Source: Government of Canada regional news
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If passed, the Automobile Insurance Act would bring in key changes to Alberta’s auto insurance system and establish improved access to health and medical benefits for Albertans injured in vehicle collisions. This would include medical care, rehabilitation, daily living assistance and other supports. Ultimately, these changes would give Alberta drivers the best benefits of any system in Canada if they need medical care and rehabilitation following a collision.
“Care-first is a term we use intentionally, because Albertans who are injured in a collision truly need their care and well-being to come first. Our goal is to build a stronger auto insurance system to better protect Albertans and their pocketbook.”
The proposed legislation would support Albertans injured in a vehicle collision with income support payments and retirement benefits, potentially for life, depending on the severity of their injuries. Albertans who are unable to work or attend school because of their injuries could be eligible for these benefits. In addition, criteria would be established to provide for a permanent impairment benefit for Albertans who are permanently injured from the accident, or a death benefit if an Albertan dies in a collision.
“Chiropractors play a crucial role in helping accident victims recover and restore their quality of life. In Alberta, the new system will ensure that those needing care after a collision receive immediate, high-quality chiropractic services and team-based care.”
Alberta’s new care-first automobile insurance system would shift the focus away from court battles and costly litigation to providing care and support for everyone injured in a collision, so that they get the help they need when they need it. Legislation would restrict the ability to sue, except if an at-fault driver is convicted of a serious offence under the Criminal Code or Traffic Safety Act. Injured Albertans could also choose to sue for out-of-pocket expenses beyond the amount provided under the insurance policy. These changes would reduce the time and money spent on litigation. Ultimately, the new care-first legislation will lead to lower automobile insurance rates for Albertans over time.
Alberta’s care-first system would maintain flexibility to resolve auto insurance disputes, creating an independent Alberta Automobile Care-first Tribunal. This would give Albertans the ability to appeal decisions made by their insurer about their benefits.
As legislation progresses, Alberta’s government will consult with health care and insurance representatives on key operational elements of the Care-First model. Further regulations to implement the changes could be introduced in the fall of 2025.
Alberta’s privately delivered care-first system will start January 1, 2027.
Quick facts
- If passed, industry partners would take the next two years to implement the changes, including developing 3.4 million new auto insurance policies.
- The Automobile Insurance and Care-First Benefits Act is enabling legislation, which means that many substantive rules will be developed through regulations.
Related information
- Automobile Insurance Act
- Bill 47: Automobile Insurance Act
- Care-First Automobile Insurance
- Automobile insurance reform in Alberta
- Enabling better auto insurance
Related news
- Communicating better, faster, affordable auto insurance (Nov. 25, 2024)
- Better, faster, more affordable auto insurance (Nov. 21, 2024)
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