When you pay for your automobile insurance, you pay for coverage in case you are at fault in a collision, but also for accident benefits, which will be available to you whether or not you are at fault.

Accident benefits are amounts that your own automobile insurance will pay for your lost income (Income Replacement Benefits) and medical or rehabilitation expenses following a motor vehicle collision. This whole regime has been legislated and insurance companies must follow the guidelines, laws and regulations. Most of these are found in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (or SABS).

The SABS also sets out three categories of injuries, based on their severity. Under each category  you will have access to different benefits and maximum amounts:

A basic level of accident benefits are automatically included in all automobile insurance policies. However, you also have the option to purchase increased benefits. For example, you have the option to increase the coverage of your income replacement benefits to reduce the impact on your earnings in the event of injuries which prevent you from working. The basic level of income replacement benefits is to a maximum of $400 per week. Increased medical and rehabilitation benefits are also available. When purchasing or renewing your auto insurance policy it is important to discuss with your broker the increased benefits you might be interested in and the corresponding impact it may have on your insurance premiums.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, either as a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian and you are wondering about your accident benefits, do not hesitate to contact us to have a free consultation with one of our lawyers.