What does insurance in Ontario cover for auto accidents?
Attendant Care Benefit:
In the event that the injuries you have suffered in a motor vehicle accident render you unable to carry out certain personal care activities, such as bathing, dressing, toileting and eating, you may be eligible for this benefit. It pays for the expenses of hiring an aide or attendant and also a long-term care facility.
Caregiver Benefit:
If you are unable to continue as a primary caregiver or are deemed to be in need of one because of the injuries you have sustained in a motor vehicle accident, then you may be eligible for the Caregiver Benefit.
Death and Funeral Payments Benefit:
This benefit is available to your spouse or children (or whoever you have named as the beneficiary) in case of your death in a motor vehicle accident. It is usually a lump-sum payment and includes the expenses for your funeral.
Income Replacement Benefit:
This type of benefit partially compensates you for the loss of your income in the event that you are unable to work as a result of the injuries you have sustained in a motor vehicle accident. It could either be temporary or for your lifetime.
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefit:
This benefit covers the medical and rehabilitation expenses that you may be able to claim if you do not have access to a government health plan or any other private health plans through your work or spouse. The Ontario auto insurance industry pays about $150 million annually to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to offset the cost of treating people injured in motor vehicle accidents. You may approach OHIP to claim this benefit.
Non-earner Benefit:
You will be eligible for this benefit if the injuries you have suffered in a motor vehicle accident render you unable to carry on your normal activities and make money to provide for yourself and your family.
Other Expenses Benefit:
This benefit covers other expenses as deemed necessary and reasonable, such as lost educational expenses and costs related to home maintenance or improvement deemed necessary for your recovery. It may also cover for the repair or replacement of clothing damaged or lost in the accident.
When making a claim, you must be mindful of the fact that special rules apply if you are insured under more than one insurance policy. You may wish to consult your policy and your lawyer to find out what benefits you will be eligible for. There are also certain conditions that disqualify you from receiving income replacement benefits, such as lost education expenses benefits, non-earner benefits, and home improvement benefits if you are found to be in contravention of the law at the time of the accident, which includes driving without a driver’s license and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.