Ontario Auto Reform 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is making changes to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) that will impact all auto policies in the province. Your Navacord Brokers’ role is to consult you and help you understand your personal risk profile and protection.
Key Changes to Accident Benefits
- Effective July 1, 2026, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) will shift from a standard package to a modular, “à la carte” system, making most accident benefits optional.
- Mandatory benefits: Medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care remain automatically included in all policies. Your auto insurer will become the first payer for medical and rehabilitation expenses.
- July 1, 2026, regardless of an auto insurance policy’s renewal date. As a result, optional accident benefits under your auto policy will only cover the following individuals:
- The named insured
- The spouse of the named insured
- Dependents of the named insured and of the named insured’s spouse
- Persons specified in the policy as drivers of the automobile
Accident Benefits FAQ
- Auto Reform FAQ Resource
- Auto Reform Self Assessment
- Ontario Automobile Policy Owner’s Policy (OAP1)
- Ontario Garage Automobile Policy (OAP4)
Optional accident benefits coverage & priority of payment.
This form will be included on all auto policies renewing after July 1st and describes the optional accident benefits that you have either purchased or declined.
Talk to a Navacord Life & Health Advisor for:
Life Insurance Solutions
Mandatory vs Optional Coverage
- Understanding Ontario Auto – Accident Benefits Coverage
- Although existing auto insurance policies will renew with the same coverage and limits, who is covered under policies for newly optional accident benefits will change.
- Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) provide financial support if you are injured in a car accident. These benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident and can cover things like medical treatment, rehabilitation and income if you can’t work because of your injuries.
- Moving forward, only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care will remain mandatory, with optional coverage available to fit your unique needs.
- Existing auto insurance policies will renew with the same coverage and limits that they currently have in place.
- Reform: Becomes an optional benefit, that can be purchased for ‘an impairment’, meaning catastrophic and non-catastrophic impairments, in chosen amounts based on the offerings of the insurer. Caregiver Benefits & Housekeeping and Home Maintenance.
Personal Lines Auto Client?
Your current coverage will automatically continue unless you let your broker know you would like to make specific changes to your auto insurance policy. You will need to review and decide whether you would like to keep, add, or remove coverage.
Commercial Auto Client?
Speak to your Commercial Business Broker Team to learn more about how this change impacts you AND your employees.
Newly Insured Auto Client?
Starting July 1, 2026, new customers may choose which optional accident benefits they would like to purchase. Ask us which benefits are included in your quote. You may want to add optional benefits to your policy based on your needs.