EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
The following are changes to the Ontario Automobile Insurance Legislation. The amendments will come into effect on September 1, 2010. Neinstein and Associates is providing on-site seminars on the changes. Please contact Jinny at jinny@neinstein.com to arrange a seminar at your convenience.
POSITIVE CHANGES:
- Elimination of the deductible in fatality claims
- No reductions to the Accident Benefits available to Catastrophically injured claimants
- Expansion of the definition of Catastrophic impairment to include single limb amputees
NEGATIVE CHANGES:
- Reduction in the interest rate payable on overdue Accident Benefits from 2% to 1%
- Availability of in home assessments would be limited to seriously injured claimants and would only be used to evaluate their need for attendant care services and home modifications
- Elimination of Section 42.1 of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule which allows claimants to obtain an assessment from their own medical specialist to comment on an Insurerв_Ts Examination
- Medical and Rehabilitation limits reduced from $100,000.00 to $50,000.00 for non-catastrophically injured claimants
- Attendant Care limits reduced from $72,000.00 to $36,000.00
- Elimination of Housekeeping and Caregiver Benefits
- Future care cost reports would not be an expense recoverable under the SABS
- Assessment costs and the fee for completion of forms would be capped at $2000.00 and $200.00 respectively в_” in addition these amounts would be deducted from a claimants Medical and Rehabilitation benefits
- Claimants who suffer minor injuries would be entitled to $3500.00 worth of treatment and assessments
SOURCE:
http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2009/11/ontarios-proposed-auto-insurance-reforms.html