Income Replacement Benefit:

The income replacement formula is currently based on 80% of a claimant’s net weekly income up to a maximum of $400 per week. This will change to 70% of their gross weekly income up to a maximum of $400. A seven day waiting period remains in effect.  The Ontario policy holder will still have the option to increase the weekly maximum limit to $600, $800 or $1,000, the same as they do now, but payment will be based on 70% of gross weekly income.

It is our recommendation that you check with your employer (all named drivers on the policy should check) about any collateral benefits that you may have in place – and then consider purchasing additional coverage as required.

Medical and Rehabilitation Benefit:

The current medical and rehabilitation benefit is $100,000 for non-catastrophic impairments and $1,000,000 for catastrophic. The limits exclude assessment costs. After September 1, 2010, the standard benefit will be $50,000 for non-catastrophic impairments (a reduction of 50%) and $1,000,000 for catastrophic. These new limits include assessment costs, which will be capped at $2,000 per assessment. A buy-back option will be available to bring coverage back to pre-September 1 levels ($100,000 for non-catastrophic impairments and $1,000,000 for catastrophic). An enhanced option will also be available to increase coverage to $1,100,000 for non-catastrophic impairments, $2,000,000 for catastrophic impairment

It is our recommendation that you consider buying back to at least the pre – Sept 1, 2010 limits.  – The buy-back option will be available to bring coverage back to pre-September 1 levels ($100,000 for non-catastrophic impairments and $1,000,000 for catastrophic).

Attendant Care Benefit

The current attendant care benefit is $3,000 per month to a maximum of $72,000 over 2 years for non-catastrophic impairments. During the first two years following their accident, a claimant may apply to be classified as catastrophic. The benefit for catastrophic impairments is $6,000 per month to a maximum of $1,000,000.  After September 1, 2010, the standard benefit will still be $3,000 per month but only to a maximum of $36,000 over 2 years for non-catastrophic impairments. The two year period for applying for re-classification will still be in place, so a gap of up to one year could occur from the time the non-catastrophic attendant care benefit runs out and when the impairment is re-classified. The benefit for catastrophic impairments remains at $6,000 per month to a maximum of $1,000,000. Note: minor injury claimants do not qualify for this benefit.  The Ontario policy holder will be able to ‘buy back’ attendant care coverage to the prior $72,000 limit.  An enhanced option will also be available to increase coverage to $1,072,000 for non-catastrophic impairments, $2,000,000 for catastrophic impairments.

It is our recommendation that you consider buying back to at least the pre – Sept 1, 2010 limits.  – The buy-back option will be available to bring coverage back to pre-September 1 levels ($72,000 for non-catastrophic impairments).

Caregiver Benefit

The changes to the caregiver benefit are significant. The current SABS provides $250 per week plus $50 for each additional dependant, regardless of the impairment. After September 1, 2010, the amount of the benefit remains the same; however, it is ONLY available where the claimant suffers a catastrophic impairment.  A new buy-back option will be available for policyholders providing $250 per week plus $50 for each additional dependent for non-catastrophic impairments.

It is our recommendation that you consider buying back to the pre – Sept 1, 2010 limits.  – The buy-back option will be available to bring coverage back to pre-September 1 levels ($250 per week plus $50.00 for each additional dependent for non-catastrophic impairments).

Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Expenses

The changes to this benefit are also significant. The current benefit provides $100 per week for up to 2 years for non-catastrophic impairments and with no time limit for catastrophic impairments. After September 1, 2010, the standard benefit will only be available in instances of catastrophic impairment.  A new buy back option will be available providing $100 per week for up to 2 years for non- catastrophic impairments.

It is our recommendation that you consider buying back to the pre – Sept 1, 2010 limits.  – The buy-back option will be available to bring coverage back to pre-September 1 levels ($100per week for up to 2 years for non-catastrophic impairments).

Dependant Care Benefit

An optional dependant care benefit is currently available to clients, which provides $75 per week for the first dependant, plus $25 per week for each additional dependant. This benefit becomes a standalone option after September 1 and will no longer be bundled with the caregiver benefit.

It is our recommendation that if you have any dependants you consider buying back to the pre – Sept 1, 2010 limits.  – The buy-back option will be available to bring coverage back to pre-September 1 levels ($75 per week for the first dependant and $25.00 for each additional for non-catastrophic impairments).

Non Earner Benefit

No changes have been made to the non-earner benefit, which remains $185 per week.

After 2 years the benefit is $320 per week for claimants that were students at the time of their accident and have reached 16 years of age. The waiting period remains at 26 weeks.