Ontario government scraps insurance deductibles for fatal accident claims

On September 1, Ontario saw big changes go into effect concerning statutory accident benefits. Most of these are bad news for Ontario accident victims.

However, on a positive note for accident victims’ families, that same day, the province eliminated the controversial “fatality deductible” placed on car accident claims wherein a victim was killed.

Prior to September 1, the statutory deductible – an overwhelming $15,000 – was  applied to accident claims made by family members after they lost a loved one in an accident.

However, with new amendments to the Insurance Act now put into action, those deductibles are completely eliminated for fatal accidents occurring after August 31, 2010. These include deaths occurring “as a direct or indirect result” of a motor vehicle accident.

While eliminating the deductible was an encouraging and sensible decision, Ontario’s government should be finding ways to provide more support for those affected by motor vehicle accidents.  Eliminating the statutory deductible for all accident victims would be an important step in that direction.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident, or suffered a serious injury as a result of a vehicle accident yourself, you may be entitled to accident benefits as well as a claim for damages from the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident.  Get more information about your rights after an accident with a no-obligation free consultation.  Call us at 613 233-4529.

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