For those in Ontario, there are some standards and options that are part of standardized insurance policies for that area. For example, income replacement benefits are available for a wage earner who becomes injured in an accident. The standard weekly income replacement benefit is a maximum of $400 per week, but if your income is higher than this, you can purchase additional coverage that will increase your weekly benefits to $600, $800, or $1,000. For those who do not quality for either income replacement or caregiver benefits, you are eligible for $185 every two weeks, if you are injured severely enough that you cannot perform your normal daily routine.



If you are a full-time caregiver who is disabled because of an accident, you can receive $250 per week for the first dependent and $50 for each additional dependent. You can also purchase additional coverage to increase your benefits to $325 per week for one dependent and $75 per week for each additional dependent. Dependent care benefits are also available at an additional cost for those who are employed at the time of the accident and must pay for someone to take care of the children because of the accident. This optional benefit pays $75 per week for the first child and $25 for each additional dependent.

Other benefits include medical and rehabilitation benefits, attendant care benefits, and death and funeral benefits. For those who are involved in an accident, it's good to know that there is a source of payment for all of the ongoing care that one may need after a serious accident. This is especially true of the income replacement provisions, because even if you have health insurance to cover the medical expenses, or rely on the National Health program, that only covers medical expenses. If you are disabled because of the accident, you need more than just payment for medical expenses.

In many areas of the policy, you can increase the standard coverage to an amount that is more compatible to your needs. If you make $600 a week, a maximum of $400 is not going to cover your bills, let alone your standard of living. You have to look at the entire picture when you first obtain quotes for your car insurance. You must be sure that you have enough coverage in case of an accident that causes you to become disabled. Even if you don't think you'll have an accident that's your fault, cover yourself. In all likelihood, if you don't have the coverage, you'll have an accident with someone who has no insurance, and thus, no way for you to collect.

Some of the coverage may not apply to you or appear necessary, but even if you are the primary wage earner, look at the possibility that your spouse may be involved in an accident and need someone to take care of the children while you are work. Never shortchange yourself or your family because you think it can't happen to you?even if you've never had an accident in your life.