IMPORTANT TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY RE: ONTARIO’S NEW AUTO INSURANCE RATES

Hello everyone, I would like to share a quick note with you regarding Ottawa’s new auto insurance policy and what it will mean for you and your family, which is set to change for September. I am urging all my family and friends to be careful not to blindly accept the lowest possible Ontario auto insurance coverage just to save a few bucks – get the facts to be informed!

THE FACTS

Basically, the new policy acts to lower the minimum required rehabilitation coverage in our province by 50%, from $100,000 to $50,000. Furthermore, your coverage for the treatment of minor injuries now has a cap of $3,500. Settling for the new basic insurance package could mean that you or your loved ones are left to suffer after a personal injury in our province, without the adequate rehabilitative services that you will require. There could be a slight dip in auto insurance rates for some drivers when the new rates kick in, but depending on how, where, and why you drive (and who insures you), the average decrease in Ontario auto insurance will be somewhere in the realm of 0.01% to 7%. This means that you could see no change at all in your rates, but would still lose out on important features that would protect you in the event of an auto accident – a time when you will require as much help as possible to help you in your recovery.

$3,500 CAP for “MINOR INJURIES”.

The cap of $3,500 is not adequate in any way to deal with the majority of minor personal injuries, especially given that so called “minor” injuries can become worse over time. The new policy defines minor injuries to include such things as a sprain, strain, whiplash, contusion, abrasion, laceration, partial dislocation of a joint or organ and any pathological condition resulting from a personal injury. This list is not inclusive enough to include many coverage benefits that you will require and I would recommend to you that you read your terms carefully to ensure that you can keep the current accident benefits, because although you will be paying a bit more, it will act to protect you by safeguarding your interests. I estimate it would cost approximately $150 more per year on a one-driver, one-vehicle plan, depending on the insurance company. If you consider the benefits this is a good choice, because even though it seems like you’re paying a bit extra of your hard earned cash, consider the enormous costs of treatment you would lose out on if you experience personal injury from an auto accident and are left to handle all the financial costs for yourself. Drivers in Ontario with an existing policy will receive the same coverage after September 1^st, until that policy expires. Those are the facts to consider. Ultimately, my hope is that you and your family will continue to be safe and will have the coverage that you need if you are ever involved in the unfortunate circumstance of an auto injury.  Please be safe and take care.

Ottawa personal injury lawyer David Hollingsworth has been dedicated to helping Ontario accident victims and their families get the support and help needed for their personal injuries. With over a decade of experience, David has forged strong relationships with medical doctors, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, other treating health practitioners and the support network involved with his clients. David is happy to discuss all Ontario accidents and can help  determine what one needs and is entitled to when rebuilding a life after an accident, free of charge 613 978-9549 or 613 237-4922 ext 203 or visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.