Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) in Ontarioaccident benefits claims and free consultation

Statutory accident benefits (SABS) are mandatory no-fault insurance benefits included in every automobile insurance policy in Ontario under the statutory accident benefits schedule. Every injured person involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario has the right to receive benefits from their own insurer or, in certain cases, from the at-fault driver's insurer or the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund — regardless of who caused the collision.

Understanding your rights under Ontario's SABS framework is critical because insurers frequently deny or limit accident benefits claims to reduce costs. Many accident victims do not know what accident benefits in Ontario they are entitled to — and insurance companies take full advantage of that.

The core set of benefits available under SABS in Ontario includes:

Medical and rehabilitation benefits — covering physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, occupational therapy, and all necessary medical treatment required as a result of the accident.

Income replacement benefits — replacing lost income for injured persons who were employed at the time of the accident and can no longer work.

Attendant care benefits — professional nursing and home-care assistance for serious injury victims.

Non-earner benefits — for those who were not employed at the time of the accident but can no longer carry on a normal life due to their injuries.

Caregiver benefits — for accident victims who were the primary caregiver for a dependent at the time of the accident.

Housekeeping and home maintenance benefits — funding for household tasks the injured person can no longer perform.

Medical expenses and lost educational expenses — reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs caused by the accident.

As of July 1, 2026, Ontario's “Optionality” reform changed how accident benefits are structured. Your specific policy elections now directly determine your benefit limits — making it more important than ever to have an experienced personal injury lawyer review your coverage and ensure your insurer is not using standard limits to deny your recovery needs.

For accident victims who have suffered the most serious injuries, a Catastrophic Impairment (CAT) designation unlocks the maximum level of accident benefits available under Ontario's statutory accident benefits schedule. A CAT designation increases medical and rehabilitation benefits to over $1,000,000 and significantly expands attendant care, caregiver, and rehabilitation benefits limits.

Catastrophic impairment is a formal medical and legal determination. Qualifying conditions include severe traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, significant amputation, and other catastrophic injury categories. Insurers frequently dispute CAT designation applications — challenging the extent of your injuries and attempting to classify serious injury victims as non-catastrophic to limit their liability.

Our SABS lawyers have secured catastrophic impairment designations for accident victims across Ontario following initial insurer denials. If your injuries may meet the catastrophic injury threshold, contact us immediately — deadlines apply and missing them can permanently limit your access to accident benefits.