Recent Changes to your Auto Insurance Policy

As you may already know, Ontario’s standard automobile insurance policy underwent significant changes effective September 1, 2010.  Most drivers are now paying the same premium for significantly less benefits in the event of a collision.  However, what many people do not know is that upgraded benefits are available at very little additional cost.

Except for catastrophic injuries such as quadriplegia or severe brain injury, people who are injured in an Ontario auto accident after September 1, 2010 are only eligible for a maximum of $50,000 in medical and rehabilitation benefits from their own car insurer. These benefits are payable up to 10 years following the accident. Previously the maximum amount of medical and rehabilitation benefits available in these cases was $100,000 over 10 years.

Several cases under the old regime involving seriously injured people who did not fit into the definition of catastrophic impairment resulted in the $100,000 in medical and rehabilitation benefits being exhausted in less than a year. Under the new regime the medical and rehabilitation limit of $50,000 can be gone in a matter of months. How can people protect themselves and their loved ones from such a situation? They can do so by purchasing optional coverage to increase available medical and rehabilitation benefits to either $100,000 or $1,100,000 in a non-catastrophic case.

As noted above, Effective September 1, 2010, the government slashed benefits available under your automobile insurance policy.  The changes will impact many aspects of your life and your families life if you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident.  Understanding these changes, and what you can do about them, is vital.

Please join us for a complimentary community information session on September 12^th, September 19^th or September 26^th at 7pm at the Southshore Centre in Barrie.  You will learn important information on how these changes impact you and your family.  The information sessions are provided by Oatley, Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers, Sarjeant Insurance Brokers, and Will Marshall Insurance Brokers Ltd.