If you are injured by a motor vehicle while walking or cycling, the accident benefits available to you may be different than they were before July 1, 2026. Whether you have access to your own auto insurance policy or are covered under a policy through a spouse or parent, now makes a significant difference in the benefits available following a collision.
Why this matters
Before July 1, many accident benefits were included as standard coverage and were often available to injured pedestrians and cyclists through the insurer of the vehicle involved in the collision.
Today, many of those benefits have become optional and only apply to the people specifically covered under an automobile insurance policy, such as the named insured, their spouse, dependants and listed drivers. As a result, pedestrians and cyclists who do not have access to their own automobile insurance policy will have fewer accident benefits available following a serious collision.
What benefits could be affected?
If you do not have your own automobile insurance policy, you no longer have access to benefits that can help with:
- Income replacement if your injuries prevent you from working
- Non-earner benefits
- Caregiver benefits
- Housekeeping and home maintenance
- Death and funeral benefits
- Other optional accident benefits that were previously included as standard coverage
You will still have access to medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits through the driver’s auto insurance policy as they continue to be mandatory under Ontario's standard auto insurance policy.
Who should review their coverage?
These changes may be especially important if you:
- Walk as your primary form of transportation
- Regularly cycle for commuting or recreation
- Do not own a vehicle
- Rely on public transit and active transportation
- Are covered under someone else's automobile insurance policy—or are unsure whether you are
What can you do?
If you regularly walk or cycle, now is a good time to understand what insurance coverage you have.
Consider speaking with your insurance provider to determine:
Whether you have access to an automobile insurance policy
What accident benefits are included in that policy
Whether optional accident benefits are appropriate for your situation
Understanding your coverage before a collision occurs can help you make informed decisions about protecting yourself and your family.
Important: This page provides general information about Ontario's auto insurance changes and is not legal or insurance advice. Coverage depends on the circumstances of your collision and the terms of the applicable insurance policies. Speak with your insurance broker or insurer to understand your coverage.
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