What is still mandatory
Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain part of every Ontario auto policy. They pay for treatment and care after a collision, regardless of who was at fault.
What became optional
You now choose whether to buy each of these:
- Income replacement
- Non-earner benefits
- Caregiver benefits
- Housekeeping and home maintenance
- Death and funeral benefits
- Lost educational expenses
- Visitor expenses
- Damage to personal items
Benefits that were already optional, such as higher medical and rehabilitation limits, dependant care and indexation, are still available.
Auto insurance now pays first for treatment
Under the new rules, your auto insurer pays first for medical and rehabilitation costs after a crash, before your workplace benefits plan. Medication is the exception. That keeps your employer benefits available for other needs.
What happens at your renewal
If you had a policy before July 1, 2026, it renews with the coverage you already had unless you agree in writing to change it. You can keep your current benefits, switch to the new standard options, or opt out of the optional ones.
Optional benefits only cover the people named on the policy: you, your spouse, your dependants and listed drivers. Make sure everyone who drives your car is listed.
How to decide
- Check what your employer or private benefits cover for lost income and disability, and for how long.
- If you are self-employed, have no disability coverage, or support others, think hard before dropping income replacement.
- Ask for the premium of each optional benefit separately so you can see what you would actually save.
- Decide with your agent, and keep a written copy of what you chose.
Common questions
Will my policy change automatically at renewal?
No. An existing policy renews with its current coverage unless you agree in writing to change it.
How much do I save by opting out?
It varies by insurer and driver, and for many people the saving is modest. Ask for the price of each optional benefit before deciding.
This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Coverage depends on your insurer and your policy wording. Ask a licensed agent before making changes.