a definition for "incurred
expense".
Simplifying and consolidating the rules
that govern claims processing.
Eliminating a number of approved forms.
