Things to Consider
There are many factors to keep in mind when reviewing your car insurance options. Included below are just some of the things to consider before making your choice.

OHIP WILL NOT COVER ALL YOUR EXPENSES.

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan covers basic medical costs for residents of Ontario, but it will not cover (or will only partially cover) many of the expenses described in REALITY CHECK.

After a hospital visit, for example, OHIP does not cover personalized attendant care or many types of rehabilitation, should you need them. Ambulance fees are only partially covered by OHIP, and in some cases not covered at all. And, cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by either OHIP or your car insurance, though certain types of reconstructive surgery may be covered after an injury.

Other services not covered by OHIP include:
• physiotherapy at many clinics throughout Ontario
• most prescription drugs outside of a hospital
• most mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
• most eye and dental services
• most psychological counseling
• generally any services that are not considered to be medically necessary

For full details on OHIP, including its coverages and exclusions, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.

Do you live in a city?
In cities, the cost of services such as physiotherapy or caregiving tend to be higher than in rural areas of the province. If you live in Toronto or Ottawa, for example, you may want to consider optional enhanced Medical and Rehabilitation or Attendant Care coverages. (See MY CHOICE for full details.)

Where do you drive? How often are you in a car?
If you often drive on 400-series highways, you're more likely to be in a car accident than someone who drives just as often on smaller roads. Similarly, your likelihood of being in a car accident is directly related to how often you drive; if you drive often, you are much more likely to be in an accident compared to someone who rarely sets foot in a car.

Have you considered any benefits you might receive from school or work?
If you have benefits from your employer or college/university, you may already have some level of coverage for some or all of the expenses discussed on this site. Consider these benefits as you review the information in MY CHOICE and discuss them with your broker.

Are there people in your life who depend on you, either financially or for care?
Caregiver and Dependant Care benefits were created with you in mind. See the MY CHOICE page for information about the optional enhanced coverages for these benefits.

Are you married? Are you a single parent?
Not only should you be aware of your own sources of healthcare coverage (including OHIP, employer/school benefits, and your car insurance), but if you have children/dependants, you should also understand the sources of coverage available to your spouse or ex-spouse.

Do you own a business? Are you self-employed?
Every business has its own unique car insurance needs, ranging from the single vehicle of a small business, to the large fleet of a major corporation.

As an employer, your business may have car insurance coverage to insure employees who are listed drivers on its policy. Your business’s needs for optional Accident Benefits coverage may therefore be different from your personal needs, with considerations different from those discussed on this website.

Because every business insurance policy is tailored to the specific requirements of the company in question, a review and discussion of your company’s needs with your independent insurance broker is the best way to identify any optional coverage that it may require.

Are you a student? Are you unemployed? Are you over the age of 65?
If you are injured in a car accident, but do not currently have employment income, you may qualify to receive Non-Earner benefits. Non-Earner benefits are included in all car insurance policies issued to individuals in Ontario

If you are a student and working part-time, you may be eligible for either Income Replacement or Non-Earner benefits.

Income Replacement benefits are calculated differently for those over the age of 65 – even if you are still working.

Please speak to your EGM Insurance broker for additional information about these coverages.

Finally, consider your budget.
Many coverage options may be available to you at minimal cost. The difference in cost between $50,000 and $1,100,000 in Medical and Rehabilitation coverage might be a small price to pay to make a significant investment in your own financial security should you be in an accident. Discuss the costs of the various insurance coverages with your EGM Insurance broker. You may also wish to refer to this recent article on car insurance options and pricing, published in the Toronto Star.

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