What does uninsured automobile coverage include in Ontario? It is mandatory coverage for injury or death caused by an uninsured driver or an unidentified hit-and-run driver. It can also cover up to $25,000 of vehicle and contents damage caused by an identified uninsured owner or driver, subject to a $300 deductible and the policy conditions. It does not cover hit-and-run vehicle damage when the at-fault vehicle remains unidentified.
For this article, our team reviewed FSRA’s July 2026 Ontario Automobile Policy, Ontario’s current Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund guidance and FSRA’s information about OPCF 44R Family Protection Coverage.
Keep reading to see which coverage responds in each scenario, the deadlines for an unidentified vehicle, how the provincial Fund differs from your policy and what to ask your insurer after a crash.
What Does Uninsured Automobile Coverage Pay For?
Ontario’s standard policy protects an insured person who has a legal right to recover for bodily injury or death caused by an uninsured or unidentified automobile. The insured people can include the named insured, certain occupants and, in some circumstances, pedestrians or cyclists. The definitions and conditions in the policy decide who qualifies.
Property damage is narrower. Section 5 applies only when the uninsured owner or driver is identified. The policy will pay the lower of the covered repair cost or actual cash value, up to $25,000 for the automobile and contents, less the $300 deductible. Damage caused by an unidentified vehicle is not covered under this section.
Which Coverage May Respond?
| Scenario | Coverage to check | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| An identified uninsured driver injures you | Uninsured Automobile Coverage | Policy conditions and the applicable uninsured-automobile limit apply. |
| An unidentified hit-and-run driver injures you | Uninsured Automobile Coverage | Police and written-notice requirements apply. |
| An identified uninsured driver damages your vehicle | Uninsured Automobile Coverage | Up to $25,000, subject to a $300 deductible. |
| An unidentified vehicle damages your vehicle | Collision or All Perils | Section 5 does not cover the vehicle damage; optional coverage and a deductible may apply. |
| An insured driver lacks enough liability coverage for serious injury | OPCF 44R, if purchased | The endorsement’s definitions, eligible claimants and limit apply. |
| No policy is available to respond | Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund | The Fund is a last resort and has separate eligibility and application rules. |
Read More: See How Collision Coverage Works in Ontario
What Should You Do After a Crash With an Uninsured or Unknown Driver?
Call emergency services when anyone is injured or the scene is unsafe. Record the other vehicle, plate, driver, witnesses, location, time, damage and any camera footage. Do not put yourself at risk trying to follow a fleeing vehicle.
Notify your insurer promptly. For bodily injury or death involving an unidentified automobile, Ontario’s policy requires a police report within 24 hours, or as soon as possible if the person is unable to report, plus a detailed written statement to the insurer within 30 days or as soon as possible if unable. The statement must describe what happened, the injuries and property damage.
Ask the adjuster to identify the policy section being considered, the limit and deductible, the documents required and whether another coverage may respond to vehicle damage. Keep the police occurrence number, medical records, repair estimates and all correspondence.
Read More: See What to Do During a Car Accident Claim
How Is OPCF 44R Different?
OPCF 44R is optional family protection coverage. It can provide additional protection for eligible bodily injury or death claims when the at-fault person does not have enough liability insurance. It is not a replacement for Collision coverage and does not turn an unidentified hit-and-run vehicle-damage claim into Section 5 property coverage.
Check whether the endorsement appears on your certificate, its limit and who qualifies as an insured person. The wording coordinates with other insurance and recoveries, so a serious injury claim may require legal advice.
Read More: Who Needs the OPCF 44R Endorsement?
When Does the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund Apply?
Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund is a last resort when no auto insurance is available to respond. It may provide accident benefits, death and funeral benefits, or compensation for personal injury. Its property-damage program does not pay for damage to vehicles.
For eligible non-vehicle property damage, the at-fault owner and driver must be identified. The Fund says it may pay up to $10,000 per accident, including interest, plus applicable legal costs, with a $100 deductible. Separate forms and legal-action requirements may apply. Contact the Fund or obtain legal advice before assuming a claim qualifies.
Read More: Learn About Car Insurance in Ontario