The following is an outline of some of the standard Accident Benefits coverage for Ontario and the available ‘extras’ that can be purchased. I have not listed all benefits, just the main ones. If you would like a more detailed list of Accident Benefits and their maximums, e-mail me at info@ottawainjury.ca. While reading through this section, keep in mind you may want to investigate a separate disability insurance policy. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy this coverage outside your auto insurance policy — and you might get better coverage, too!
Income Replacement benefits
If you become disabled as the result of an automobile accident, you may be eligible for weekly income replacement benefits of up to $400. If this isn’t enough to cover your current income level, you can buy optional income replacement benefits to increase your maximum weekly protection to $600, $800 or $1,000.
Non-earner benefits
If you do not qualify for Income Replacement benefits or Caregiver benefits, your standard Accident Benefits coverage could help you if you are eligible to receive a weekly payment of $185 every two weeks. This is only available however, if you hare completely unable to carry on with your normal, everyday activities.
Caregiver benefits
If you provide full-time care to dependants, and are disabled as the result of a car accident, this coverage will help you. The standard maximum amount for caregiver benefits is $250 per week for one dependant, plus $50 per week for each additional dependant. If you buy optional caregiver benefits, the coverage increases to $325 per week for one dependant, plus $75 per week for each additional dependant.
Dependent Care benefits
Although not a part of the standard Accidents Benefits coverage, you can buy Dependent Care benefits. If you have young children, this option is worth considering. You can claim for optional dependant care benefits if you’re employed at the time of the accident, and you have to pay for childcare expenses as a result of the accident. Optional dependant care benefits cover up to $75 per week for the first dependant and $25 for each additional dependant.
Medical and Rehabilitation benefits
The standard maximum amount for medical and rehabilitation expenses, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, dental expenses, etc., is $100,000. If you are catastrophically injured, the maximum is $1,000,000. Optional additional Medical and Rehabilitation benefits are available for maximums up to $1,100,000 and up to $2,000,000 for non-catastrophic and catastrophic injuries respectively.
Attendant Care benefits
If you need to hire someone to help you as a result of injuries from an accident, this portion of the benefits coverage could help. The standard maximum for attendant care is $72,000 and if you are catastrophically injured, the maximum is $1,000,000. You can buy optional benefits to cover up to $1,072,000 in additional attendant care expenses if the injuries are considered non-catastrophic, and up to $2,000,000 for injuries that are catastrophic.
Death and Funeral benefits
No one likes to think of the worst. But it is beneficial to plan ahead. If you die as a result of an automobile accident, the standard amount which will be paid is $25,000 to your eligible spouse, $10,000 for each dependant, and a maximum of $6,000 for funeral expenses.
If you buy optional benefits, you can increase these amounts to $50,000 to your eligible spouse, $20,000 for each dependant, and $8,000 for funeral expenses.
Correct use of car seats for infants and small children is critical in preventing serious injuries and death. Studies show that parents are more likely to incorrectly position and use car seats for infants rather than toddlers.
