We have all experienced or heard about high insurance premiums in the Ontario auto insurance system. Why does this occur? The insurance industry wants us (and the politicians at Queen’s […]
Many individuals who are involved in an Ontario motor vehicle accident (“MVA”) sustain debilitating injuries involving the brain, spinal cord, loss of a limb, among other long-term injuries. Due to the inadequate provincial auto insurance legislation currently in place, needed or timely medical and rehabilitation coverage and benefits are non-existent for many of these MVA victims.
FAIR (Fair Association of Victims for Accident Insurance Reform), a non-profit organization for MVA victims, is hoping to change that. They provide a voice for MVA victims, advocating for change and the fair treatment of accident victims. Their purpose is to hold the insurance companies accountable for the insurance contracts they issue and seek change in how insurance companies assess and pay for benefits arising from injuries suffered in Ontario MVA accidents.
This article was first published in The Health Professional magazine in September 2011. It reviews the effect of the September 1, 2010 changes to the accident benefits system for health care professionals.
After September 1, 2010, you have far less coverage if you have the misfortune of being involved in a motor vehicle collision. Your insurer may have informed you by now that you will have “more coverage options” when it comes time to renew your automobile insurance policy. The fact is, consumers will now have much less protection than they previously had, unless they purchase ‘Optional Benefits’ coverage.
This article was presented at a 2011 conference of law clerks. It describes the interaction between the tort and accident benefits systems.
This article (co-authored with Roger Oatley) discusses the September 1, 2010 changes to the no-fault accident benefits system in Ontario.
Basically, anyone injured in a car accident in Ontario (even pedestrians and cyclists) will be entitled to certain potentially significant benefits from their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
While some of the amendments are positive, we are concerned that these reforms do not reflect the reality that very few people in Ontario actually purchase optional increased accident benefits coverage. In effect, this will likely result in overall reduced insurance funding for persons injured in motor vehicle accidents. Whether there will be a corresponding reduction in insurance premiums has yet to be seen.