To prepare this guide, our team reviewed Ontario Regulation 383/24, Ontario Regulation 58/25, FSRA’s implementation guidance, the updated Ontario Automobile Policy and the OPCF 47R endorsement. We focused on what changed, what existing customers keep at renewal and what drivers should review before selecting or declining coverage.
What Changed on July 1, 2026, for Accident Benefits in Ontario?
Starting in July 2026, Ontario made most accident-benefit coverage optional.
- Still mandatory: medical, rehabilitation and attendant care.
- Became optional on July 1, 2026: income replacement, non-earner, caregiver, housekeeping and home maintenance, lost educational expenses, expenses of visitors, damage to personal items, death and funeral benefits.
- Already optional before July 1, 2026: dependant care, indexation and increased medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care limits.
- Catastrophic impairment remains a formal claims classification rather than a separate benefit. The OCF-19 is used to apply for a catastrophic-impairment determination.
- Existing policies generally renew with their previous benefits and limits unless the named insured and insurer agree in writing to remove or change them.
We recommend reviewing our accident benefits guide to learn more about each coverage within the accident-benefits package.
Why Ontario Made These Changes
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) states that these changes are aimed at “promoting consumer choice and affordability”.
By making certain benefits optional, the government aims to help reduce costs for individuals who prefer simpler coverage, while still ensuring access to essential medical and rehabilitation care for all. At the same time, this reform aims to modernize how accident benefits are managed.
FSRA has released filing specifications that outline how insurers must update their systems, cost benchmarks, and rating factors. Insurers also have to follow new transparency expectations so customers understand exactly what they’re buying.
Things You Should Do Before Renewal
With changes like this, it pays to be proactive. Here’s how to prepare:
What is OPCF 47R?
OPCF 47R is the Ontario endorsement titled “Optional accident benefits coverage & priority of payment.” It records the optional accident-benefit coverage that applies and addresses priority when a covered person could claim under more than one policy.
It is only added to your policy when optional benefits are changed mid-term or when the policy renews.
How Did Medical-Expense Payment Priority Change?
For accidents occurring in Ontario on or after July 1, 2026, automobile insurers generally pay eligible medical and rehabilitation expenses after OHIP but before supplementary workplace or private health plans. Medication expenses are excluded from this new payment-priority rule (Ontario Regulation 58/25).
What are the Pros of Optional Accident Benefits?
While more flexibility sounds good, it comes with trade-offs. Let’s look into the positives first: