Our founding partner, Mike Giordano, was recently featured by Global News discussing Ontario’s overhauled auto insurance rules, which took effect on July 1, 2026. As a board member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA), Mike was asked to weigh in on what the changes could mean for drivers across the province.
The Quick Recap
As of July 1, 2026, only medical and rehabilitation coverage is required in a standard Ontario auto policy. Benefits like income replacement, caregiver and housekeeping expenses, and death and funeral benefits are now optional add-ons drivers have to choose separately. For the full breakdown, see our earlier post, Ontario Auto Insurance Is Changing in 2026: What Ontario Drivers Need to Know.
Mike’s Take
Speaking with Global News, Mike explained one of the practical risks drivers now face if they decline optional coverage. Using income replacement as an example, he noted that drivers who don’t opt into that protection could find themselves without the financial support they assumed they had if they’re unable to return to work after a crash. As he put it, drivers who skip that coverage “won’t have that financial security” if they’re seriously injured.
This kind of gap is exactly what our firm sees play out in real cases: people assume their policy will cover them the way it always has, only to discover after an accident that the coverage they needed was never there in the first place.
Why This Matters for Ontario Drivers
For most people, insurance renewal is a routine task, something to get through quickly rather than a decision that deserves a second look. But under the new framework, the choices made at renewal can have a real impact on what financial support is available after a serious collision. This is especially true for drivers who don’t have other resources, like workplace benefits or personal savings, to fall back on.
If you’re renewing your policy, it’s worth taking the time to understand exactly what is and isn’t included, and to think carefully about whether the optional benefits make sense for your situation and your family.
Have Questions About Your Coverage or a Recent Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident and are unsure whether your policy covers what you need it to, or if you’re dealing with a denied accident benefits claim, our team at Avanessy Giordano LLP is here to help you understand your options. Contact us for a free consultation.
Source: Colin D’Mello & Isaac Callan, “Worries mount that Ontario’s auto insurance changes will increase costs,” Global News, June 30, 2026.
