Auto insurance and accident benefits aren’t exactly the most exciting topic. It can also be pretty tricky to understand all of the terminology and choices available to you.
However, it is very important for all drivers to understand these coverages and how they affect you.
Recently, accident benefit limits in Ontario were reduced. This means less coverage for you if you are injured as a result of an automobile accident. This applies to you whether you are a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian or a cyclist and whether you were at fault or not.
Every Ontario auto insurance policy includes coverage for medical rehabilitation and attendant care regardless of whether you are determined to be at fault or not at fault. If you are injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist you are eligible for these benefits.
For minor injuries such as sprains or strains, your policy covers you to a maximum of $3,500. This amount is universal and cannot be changed.
More serious injuries such as bone breaks which are referred to as non-catastrophic injuries are covered up to $65,000. We recommend increasing this amount to $1 million. For a minor break, this is often enough coverage but what if your injury requires extensive physiotherapy or you need to hire someone for in-home care? What if the injury causes you to change jobs and you require additional training? Do you have coverage through your employer? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself when determining if your current insurance limits are enough. Higher levels of coverage are available for a small increase in premium, often under $10.00 per month.
The remaining injury coverage is for catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia or loss of a limb. A standard Ontario auto policy includes $1 million of coverage but as you can imagine, a lifetime of care could easily exceed this amount. We recommend increasing the limit to $2 million. We can double your coverage for a very small premium and strongly suggest increasing coverage to ensure you protect yourself as best as you can.
Roughley’s team of insurance professionals is standing by to answer your call. If you have questions about your insurance, we invite you to call us and speak to one of our team members.
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Oshawa Location
Phone: 905.576.7770 • Toll Free: 1.888.558.0883
Fax: 905.576.3610
insure@staging.roughleyinsurance.com
Bowmanville Location
Phone: 905.697.4257 • Toll Free: 1.888.558.0883
Fax: 289.316.3662
insurebowmanville@staging.roughleyinsurance.com