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What Is the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule?
Drivers in Ontario are required to carry auto insurance before they may operate a vehicle. In Ontario, the Government of Ontario has indicated that every auto insurance policy must include the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). However, many drivers wonder what the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule is.
You may use this article to review the facts about SABS and find out how SABS insurance functions after a car accident in Ontario.
The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule Is No-Fault Insurance
As presented by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), all drivers in Ontario are required to carry SABS insurance through their insurance policy. SABS coverage comes with every standard policy for auto insurance throughout Ontario. SABS coverage provides benefits to anyone hurt in a car accident. SABS coverage applies regardless of whether or not you are at fault for a collision.
All auto insurance policies in Ontario offer basic SABS benefits. You may also carry additional, optional SABS coverage. You must contact your insurance company to select optional coverage, which may allow you to:
- Increase benefit types and payouts for non-catastrophic injuries
- Increase benefits payouts for catastrophic injuries
- Increase benefits for deaths or funerals
You may reach out to your insurance company to find out exactly what kind of SABS benefits you currently carry. You may then increase your benefits to include optional coverage if you so desire. Note that you must obtain optional benefits before an accident to access compensation after a wreck.
Eligibility for SABS Benefits in Ontario
SABS benefits provide benefits for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident. You may be able to draw SABS benefits if you are:
- Driving a vehicle
- Riding as a passenger in a vehicle
- Walking along the road when struck by a vehicle
- Riding a bike when struck by a vehicle
If you are driving a vehicle or riding in a vehicle, you may contact the insurance company providing coverage on the vehicle to get access to benefits. The same holds true if you are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian or a bicyclist. If you are walking or riding a bike and a vehicle strikes you, and you have your own motor vehicle insurance policy, you will need to apply for SABS benefits from your own insurance company.
Types of Compensation Available Through SABS
You may be wondering what type of compensation you could receive through SABS coverage. SABS offers several different forms of compensation, depending upon your situation. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your:
Medical Expenses
Through your SABS coverage, you could be eligible for compensation for the costs of your:
- Prescriptions
- Chiropractor visits
- Physiotherapy
- Massage therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Attendant care
You should be aware that if you have a private insurance plan through your employer or otherwise, which covers you for medical care, you will have to first access the benefits through the private plan before you can access the SABS coverage. Your SABS policy may provide your family with funeral or burial benefits together with a death benefit if you are involved in a deadly car accident.
Lost Income
SABS coverage may replace your income if you are unable to work after an accident. You may be able to receive up to 70% of your weekly income through the SABS program. However, the basic policy provides a maximum of $400 a week. If you have purchased the optional caregiver benefit, you may also be eligible for this benefit if you can not care for children.
Additional Expenses
SABS offers coverage for a number of other losses you may experience after a car accident. For example, you may receive compensation for lost educational expenses, such as the cost of tuition, if you are unable to return to class.
Method to Apply for SABS Benefits in Ontario
Now that you understand what types of compensation you may receive through a SABS claim, you may wonder how to apply for SABS coverage. In order to get compensation from your SABS coverage, you need to inform the SABS insurer that you were in an accident. If a vehicle struck you as a pedestrian or bicyclist, you must inform the insurer of the driver who struck you.
After informing the insurance company, they may give you a form to fill out. Completing this form properly may allow you to receive compensation through the SABS coverage.
Talk to a Lawyer About the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule
So, what is the statutory accident benefits schedule? It is a form of no-fault insurance that must be carried by all drivers in Ontario. SABS coverage may provide you with compensation after an accident. You may get help applying for SABS compensation by contacting a lawyer at the Preszler Injury Lawyers. Reach out to us now by calling 1-800-JUSTICE or completing our online contact form.
