Implementing the 2015 Ontario Budget

The Ontario government continues to implement auto insurance announced in the 2015 Ontario Budget. More regulatory changes are expected in the fall.

Ontario Regulation 664

Regulation 664 has been amended to require that all insurers offer a discount to policyholders for the use of winter tires. The winter tire discount must be made available for contracts issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2016. Insurers are encouraged to implement the discount before January 1, 2016, where feasible.

Insurance companies that do not currently offer a winter tire discount must file an application for approval with FSCO no later than August 28, 2015.

Ontario Regulation 461/96 

Regulation 461/96 has been amended to ensure that the deductible amounts for damages for non-pecuniary loss (pain and suffering) reflect the effects of inflation since 2003. The regulation amendments include the following: 

• The $30,000 deductible amount prescribed in the case of damages for non-pecuniary loss is adjusted to $36,540 from August 1, 2015 until December 31, 2015. On January 1, 2016 and every subsequent year, this amount will be revised by adjusting the amount by the indexation percentage published under Insurance Act subsection 268.1 (1) for that year. 
• The $15,000 deductible amount prescribed in the case of damages for non-pecuniary loss under clause 61 (2) (e) of the Family Law Act, is adjusted to $18,270 from August 1, 2015 until December 31, 2015. On January 1, 2016 and every subsequent year, this amount will be revised by adjusting the amount by the indexation percentage published under Insurance Act subsection 268.1 (1) for that year. 

Regulation 664 can be found here.