Private market, hybrid (no-fault + limited right to sue)
Auto insurance in Ontario
What's required, what's optional, and how claims work — with every figure sourced and dated.
The system
Ontario runs a private-market hybrid system: no-fault accident benefits plus a limited right to sue. The standard policy is the OAP 1. Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS), third-party liability, and Direct Compensation–Property Damage are mandatory — though most drivers carry far more than the minimum liability.
What's mandatory
The statutory minimum third-party liability in Ontario is $200,000. Mandatory accident benefits (SABS), third-party liability, and Direct Compensation–Property Damage. Optional increased AB and liability available. Private market.
What's optional (and worth understanding)
Several SABS options can be bought up, and higher liability (commonly $1–2M), collision, and comprehensive are optional.
How claims and disputes work
Escalate from your insurer's internal complaints office to GIO, then to FSRA; accident-benefit disputes may go to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
Out-of-country health
OHIP pays very limited amounts for emergency care outside Canada (often far below actual foreign hospital costs). Travel medical is essential. See the Travel & Snowbird tool to size the gap.
Ontario has been reforming auto insurance (including which benefits are mandatory vs optional) — confirm current SABS options before relying on them.
Ontario at a glance — sourced facts
Figures verified July 2026 against the sources shown. Auto rules change — confirm current requirements with your regulator or broker before relying on them. Education, not advice; no coverage is sold here.