All drivers are legally required to have car insurance in Ontario. But what happens if you’re in a traffic collision and the at-fault driver’s coverage can’t fully compensate you or your family for injuries? This coverage gap is where OPCF 44R may help.
Below, we’ll explore how the endorsement works, who might benefit from it and how to decide if it’s right for your family.
How Does OPCF 44R Work?
- OPCF 44R helps bridge a gap when another driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover eligible damages for bodily injury or death.
- It provides an additional layer of protection beyond the other coverage in your auto insurance policy.
- It does not cover damage to your vehicle.
- Coverage is subject to the definitions, limits and deductions in the endorsement.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver’s policy limit can’t fully compensate you, OPCF 44R may cover part of the shortfall.
For example, if your eligible damages total $800,000 but the driver has $200,000 in available insurance, the starting shortfall would be $600,000. The amount paid may be reduced by other available coverage and cannot exceed the OPCF 44R limit.
Supplementary Protection
OPCF 44R is an optional add-on that works with your existing coverage. Since not every driver carries high liability limits, it can provide an extra cushion after a serious collision.
It may apply when the at-fault vehicle is uninsured, unidentified or doesn’t have enough insurance.
Policy Requirements
You need a valid Ontario auto insurance policy to add the endorsement. The coverage limit is the amount shown for OPCF 44R on your Certificate of Automobile Insurance.
If no amount is shown, the liability limit on the policy is used.
Who Is Covered?
The named insured, their spouse and qualifying dependent relatives may be covered. Other people may be able to make a claim because of the injury or death of an insured person.
Simply being a passenger in the vehicle doesn’t automatically make someone eligible.
Cost and Premium
The cost of adding OPCF 44R varies by insurer and coverage limit. Ask your insurer or broker how much it will add to your annual premium.
Who Can Benefit From OPCF 44R?
Any eligible person could potentially benefit from the extra coverage, but it may be especially useful in some situations.
Families With Dependants
If your family relies on your income, you may want additional protection against the effects of lost income or long-term care costs. An accident involving an underinsured driver can leave a large gap in compensation.
Families With Ongoing Care Needs
Households with children, elderly relatives or family members with special medical needs may face greater financial pressure if someone is seriously injured.
Those Seeking Peace of Mind
Sometimes, knowing you have additional protection against an uninsured or underinsured driver is worth the added cost.
What OPCF 44R Does Not Cover
OPCF 44R covers eligible damages resulting from bodily injury or death. It does not pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Collision, Comprehensive or All Perils coverage may apply to vehicle damage, depending on the loss and the coverage you purchased.
OPCF 44R also doesn’t guarantee that every shortfall will be paid. Other available insurance and benefits may be deducted, and the policy limit still applies.
Read More: How Uninsured Automobile Coverage Works in Ontario
Other Coverage Choices
There’s no exact replacement for OPCF 44R, but other optional endorsements can help with different risks.
OPCF 20: Transportation Replacement
OPCF 20 helps with reasonable rental or transportation expenses if your vehicle is being repaired or replaced after a covered loss.
OPCF 27: Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles
If you frequently rent or borrow vehicles, OPCF 27 may extend parts of your insurance to eligible vehicles you don’t own.
OPCF 39: Accident Waiver
This endorsement may prevent your first qualifying at-fault accident from increasing your premium with your current insurer.
OPCF 43: Removing Depreciation Deduction
OPCF 43 removes the insurer’s right to deduct depreciation when settling an eligible claim involving a qualifying new vehicle.
Is OPCF 44R Worth Getting for Your Family?
This question may leave you wondering whether it’s worth paying more to strengthen your policy. The answer depends on your budget, family and existing coverage.
Budget vs. Risk
Weigh the premium against the financial effect of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you have several dependants, the added protection may be worth considering.
Family Dynamics
Households with children, elderly relatives or individuals with special medical needs could face larger financial consequences if someone is seriously injured and the at-fault driver’s coverage isn’t enough.
Overall Coverage
Consider all your policies, including auto, life, disability and health insurance. OPCF 44R covers a specific risk and should be considered as part of your overall protection.