What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance Reform in Ontario
We turned to Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations at CAA Insurance Company, for insight into the impact of Ontario’s 2026 auto insurance reforms.
By Graham Heeps
Starting July 1, 2026, the province of Ontario’s auto insurance reform will implement changes in mandatory coverage. These reforms — the result of extensive consultation –—are designed to provide consumers with greater flexibility in their policy benefits, enabling Ontario drivers to tailor their insurance to suit their lifestyle.
Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations at CAA Insurance Company, describes the changes to auto insurance as “the biggest in a generation.” In line with CAA’s rich history of advocacy, Silverstein and his colleagues were included in discussions that shaped Ontario auto insurance reform. “We’re unique in the sense that we represent the voice of consumers in a lot of the conversations with government,” he adds. “We have been at the table, understanding the reform.”
Until now, every auto insurance policy in Ontario included the same package of Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs). Regardless of who is at fault, SABs provide financial support to anyone injured in an auto collision and cover expenses such as medical treatment, rehabilitation and income replacement if you are unable to work because of your injuries.
Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory after the auto insurance reform. But for new or renewing policies, starting July 1, 2026, Ontario drivers will have more choice and control over their coverage for other benefits, such as income replacement or death and funeral costs. “We know that for consumers, auto insurance can already be confusing,” says Silverstein. “It’s important to stress that, for anyone who is happy with their current auto insurance package, you do not need to change anything. People don’t necessarily think about how robust the auto insurance package is that they have today. And while there is now more flexibility, we believe that education is critical before you make any changes because you don’t want to put yourself at risk — today or tomorrow.” To support drivers in learning more about auto insurance reform, CAA Insurance Company has created dedicated online resources, including blogs and videos. They also provide tools such as a needs assessment and an AI assistant to enable consumers to better understand the Accident Benefits available to them.
Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations at CAA Insurance Company, describes the changes to auto insurance as “the biggest in a generation.”
Silverstein recommends connecting with your insurance broker or agent to discuss your insurance needs and the benefits that might be a fit for you. Your insurance professional will be able to explain the changes and help you decide which benefits make sense for your needs. Beyond insurance reform, he advises having an annual review of your insurance coverage. Your needs may change; what makes sense today might not fit as your lifestyle changes. There are a lot of variables that can impact coverage needs, so it’s important to stay aware of them and make sure your coverage evolves accordingly.
“Insurance is a reactive product, something you don’t invoke until you need it,” Silverstein notes. “I advise people to spend time informing themselves and asking the questions, so that they don’t find themselves under-insured when they need insurance the most.”
Silverstein cites a change in personal circumstances as a particular risk when removing insurance coverage — for example, declining a dependent care benefit if you don’t currently have dependents, but later starting a family and not realizing the need to add back that coverage. Likewise, a current workplace might offer a particular set of benefits, but a job change down the road might not come with the same benefits, reducing your coverage. If you want to maintain a certain level of coverage and minimize risk, be aware of where and how the gaps in coverage might occur. If you work with an insurance professional, they can ask the questions that will close those gaps.
“Regardless of who you’re insured with, we want to make sure consumers understand what’s in their policy,” Silverstein says. “Empowering drivers to make an informed decision benefits everybody." CAA
Ontario’s auto insurance reforms are in effect on July 1, 2026. | PHOTO: KADMY/ADOBE STOCK
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