When a car accident occurs, the physical, emotional, and financial impacts can be extremely overwhelming. Luckily, systems such as the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) act as a crucial safety net. These accident benefits are designed to provide financial support and access to rehabilitation services, regardless of who is at fault for the collision.
The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule is set out in Ontario Regulation 34/10 of the Insurance Act. There, it outlines the benefits available to those injured in an automobile accident within Ontario. These benefits can cover medical and rehabilitation expenses, attendant care, income replacement, and other forms of financial assistance. Understanding how SABS works, as well as what you’re entitled to, can make a significant difference in your recovery process. To add to this, understanding the changes made to it in 2026. Here is everything you need to know when it comes to Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.
What Are Statutory Accident Benefits?
Statutory Accident Benefits are benefits that cover expenses related to injuries stemming from car accidents. This is a feature of Ontario Car Insurance that covers health costs not covered by OHIP. Alternatively, health costs that are also not covered by the government can help you recover from your injuries.
What is the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule?
Also known as SABS, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule is a form of no-fault insurance. SABS is mandatory and included in all standard automobile insurance coverage.
Certain benefits are available to anyone who is injured in a car accident, regardless of who is considered at fault. These are regulated under the Ontario Insurance Act. All SABS benefits claims are resolved by the Automobile Accident Benefits Service, or AABS.
2026 Auto Insurance Reforms
As of July 1st, 2026, some significant changes were made to how the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule works. Under Regulation 383/24, this overhaul is one of the most critical changes in decades. A key discussion point amongst drivers and insurers is that many benefits, long included in standard auto policies, will become optional.
Which Benefits Are Becoming Optional?
Under the 2026 changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits will remain mandatory. However, several benefits that were previously mandatory are now optional. These include income replacement, non-earner benefits, and caregiver benefits.
Under the new reformation, optional coverages will be limited to the named insured, their spouse, and any dependents on the insurance policy. This means that many individuals who have access to benefits, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers without their own policy, may find themselves without coverage.
Which Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule Benefits Are Available in Ontario?
When you’re shopping for an auto insurance quote, you must understand which benefits are available to you with SABS. Let’s take a look:
- Income replacement: Income is replaced if lost as a result of being unable to work from a car accident.
- Caregiver: If you can no longer provide care to a dependent due to an injury, you may qualify for expenses that can be used to hire help.
- Non-earner: If injuries prevent you from living a normal lifestyle and you don’t qualify for income replacement, you may be eligible for this.
- Medical: This will assist you in paying for surgical, hospital, physio, and other rehabilitation services.
- Death and funeral: Provides you with death and funeral-related expenses.
SABS Catastrophic Impairment Benefits
If an accident were to result in you suffering a catastrophic injury (loss of limb, brain damage, paralysis), you will be provided with what is known as Catastrophic Impairment Benefits. This provides up to $1 million in combined benefits for medical, rehab, and attendant care. You can also increase this number to $2 million.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, having the correct insurance is not only a legal requirement, but critical to making sure you and your loved ones are covered in the event an accident were to occur. When shopping for insurance, you must do your research and ask questions to ensure what you are purchasing is suitable for you. As always, if you are in the market for new insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure. Contact us or request a quote below!
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