We hate to be the bearer of bad news but we are today. The Ontario government has done it again. To further add to all the reductions in accident benefits that have been made over the last while, they announced even more changes last Thursday. These changes, in our opinion negatively impact Ontario drivers.
Changes to Ontario Insurance
The changes are known as “The Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Rates Act” and it was passed last week. What’s most disturbing in this Act is the removal of the right of motorists to sue an insurance company after they have been denied their claim. This new Act, in our opinion, does not favour Ontario drivers and although it says it is designed to benefit drivers, removing the right to sue, will leave many Ontario claimants out of luck and in a potentially bad situation, where they are injured but the insurance company is not going to cover their injuries. It seems at every turn there are further and further reductions in Ontario Accident Benefits and now further rights are being removed.
Another change that Ontario drivers are facing is that the government has also reduced the interest rates that injured Ontario drivers and passengers get on their compensation from insurance companies which was reduced from 5% to 1.3%. This reduction in interest unfortunately can hurt Ontario drivers, as it gives less incentive for insurance companies to settle with claimants due to a lower interest rate.
Reducing Insurance Fraud. Really?
The Ontario government would have us believe that their goal in this Act is to reduce insurance fraud and reduce insurance costs, but there is much more at play. So far the “promised 15 % reduction in insurance fees” has yet to be seen. The Toronto Sun reported that premiums have dropped by an average of only 6 %: a far cry from 15%!
The Importance of Accessing All Ontario Accident Benefits
We don’t disagree that automobile insurance is very expensive and lowering insurance premiums is important. What is even more important in our opinion is the ability to access ALL the accident benefits. We work each and every day with people who need these Accident Benefits not only for medical bills but also for expenses such as caregiver expenses, loss of income, etc. Without access to these benefits, there are many people who will continue to suffer after an accident.
With further and further reductions in Accident Benefits, what will be the end result? We don’t think it’s heading in a good direction at all. The Ontario Insurance Regime continues to change and Ontario drivers continue to have their rights and benefits reduced. This is frightening.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here For You
If you have questions regarding Ontario insurance or making an accident claim, our lawyers and accident benefit specialists are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation or visit our website for more information.
