Car Rental Insurance in Ontario
Quick question: Do car rental companies in Ontario, Canada automatically provide the ‘Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule’ to their customers? I understand that they include third-party liability coverage by default since it’s required for operating a vehicle on the road. But what about accident benefits?
While accident benefits are typically included in standard auto insurance policies, are they also covered when renting a car?
In Ontario, Canada, car rental companies typically include basic third-party liability coverage by default, as it is required for all vehicles on the road. However, when it comes to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs), the situation can be a bit different.
By law, personal auto insurance policies in Ontario include Statutory Accident Benefits, which cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and income replacement for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. However, rental companies do not automatically provide these benefits for their vehicles as part of the rental agreement.
When renting a car, it’s important to check with your own insurance provider first. Many personal auto insurance policies cover rentals and may include SABs. If you don’t have personal auto insurance that provides these benefits, you might want to opt for the additional insurance options offered by the rental company. These may not be the same as statutory accident benefits, so it’s essential to read the terms carefully or ask the rental company for clarity.
In summary, while third-party liability coverage is typically included, Statutory Accident Benefits are generally not provided by default when renting a car in Ontario. Always check your own insurance policy and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.