Major changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) are coming to Ontario in July, and ClaimsPro’s Janet Annis, Shannon Hoyt (VP, Central Canada) and Jennifer Hamu (District Manager, GTA) have been leading the charge in preparing claims professionals for these changes.

Important Changes to Coverage

The Auto Reform changes are aimed at providing more control and options for consumers in their accident benefits coverages. The changes will limit mandatory benefits, provide coverage options to customers, default to only mandatory coverages after July 1^st, and affect who can access benefits after a motor vehicle accident.

While the industry has been working to prepare brokers and insurers for these changes, Janet notes that “there hasn’t been enough about getting claims adjusters ready for the day-to-day management – from applying new benefit limits to investigating files, documenting decisions, and managing tough coverage conversations with injured clients.”

These changes will greatly impact our adjusting work in Ontario. Adjusters can expect to see faster benefit adjudication and fewer delays waiting for collateral insurer denials, but they will also need to be prepared for new situations, such as:

• Increased variation in limits, benefit types, eligibility rules, and priority of payment, with files requiring policy-level scrutiny
• Policyholders failing to purchase optional benefits, leading to fewer payable categories and more disputes around unmet expectations
• Additional communication required around benefit gaps and more coordination with bodily injury adjusters, potentially with an increase in contested claims and litigation pressure
• Understanding which version of the policy applies, whether optional benefits exist on the specific policy term, and how to differentiate between new and old forms

Important Implications for Claims Management

In February, Janet presented as part of a two-part webinar for the Insurance Institute of Ontario on understanding SABS reform and navigating client expectations. By popular demand, this webinar was repeated in May with additional updates based on recent regulatory changes.

On April 9^th, ClaimsPro hosted a packed in-person seminar for mutual insurer clients in London, ON. This seminar was hosted by Jennifer, featuring Janet alongside a panel of experts from across the industry. They delivered a clear and practical breakdown of the new changes and the implications for day-to-day claims management. Following the event, one attendee remarked, “This was a great event with very informative presentations beyond just the impacts of the 2026 SABS Reform changes, in addition to a great cross-section of panelists. Well done!”

ClaimsPro also hosted an exclusive invitation-only webinar for our GTA and Ontario clients on April 29^th, with Janet, Shannon, and Jennifer presenting on anticipated impacts and practical insights to prepare for the new changes. On May 7^th, Shelley Glover (VP, Eastern & Northern Ontario) moderated a session at the Annual Adjusters Claims Summit for the Ontario Valley Adjuster Association (OVAA) with Janet Annis presenting.

With these skilled professionals taking charge, ClaimsPro is ensuring our clients and our adjusters will be able to navigate the Auto Reform changes. Thanks to Janet, Shannon, and Jennifer for sharing their expertise!