Reality Check

While none of us plans to be in a car accident, more than 200,000 accidents happen on Ontario roads each year, and many of the resulting expenses (as outlined below) are not covered by OHIP. The only way to make informed decisions about your car insurance coverage, is to understand the risks you’re taking every time you put your key in the ignition.
*Statistics provided by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

No Injury

• This is the typical “fender bender” – at 46% of Ontario motor vehicle accidents*, it’s by far the most common type of accident.
• There may be structural damage to the vehicle, but no injuries to the driver or passengers.
• You may find yourself without a car for a short time – speak to your insurance broker about optional Loss of Use coverage.
• Contents of the car are not covered by your car insurance, but likely are covered by any property insurance you might have.

Small Injury

More Serious Injury

• 22% of Ontario motor vehicle accidents* result in serious strains, sprains or broken bones – injuries that could disrupt your life over a longer period of recovery.
• Your recovery will likely involve multiple medical assessments (up to $2,000 each).
• You may require physiotherapy, which can carry on for 12-15 weeks (or more) and cost upwards of $300/week.
• You may be home from work for a number of weeks while you recover. Your insurance can restore some of your lost earnings during this time.
• You may require prescription drugs – during recovery, or potentially for the rest of your life.
• Mobility devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs, can cost thousands of dollars.
• Your family also may be impacted by your injury – particularly your dependants or anyone for whom you are a primary caregiver.
• You may need to consider going back to school or re-training if you are unable to continue in your current career.
• If your child is injured in an accident, your car insurance covers their insured expenses as well as your own.
• Understand more about what this type of injury can look like.

Most Serious Injury

• 4% of Ontario motor vehicle accidents* result in long-term or permanent disability – including paralysis, amputation, loss of vision, brain or spinal injuries or death.
• Drug treatments and physiotherapy often are required, possibly on an ongoing basis for the remainder of your life (up to $20,000/year or more).
• Attendant Care – ranging from a private nurse who visits you in the hospital, to an aide who provides 24/7 care for the duration of your injury – can cost $30,000/year or more.
• You might require an extended stay in a specialized care facility (typically about $30,000/year).
• Costs for mobility devices, such as motorized wheelchairs, may continue over many years. (These can cost up to $10,000 and must be replaced over time.)
• Your home or vehicle may require modifications – potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• This is the scenario that none of us wants to think about – but, should it occur, the costs can be overwhelming and the insurance options you've chosen will play a significant role in your recovery.
• Understand more about what this type of injury can look like.

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