Summary of Optional Accident Benefits
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| Income Replacement |
Replaces lost income if you're unable to work due to an accident |
$400, $600, $800, $1,000/week |
| Non-Earner |
Financial support for students/unemployed unable to lead a normal life |
Insurer specified; designed for basic living expenses |
| Caregiver |
Expenses if you can't provide care for a household member |
$250/week (first dependent), $50/week (additional) |
| Lost Educational Expenses |
Costs if you can't attend school/education program due to an accident |
Insurer specified; tuition, books, education costs |
| Expenses of Visitors |
Reasonable expenses for visitors during your recovery |
Insurer specified; travel, accommodation, etc. |
| Housekeeping and Home Maintenance |
Costs if you can't perform usual household tasks |
Up to $100/week |
| Damage to Personal Items |
Repair/replacement of personal items damaged in the accident |
Insurer specified; e.g., clothing, eyewear, hearing aids |
| Death |
Compensation to family if you or a covered person dies due to an accident |
Optional $25,000 spouse, $10,000 dependent; increased optional: $50,000/$20,000 |
| Funeral |
Helps cover funeral costs |
Optional: $6,000; increased optional: $8,000 |
| Dependent Care |
Costs for caring for dependents (child, spouse, aging parent) |
$75/week (first dependent), $25/week (additional) |
| Indexation |
Adjusts benefits annually for inflation (CPI) |
Ensures benefits keep pace with cost of living |
| Supplementary Medical, Rehab, Attendant Care |
Expenses beyond standard limits for medical/rehab/attendant care |
Insurer specified; additional coverage beyond mandatory |
*Coverage options and limits may vary depending on insurance company, discuss options with your Gallagher Broker
Questions to help you choose
- Do you have short-term and/or long-term disability coverage through a private plan or your employer? If not, the Income Replacement Benefit is vital. Review optional limits available with your broker.
- Do you provide care for family members and aren't employed? The Caregiver Benefit covers expenses if you're unable to provide care. (If you're employed and provide care, refer to the Dependent Care benefit).
- Are you employed and also have children and/or aging parents that rely on you to provide care? The Dependent Care Benefit supports costs for their care if you're injured.
- Do children or aging parents rely on you? The Dependent Care Benefit supports costs for their care if you're injured.
- Does your employer provide a group insurance plan? Many plans are limited and may not cover all expenses. Additionally, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) doesn't cover expenses such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or private nursing. Purchasing increased Medical and Rehabilitation limits under your Accident Benefits coverage is strongly recommended.
- Have you considered how your coverage choices affect other drivers listed on your automobile policy? Evaluate their needs to ensure you're securing adequate protection for everyone covered under your policy. See real-life claim scenarios examples below.
- Are you self-employed or have no disability coverage? The Income Replacement Benefit can help you maintain your income after an accident.
Real-life claim scenarios
These optional coverages provide financial protection, stability and peace of mind during unexpected events. It's imperative that consumers understand what these optional coverages are, and the potential consequences of not having them as part of their automobile policy should an accident occur.
Income Replacement
What if I'm hurt in a car accident and can't work?
Without Income Replacement coverage, you won't get paid if you can't work, making it hard to cover essentials like rent, mortgage or groceries. You might have to use savings, take on debt, or struggle to support yourself or your family.
Examples
- Self-employed consultant uses retirement savings after six months of no work.
- Stay-at-home parent or one-income household struggles to afford groceries and childcare after a few weeks off work.
Why it matters
Income Replacement coverage helps an individual and their family stay financially stable if an accident gets in the way earning a paycheck.
Non-Earner
What if I don't have Non-Earner coverage under my automobile policy, and I'm injured?
Non-Earner Benefits provide financial support if you're injured, not earning income and can't live a normal life. Without this coverage, you won't get payments to help with expenses during recovery.
Examples
- A student can't attend classes.
- A retiree can't do daily tasks.
Why it matters
Non-Earner Benefits help cover living expenses if you're unable to perform daily activities after an accident.
Caregiver
What if I don't have the Caregiver coverage, and I'm injured?
If you're a stay-at-home parent and care for family members, the Caregiver Benefit covers expenses if you’re unable to provide care. Caregiver Benefits cover the cost of hiring help if you can't care for dependents such as children or elderly family members after being injured in an accident.
Examples
- A parent pays as an example $2,000/month for daycare after an accident.
- A spouse or friend must take over the caregiving in the absence of the injured person.
Why it matters
It ensures dependents are cared for while the injured person recovers.
Housekeeping and Home Maintenance
What if I don't have the Housekeeping and Home Maintenance coverage, and I'm injured?
These benefits cover hiring help for tasks like cleaning, yard work or general home maintenance if you're injured in an automobile accident.
Examples
- Cleaning costs if injured and unable to maintain household daily tasks the cost could increase quickly if someone must be hired to do this work.
- Home maintenance costs could also add up if you must pay someone to take care of a task that you may have been able to take care of yourself if not injured.
Why it matters
It helps you focus on recovery without worrying about household tasks.
Lost Educational Expenses
What if I don't have Lost Educational Expenses coverage, and I'm injured?
Lost Educational Expenses coverage reimburses costs like tuition and fees if you can't continue your education due to accident-related injuries.
Examples
- Loss of Tuition and Fees: If you can't attend classes, you lose money spent on tuition, textbooks and fees.
- Delayed education and career: Injuries may force you to take time off, delaying graduation and career goals.
- Financial strain: Retaking courses or re-enrolling means paying tuition again, adding financial stress.
Why it matters
It protects you from financial loss if injuries disrupt your education.
Visitor Expenses
What if I don't have Visitor Expenses coverage, and I'm injured?
Visitor Expenses coverage helps loved ones with travel, accommodation and meal costs when they visit you during recovery.
Examples
- Out-of-pocket costs: Visitors must pay for travel, hotels and meals themselves.
- Financial strain on family: Family members may lose income if they take time off work to visit or care for you.
Why it matters
It ensures your loved ones can visit and care for you without financial stress.
Damage to Personal Items
What if I don't have Damage to Personal Items coverage, and I'm in an accident?
This coverage pays to repair or replace personal belongings damaged in a car accident.
Examples
- Out-of-pocket costs: You'll have to pay to replace damaged items including clothing, phones, prescription glasses, hearing aids and dentures.
- Limited coverage from other policies: Homeowners' or renters' insurance may not fully cover items or may have high deductibles.
Why it matters
It protects you from unexpected costs to replace essential items.
Funeral and Death
What if I don't have the Funeral and Death coverage, and I pass away in an accident?
Funeral and Death Benefits help cover funeral costs and provide financial support to your family if you pass away in a car accident.
Examples
- Funeral costs: Funerals are costly and without coverage, your family may be forced to pay out of pocket.
- No support for dependents: Death Benefits provide financial help for dependents like a spouse or children. Without them, your family may struggle to cover expenses.
Why it matters
They ease the financial burden on the family during a difficult time. They help cover funeral costs and provide financial stability for your loved ones.
We're here to help
As Ontario's auto insurance benefits change on July 1, 2026, understanding your options is the best way to ensure you and your family remain protected. Gallagher is committed to making this transition as simple and transparent as possible. If you have questions about your coverage, need help selecting optional benefits, or want guidance tailored to your situation, we're here for you.
For more information, please contact your Gallagher broker directly or connect with us at 800-615-4746.
