Accident benefits in Ontario: What your auto policy actually covers
If you are injured in a car accident in Ontario, your own auto policy steps in first — regardless of who was at fault. That portion of coverage is called accident benefits, and it pays for treatment, income loss, and care while you recover. Most drivers could not name what their policy includes, so here is the plain-language version.
Income replacement benefits
If injuries keep you from working, income replacement pays 70% of your gross income, up to $400 a week. Self-employed drivers can qualify based on documented lost income. It starts after a one-week waiting period and can run up to 104 weeks — longer if the injury is catastrophic.
Medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care
Ontario policies carry set maximums for treatment not covered by OHIP:
- Non-catastrophic injuries: up to $65,000 combined for medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care
- Catastrophic injuries: up to $1 million
- Attendant care pays for an aide or facility if you cannot manage daily tasks alone
Other benefits worth knowing
- Caregiver benefits if you can no longer care for dependants
- Non-earner benefits — $185 a week — for people not employed at the time of the accident
- Death and funeral benefits for survivors
- Housekeeping, visitor, and lost-expense benefits in specific circumstances
Optional upgrades you can buy
The standard limits are a floor, not a ceiling. For a modest premium increase you can raise income replacement to $600, $800, or $1,000 a week, extend the payment period, increase the medical and rehabilitation maximums, and add caregiver or housekeeping coverage that standard policies no longer include for most adults.
Tip: Review your accident benefits limits annually, especially if your income has grown. The default $400 weekly cap is a fraction of most working salaries — and optional top-ups cost far less than the gap hurts.
The bottom line
Accident benefits are the part of your Ontario policy that takes care of you after a crash. Know your limits, consider the optional increases if your income or family situation warrants them, and check what your policy really promises before you need it.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Rates and product details change frequently — always compare current offers before making a decision.
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