Auto insurance reform is coming to Ontario, and it’s designed to ensure you have the right coverage in place for your needs. On July 1, 2026, new legislation will come into effect, changing the mandatory accident benefits coverage and limits for all drivers. In order to decide how to adapt to these changes it’s essential to understand what the reform means to you, as a driver.

“Auto insurance isn’t always top of mind for drivers, but it can affect how coverage aligns with their needs and everyday driving realities. As industry-wide changes roll out, it is an opportunity for Ontarians to review their coverage and ensure it still reflects their circumstances before their next renewal,” says Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations at CAA Insurance Company.

“A better understanding of what a policy includes can give drivers greater confidence behind the wheel, and a simple conversation with a broker or insurance professional can help ensure they’re properly protected.”

Insurance products can be confusing. Not only do they include a lot of terms and conditions, but policies often include a lot of legal and industry-specific language that makes them challenging to understand. To gain a clearer picture of these benefits, it’s important to connect with your insurance provider. A licensed insurance professional will be able to review your coverage with you and help you understand what your current coverage includes, what you may or may not need — and explain the implications of any changes you may want to make.

As a trusted stakeholder and consumer advocate, CAA participated in discussions with industry and the provincial regulator, contributing a consumer-focused perspective to the process. And with a commitment to ensuring drivers could best understand the changes, CAA Insurance Company has created a website to help all Ontarians better understand accident benefits.

The comprehensive website explains both mandatory and optional accident benefits so that you can better understand your coverage options. The website also includes a needs assessment tool to help you evaluate what coverage is right for you.

It’s important to stress that, for anyone who is happy with their current auto insurance package, there is no need to make any changes. Instead, take the time to review and understand the different components of your coverage and how they fit your circumstances. Any changes should only be made after that review, and in many cases, no changes will be necessary.

Understanding the available options that are part of the auto insurance reform is important for the future, too. You should review your coverage to make sure they meet your needs. Your lifestyle may not require some of the optional benefits now, but as your needs change, so should your coverage. Know the various elements and revisit your insurance coverage annually. The goal is to make sure your coverage reflects your needs and gives you the right protection.

Understanding how Accident Benefits protect you can help you make informed and confident coverage decisions. Click here to learn what these benefits include, how they work and which coverage best fits your needs.