Ontario auto-insurance guide

Ontario auto insurance changes effective July 1, 2026

Ontario changed which statutory accident benefits are mandatory, who is covered by newly optional benefits and the order in which accident-related medical and rehabilitation expenses are paid.

July 1 2026Major reform

Updated for Ontario rules in force August 11, 2026 · Megan R. Fairview

What remains mandatory

For new policies entered into on or after July 1, 2026, standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory accident benefits.

What became optional

Other accident benefits—including income replacement, non-earner, caregiver, lost educational expenses, visitor expenses, housekeeping/home maintenance, damage to personal items, death and funeral benefits—became optional.

Existing policies do not simply lose every selected benefit at renewal

FSRA says existing policies generally renew with the same coverage and limits unless the insured and insurer agree in writing to decline or change the benefits.

Who optional benefits cover changed July 1

Newly optional benefits apply only to the named insured, the named insured's spouse, their dependants and persons specified on the policy as drivers.

Auto insurance became first payer for eligible accident medical/rehab expenses

Ontario changed priority so eligible auto-accident medical and rehabilitation expenses are paid by the auto policy before supplementary health plans.

Ontario-specific educational summary. Your actual rights and coverage come from the Insurance Act, regulations, the current Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP 1), your certificate, endorsements and the facts of the claim. Do not change coverage based only on a general web article.