What is a statutory accident benefits schedule?
The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) is Ontario's mandatory set of no-fault benefits included in every auto insurance policy that covers medical treatment, rehabilitation, income replacement, and caregiver expenses following a motor vehicle accident.
Every auto insurance policy in Ontario contains a Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, a framework of no-fault benefits that apply regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits are mandatory under the Insurance Act and exist to provide immediate financial support to injured individuals and their families after a crash.
SABS covers several categories of expenses and losses. Medical and rehabilitation benefits pay for reasonable treatment from doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other qualified health providers needed to aid recovery. Income replacement benefits replace a portion of lost wages for those unable to work due to accident-related injuries. The schedule also covers attendant care costs when an injured person requires paid help with daily living, as well as death and funeral benefits in fatal accidents.
Ontario's auto insurance agencies must disclose SABS coverage limits and exclusions when clients purchase or renew policies. The benefits operate outside the fault system, meaning an injured driver or passenger can claim benefits from their own insurer without proving liability. This no-fault structure aims to reduce delays in accessing care and provide faster payouts compared to liability claims.
Coverage limits and eligibility rules apply and can vary based on policy terms and the nature of injuries. Anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario should understand their SABS entitlements and report the claim to their insurer promptly.