What Ontario drivers should do: A medical take

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The auto insurance reforms that started in Ontario on September 1 were developed to help the insurance industry keep a control on costs, while also allowing customers more choice in their policies.

Dorianne Sauvé, Co-Chair of the Coalition Representing Health Professionals in Automobile Insurance Reform, says that it’s key for drivers to inform themselves. ILSTV asked her what sort of considerations Ontario residents need to keep in mind.

Dorianne Sauvé: I think they have to really consider that zone between being an uncomplicated minor injury and being catastrophic. That’s the piece of the policy that you’re really making the choice on, between $50,000 and $100,000 coverage for non-catastrophic injuries. You really have to sort of look at that gray zone and what the impact of a serious injury would be and whether or not making that choice on $50,000 or $100,000 is worth the cost savings. That would be one component that I would talk to consumers about.

The other thing that consumers have to understand is no matter what they purchase, there is that $3,500 cap on any minor injuries which means it doesn’t matter if you purchase $50,000 or $100,000. If you’re classified as a minor injury, you will only receive $3,500. You have to know that that means when you’re making your choice of providers and engaging in your rehabilitation, that you need to be aware that that’s a limit that’s there for you.

I think consumers have to go into it, really looking at the overall value of what they’re receiving and wondering about whether the cost savings is worth the risk should they be in an injury.

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