Expert Analysis

Optional isn’t obvious: Untangling Ontario’s shrinking mandatory accident benefits

By Warren WhiteKnight ( October 26, 2026, 2:35 PM EDT) -- On July 1, 2026, Ontario made fundamental changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) auto insurance framework, which previously provided no-fault financial protection for people injured in motor vehicle accidents. Coverage that drivers once received as part of their standard policies now depends on individual purchasing decisions. Although these changes give drivers greater flexibility in choosing their coverage, they also introduce financial risks that may not become apparent until an accident occurs....