If you’ve ever been in an auto accident, you’ve probably experienced a great deal of confusion about which “statutory accident benefits (SABS)” auto insurance claim form (OCF forms) to use. In fact, since there are over 20 OCF forms available, you may have missed out on maximizing your benefits.
To add insult to injury, you would have needed to inform your insurance broker, agent or company within seven days if the accident resulted in injury or property damage.
The standard auto insurance policy in Ontario, which is mandatory, provides certain benefits to injured parties, regardless of who was at fault. Under Ontario’s Insurance Act, the regulation is known as the Statutory Accident Benefits schedule (SAB). The benefits are standardized based on the specifics although some insurers purchase additional levels of protection above the norm to ensure they will be covered for more than the standard policy’s amount. Getting the benefits you are entitled to boils down to the specific policy along with the administrative approach that is followed.
Some of the benefits that are available under the SABS are:
- Income Replacement
- Non-Earner Benefit
- Caregiver Benefit
- Medical and Rehabilitation Benefit
- Attendant Care Benefit
- Other Expenses Benefit
- Death and Funeral Payments Benefit
Accident benefits typically associated with SABS Ontario include weekly benefits such as 70 percent of your gross weekly income replacement benefits, up to $400 per week, medical and rehabilitation benefits for caregivers, housekeeping and home maintenance benefits, as well as non-earner benefits.
To maximize the SABS benefit allowance, you have to know which forms to file, where to file them, and by when. That is why it gets complicated and confusing even when working closely with your insurance agent.
For example, here are six of the OCF forms that can be incorporated into a claim:
Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1)
This Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1) must be returned within 30 days after receiving the form. You may be eligible for weekly benefits even if you were unemployed or retired at the time of the accident.
Employer’s Confirmation of Income (OCF-2)
You may be required to submit this form to your employer. If you were employed by more than one company during the last 52 weeks, each employer would need to complete a separate form.
Disability Certificate (OCF-3)
You may be asked to have your health practitioner fill out this form. You may have been using more than one health professional before and after the accident. If so, this form needs to be completed by any/all of them (general practice, dentist, chiropractor, etc.).
Death and Funeral Benefits Application (OCF-4)
The associated statutory accident benefits are intended to alleviate the immediate financial burden many experience after a loved one died from an auto accident. There is, of course, no amount of money that could heal the situation, however, it may ease some of the stress if the financial pressure can be somewhat alleviated.
Permission to Disclose Health Information (OCF-5)
Make sure you understand how this form could affect your claim, as your health information could result in a loss or reduction of benefits. Use extreme caution when filling out this form and do not offer it if it is not requested by the claims adjustor.
Expenses Claim Form (OCF-6)
As an accident victim, there may be additional expenses associated for which you could be compensated. However, this form must be requested as it is not a part of the original “claims package” that will be provided. Examples of expenses that are over and above missed income, medical bills, and property damage are: transportation costs, destroyed personal items, walkers, crutches, etc.
Which Forms are for you?
As mentioned earlier, there are more than 20 OCF forms that are available to all auto accident victims. Determining which are appropriate for your specific situation is best left to legal professionals who are experienced with accident and injury cases. Although your claim may never go to court, an attorney will make sure you are getting the most from the unpleasant situation that caused the claim.
Save the time and frustration that most experience when dealing with insurance companies. When you work with DWA LAW we will walk you through the process and answer all of your questions in a free consultation. Trying to do this alone with accuracy and success often has the opposite result. We are here to help. Call 1-866-696-0300 or fill out this quick form.
