Nov 21, 2016 in News Liability

Liability: Accident Benefits & Driving without Insurance

Although the government insists that our insurance rates are going down we are all quite aware that this is not the case. Regardless, when you own an automobile in Ontario it is mandatory to have it insured. But what happens when someone decides not to insure their vehicle, or to purchase a fake pink slip, or to not pay their premiums and let their policy lapse?

Driving without insurance is simply a bad idea on all fronts. However people may be surprised to learn that even when you drive without insurance your accident benefits are not totally barred.

Section 31 of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) outlines that when a person drives without insurance they will not be ennamed to the following benefits:

1. Income Replacement Benefits; or
2. Non-Earner Benefits; or
3. Caregiver Benefits; and
4. Lost Educational Expenses;
5. Expenses of Visitors; and
6. Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefits.

This limitation of accident benefits is quite significant – especially to someone who is off work as a result of injuries they sustained in the accident. Trying to survive without an income replacement benefit would be extremely difficult and stressful especially over an extended period of time.

What you are left with is Medical and Rehabilitation benefits and Attendant Care benefits. These benefits would cover therapy and treatment of various kinds, devices and the services of a nurse or personal support worker if required.

In addition, if you are involved in an accident and are not at fault you lose your right to sue when you do not carry a valid insurance policy.

So shop around for good insurance rates, but before your vehicle goes on the road make sure that it is fully covered and insured in Ontario.