#FinancialFridays: BIG changes for car insurance!
Big Changes to Car Insurance in Ontario 🚗💡
Today we’re talking about important changes coming soon to car insurance in Ontario. These changes start on July 1, 2026. 📅
Car insurance has a portion that will repair or replace damaged vehicles. Another part will cover medical expenses and rehabilitation if you are hurt in a car crash. The changes are to the medical portion.
Right now, if you are in a car accident, your insurance gives you many kinds of help no matter who was at fault. But soon some of that help might not be automatic anymore.
What is changing? 🔄
👉 Right now, most benefits come automatically in your car insurance. 👉 After July 1, 2026, only three benefits will still be included by default:
These three benefits will stay automatic for everyone.
• Medical care (doctor visits, treatment)
• Rehabilitation (help to get better)
• Attendant care (help with daily needs if hurt)
Everything else becomes optional. That means you will have to choose and pay extra if you want them. These include:
✔ Income help if you cannot work
✔ Caregiver help
✔ Help with house chores
✔ Money for school or visitor costs
✔ Money for personal items like glasses
✔ Death and funeral help.
***These will not happen by themselves anymore.
What does “optional” mean? 🤔
Think of your insurance like a lunch plate. Right now, all the foods come on your plate every time. 🍎🍞🥛 After July 2026, only the basics stay (like apple and bread). If you want milk or cheese, you have to ask for them and pay for them. 🥛🧀
That means you will choose what parts you want and pay more for them.
Why is Ontario doing this? 🎯
The government says:
✔ This gives people more choices
✔ You only pay for what you really want
✔ If you already have some benefits through work, you don’t pay twice
But some experts say: be careful! If you remove too many benefits, you might not have enough help if you are hurt in a crash.
What can drivers do? 🛠️
✅ Review your current insurance policy
✅ Talk to your insurance broker or agent
✅ Decide which benefits you really need
If you skip useful benefits to save a bit of money now, you might pay more later after an accident.
In short: ✏️
🔹Starting July 1, 2026, fewer benefits are automatic.
🔹Many benefits become optional add-ons.
🔹You must choose and pay for extra help.
🔹Be sure you understand what you keep before your policy renews!
