Frequently asked questions about Ontario's 2010 auto insurance reforms

When did the Ontario auto insurance reforms come to effect?

September 1, 2010

Were people informed by their insurer about the reforms?

Policyholders would have received, in the mail, a document titled Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance Give You More Choice. Insurers were required to put this in the mail by June 30, 2010.

Basically, this document let people know that the standard auto insurance policy was changing on September 1, 2010, and that detailed information regarding the changes were to follow, typically included with the policyholder's renewal documents. It also included contact details so that those affected could call for more information.

View a sample: Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance Give You More Choice

All renewals after September 1, 2010 included additional information detailing the reforms. There were two components:

• Summary of Important Changes to Your Policy, and
• Providing More Choice to Consumers: What You Need to Know About Changes to Auto Insurance in Ontario

If a person's policy renewed before the reforms were implemented, did their policies change on September 1, 2010?

No. The policy would have remained unchanged until the next renewal. All of the reforms applied to new policies or renewals beginning on or after September 1, 2010.

If a person's policy renewed before the reforms were implemented, were they allowed to change their policy so it was in line with what was available on September 1, 2010 rather than waiting for their renewal?

Yes, policyholders could have, if they wanted to, updated their policy once the reforms are in place.

How can I learn more about the Ontario auto insurance changes?

You can learn more about Ontario's auto insurance changes by talking to your insurer, agent or broker, and through the Insurance Bureau of Canada as well as the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

• A background
• What didn't changed?
• What did change?