Navigating Ontario’s auto insurance system can be complex, especially when it comes to optional endorsements like OPCF 44R. While standard auto insurance policies provide a foundational level of protection, they may not be sufficient in every situation—particularly when accidents involve unidentified, uninsured or underinsured at-fault drivers. That is where optional endorsements such as OPCF 44R come into play.

Although not mandatory, OPCF 44R is very commonly added to auto insurance policies in Ontario. This endorsement offers an additional layer of financial protection for you and your family, ensuring that you are not left vulnerable due to another driver’s insufficient insurance coverage. In this blog, we will explore what OPCF 44R is, how it works, and why it is a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy.

The OPCF 44R Endorsement Explained

In Ontario, auto insurance policies can be customized with Ontario Policy Change Forms (OPCFs). These forms are endorsements that modify or enhance standard coverage. Among these, OPCF 44R is particularly important for protecting drivers and their families from financial hardship following an accident caused by an underinsured motorist.

OPCF 44R, often referred to as Family Protection Coverage, is designed to protect insured individuals and their eligible family members in the event of an accident caused by an at-fault driver who carries insufficient insurance coverage. This endorsement ensures that you can access compensation up to the limits of your own third-party liability coverage, even if the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short.

Why You Might Need OPCF 44R

OPCF 44R functions as excess coverage. It does not replace the at-fault driver’s insurance but rather supplement it when their coverage falls short. To activate OPCF 44R, your own third-party liability limit must exceed that of the at-fault driver.

In practice, this means that if you are injured in an accident and the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot cover your medical expenses, lost income, or other damages, OPCF 44R will cover the shortfall. This can be especially important in cases involving serious injuries, where costs can quickly exceed the minimum liability coverage required by law or the at-fault driver’s insurance limit.

While Ontario mandates a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, this amount is often insufficient in serious accidents. Medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other costs can easily surpass this threshold, leaving victims with significant out-of-pocket expenses.

OPCF 44R provides peace of mind by ensuring that you and your family are protected, regardless of the other driver’s insurance status. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Families with young children or dependents
• Individuals who frequently drive in high-traffic areas
• Those concerned about the financial impact of a serious accident.

Is It Necessary to Purchase OPCF 44R?

While OPCF 44R is not a mandatory component of auto insurance in Ontario, it is very often included in auto insurance policies.

Without OPCF 44R, your ability to recover damages is limited to the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. Given that the minimum required liability coverage in Ontario is $200,000, this may be insufficient in many cases. With OPCF 44R, you can access the full extent of your own third-party liability coverage—often $1 million or more—to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and other damages.

Adding OPCF 44R to your policy is a proactive step toward protecting your financial future. It is a small investment that can yield significant benefits in the event of a serious accident.

Protect Your Family with Legal Guidance on OPCF 44R

If you have been involved in an accident and are unsure whether OPCF 44R applies to your situation, legal guidance can be invaluable in navigating the claims process and securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact one of Burn Tucker Lachaîne’s lawyers today by email at info@burntucker.com, by telephone at 613-233-6898, or by text at 613-777-0992. Our 3 partners are certified as specialists in civil litigation by the Law Society of Ontario.