Drivers in Ontario are required to have auto insurance before they can legally drive. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some motorists from driving without it. Uninsured automobile coverage, also known as uninsured motorist or UM coverage, is there to protect you in accidents involving an uninsured driver.
Is uninsured automobile coverage mandatory? Does it protect you from hit-and-runs? Do you need additional coverage if you already have UM coverage? Read on to learn what uninsured motorist coverage protects you against and what it doesn’t.
For this article, our team reviewed the current Ontario Automobile Policy, Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund guidance and FSRA’s information about OPCF 44R Family Protection Coverage.
Uninsured Automobile Coverage in Ontario at a Glance
Uninsured automobile coverage covers you and your passengers if you’re injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver or an unidentified hit-and-run driver.
It also covers damage to your vehicle if the at-fault uninsured driver is identified. It does not cover vehicle damage in a hit-and-run when the driver cannot be identified.
Uninsured automobile coverage is included in Ontario’s standard auto insurance policy.
What Exactly Does Uninsured Automobile Coverage Include?
Uninsured motorist insurance mainly applies when you’re injured in a collision caused by a driver without valid auto insurance. It can also apply when the driver who caused the accident flees the scene and can’t be identified, which is known as a hit-and-run.
This is not limited to accidents where you’re inside a vehicle. If you’re injured by an uninsured or unidentified driver while walking as a pedestrian, the coverage may still apply.
Here’s what uninsured automobile coverage includes in Ontario:
- Injury compensation for insured people, including eligible passengers in your vehicle.
- Damage to your vehicle and its contents, but only when the uninsured owner or driver is identified.
- Up to $200,000 in total coverage for one accident, subject to the policy.
- Up to $25,000 for damage to the vehicle, its contents and loss of use, subject to a $300 deductible.
Here’s what it does not cover:
- Vehicle damage from a hit-and-run when the driver is never identified.
- The shortfall when an identified at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover an eligible injury claim. OPCF 44R may apply in this situation.
- Damage for which you are not legally entitled to recover compensation from the uninsured driver.
Read More: Understanding PLPD Insurance in Ontario
Hit-and-Run Cases in Canada
Hit-and-run collisions can be especially difficult because the driver may never be identified. According to Statistics Canada, around 8% of pedestrian fatalities involved a hit-and-run.
Uninsured automobile coverage may respond to an eligible bodily injury or death claim caused by an unidentified driver. However, it will not cover damage to your vehicle if that driver remains unidentified. Collision or All Perils coverage may cover the vehicle damage.
What Happens if an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
If you’re involved in a collision with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run, there are several steps you should take:
- Call 911 if anyone is injured, the situation is dangerous or police attendance is required.
- Document the scene. Take photos of your car, any injuries and the surrounding conditions.
- Gather witness statements and contact information. Their accounts may be important, especially in a hit-and-run.
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Record the other driver’s identification and vehicle information if they remain at the scene.
If the other driver cannot be identified, report the hit-and-run to police within 24 hours. A written statement must also be given to your insurer within 30 days. If you’re unable to meet either deadline, report the accident as soon as possible.
File a claim through your insurer. If the driver is unknown, damage to your vehicle will not be covered under uninsured automobile coverage unless you have applicable optional coverage.
A vehicle collision can shake up even the calmest driver. If you’re able to do so safely, gathering information at the scene can help support your claim later.
How to Strengthen Your Protection
Accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers may not happen often, but they can leave you with expenses that basic coverage does not pay.
Collision or All Perils coverage may protect your vehicle after a hit-and-run when the driver cannot be identified. OPCF 44R may provide additional bodily injury or death coverage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance.
Review the coverage, limits and deductibles with your insurer or broker before adding either option.