#FinancialFridays: Car Insurance Changes
Big Changes to Car Insurance in Ontario
We originally posted this information in February and we are reposting it now to remind people to look at their car insurance and speak with an insurance broker before the changes take effect July 1st!
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!
