To help stabilize insurance rates, the Ontario government has implemented changes to auto insurance. The changes include the reduction of the Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care Coverage available under Accident Benefits coverage in standard auto insurance policies.
These changes will take place on June 1st. This means that if you are injured in a car accident after June 1st, 2016, the amount of medical rehabilitation and attendant care expenses that your car insurance covers may be lower than before.
Reduced Medical, Rehabilitation, and Attendant Benefit
For non-catastrophic accidents, a common benefit in all standard auto insurance policies is the medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefit, which currently carries a combined limit of $86,000. Following the new legislation, the maximum will be reduced to $65,000.
Even non-catastrophic accidents can present injuries like broken bones and severe strains, where the benefits would be used to cover reasonable and necessary expenses, like the cost of an attendant if you require assistance at home or in a healthcare facility.
For more severe accidents with catastrophic injuries, the previous combined limit for medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care was $2 million combined, which will drop to $1 million. In these cases, costs can escalate quickly, and basic coverage may not be enough to cover all your expenses.
When to Expect Changes
For policies purchased after the legislation takes effect, the changes will take effect immediately, while for existing policies changes will take effect upon the next policy renewal following June 1st.
The Best Car Insurance Policy for You
Despite the reduction in the amount of coverage you may have in the event of an accident, you do have options in regards to protecting yourself financially from unexpected expenses. To ensure the best possible coverage to suit you and your needs, get in touch with your insurance broker who will work with you to build the right automobile insurance policy.
You Have Options
Act today to see whether you’ll be affected by the change in legislation, and what options you have to get the best insurance coverage for your needs. Get in touch with your local Ottawa insurance broker today at Oegema, Nicholson & Associates and speak with an expert who will work with you!
"Just wanted to leave a message for your website that praises Nik Dore for being a constant example of always providing invaluable customer service. I never worry that my questions and concerns will be dismissed or that I am receiving less than constructive advice. Many thanks to him."
&-–
"I know all my insurance needs are covered with Oegema, Nicholson & Associates. I have been a loyal client for the last 15 years, and I can count of them for my commercial insurance, employee benefits, as well as my personal insurance and finances. Jeff Richer always goes above and beyond to help me with my insurance needs."
O-Omkar Atwal, Owner, Leitrim Home Hardware
"It’s always a pleasure to deal with Oegema, Nicholson & Associates, and I can depend on them for all my insurance needs. I have been a client for several years and whether it’s regarding my personal insurance, or anything to do with our employee benefits or commercial needs, I know I’m taken care of."
R-Rhonda, Capital Dodge
"I would like to thank Carol for everything she has done for me and my family over the years. It is my honest belief that we would not be in the position we are in if it was not for her guidance, expertise and honesty. We can't begin to thank her enough."
T-Tim
"ONA helps me with my personal insurance and my business insurance . They are my one stop shop when it comes to insurance and group benefits. I know I’m covered in all areas. Great friendly service and knowledgeable staff!"
J-James Carriveau, President, Exact Interlock and Exact Properties
"One call to Oegema, Nicholson Associates is all it took. After our basement flooded, within a day or two they had a crew cleaning everything up, taking down the drywall and itemizing everything to be cleaned, thrown out or restored. They had everything in place for us in a timely manner and were extremely patient with me as they talked me through the process and waited for me to make decisions."
J-Jennifer Parks, Stittsville, Ontario
"I’ve been dealing with ONA for over 20 years with my personal insurance, as well as our commercial insurance, and I know I can rely on them for great customer service, and prompt responses. I feel confident not only referring them to my employees, but to our customers as well."
C-Charlene Brunet, President, Dan Murphy Ford
Oegema, Nicholson Financial Inc. 1453 WOODROFFE AVENUE 613-686-6338
