Despite the drastic reductions to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) that were implemented by the Liberal government on June 1, 2016, many Ontario drivers have not increased their benefits to ensure their families are properly protected in the case of an accident.
The changes to the SABS include a reduction in Med-Rehab and Attendant Care benefits for non-catastrophic injuries from a combined $86,000.00 prior to June 1, 2016 to $65,000.00 after June 1st, 2016.
The Med-Rehab and Attendant Care benefits for catastrophic injuries, such as a brain injury or a spinal cord injury, are now limited to $1 million combined, whereas pre-June 1, 2016 these were $1 million each for $2 million combined.
All these benefits can be increased to $1 to $2 million. An Optional Benefit to increase Income Replacement Benefits from $400/week to $1000/week is also available.
We strongly encourage you to contact your broker or insurance company and ask a few simple questions:
- How much will it cost in premiums to increase Med-Rehab and Attendant Care benefits in each of the four scenarios:
- Increase auto insurance coverage for non-catastrophic injuries only,
- Increase auto insurance coverage for catastrophic injuries only,
- Increase both catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries; and
- Whether you qualify for increased coverage for Income Replacement Benefits
Below is a chart to help explain some of the important options available:
When an accident happens you want to be sure that the policy you have will help you on your road to recovery so you are not left scrambling to find ways to access rehabilitation.