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5 Tips for Completing an OCF-1 Form: Application for Accident Benefits
In accordance with the provincial Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, all automobile insurance policie are required to offer certain kinds of accident benefits to policyholders who were injured in a motor vehicle collision. Since all drivers in the province are required to hold mandatory insurance, all drivers should have access to accident benefits if they are involved in an injury-causing collision. These accident benefits should be available to all injured motorists, regardless of who was responsible for causing the accident to occur.
In order to apply for accident benefits, you must complete an OCF-1 form. Read below for tips about completing this necessary insurance form.
Tip 1 – Meet all filing deadlines
You should report your accident to your insurance company within seven days of the incident. At this time, you should request an application for accident benefits. Complete and submit the OCF-1 within 30 days of receiving the forms.
Tip 2 – Be honest and stick to the basic facts
Submitting false or misleading information in an OCF-1 is a punishable offense under Ontario’s Insurance Act. A victim who exaggerates the nature of his or her injuries – or otherwise falsifies an Application for Benefits – may be subject to various penalties, which include an outright denial of your claim or worse. Do not overstate your injuries or other financial losses. Instead, stick to information you can corroborate and make sure you list all of your injuries. Make sure that when you describe how the accident occurred, keep it simple, factual and straightforward as this statement can be used against you in the event that you decide to commence a lawsuit against the at fault party.
Tip 3 – Allow yourself plenty of time to complete the OCF-1
The current OCF-1 is seven pages long and includes sections that cover everything from your employment status to insurance policy details. Completing this form can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Allow yourself enough time to collect all of the necessary information and to provide detailed answers about your income, injuries and losses.
Tip 4 – Do not sign anything you do not understand
By signing the OCF-1, you will grant certain rights to the insurance company. Do not sign and submit this document if you are confused about any of the details contained within. Sign the form only once you have fully completed the form and you have a sound appreciation of all of your rights and responsibilities.
Tip 5 – CONSULT AN ONTARIO ACCIDENT BENEFITS lawyer to help you complete the OCF-1
Accident benefits can provide essential financial support to people who were injured in traumatic, unexpected collisions. However, filling out insurance forms is not always a straightforward or simple task. Since the stakes are so high, having help completing your accident benefits claim may be beneficial. To learn how our Ontario accident benefits lawyers may be able to assist and support you throughout this challenging time, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers. Call 1-800-JUSTICE today and receive a free initial consultation on your case.
