A car accident doesn't only hurt your body. Many people find they can't stop replaying the crash, feel panicky behind the wheel or start avoiding the road altogether. Some develop anxiety, depression or PTSD. In Ontario, auto insurance includes accident benefits that can help pay for treatment after a crash, including mental health care. This guide explains how accident benefits work, the forms and deadlines, the July 2026 changes and what to do if your insurer says no.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your policy and Ontario's insurance rules decide what you can get. For complex claims, you may want legal advice.
Accident benefits, in plain words
In Ontario, people injured in a car accident can apply for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS). The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) says these benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident. So you can apply even if the crash was your fault.
FSRA suggests reading your Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP 1) to understand your coverage, rights and responsibilities. If you don't have a copy, ask your agent, broker or claims adjuster for one.
What changed on July 1, 2026
This is important for anyone in a crash after mid-2026. FSRA says that for policies entered into on or after July 1, 2026:
Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits stay mandatory. Every policy includes them.
Other benefits are now optional, and you only have them if they were purchased. FSRA lists income replacement, non-earner, caregiver, housekeeping and home maintenance, and others.
The change applies to policies entered into on or after that date, so check when your policy started. Ask your insurer, broker or agent exactly what your policy includes.
Mental health care can be part of your claim
Medical and rehabilitation benefits can help pay for treatment you need because of your injuries. For mental health, that may include assessment and therapy. Your insurer decides what it approves, based on your situation and your policy.
No insurance of your own?
FSRA says that if you don't have your own auto policy and aren't listed on someone else's, you may still claim medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits if you're injured in an accident. If no auto policy covers the claim at all, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund is the "payer of last resort."
Step by step: making a claim
Step 1: Report the accident to your insurer within 7 days. FSRA says you must report to your broker, agent or insurance company within seven days, or as soon as possible after that. Waiting too long can lead to your claim being refused.
FSRA says to have these details ready when you report:
your policy number and vehicle details
the date, time and place of the accident
any injuries and the number of passengers
names, licence numbers and insurers of the other drivers
the officer's name and badge number, if police were called
Step 2: Tell the insurer you plan to apply for benefits. The Application for Accident Benefits (form OCF-1) says you need to tell your insurer within 7 days of the accident that you plan to apply. If you can't, tell them as soon as possible.
Step 3: Return the OCF-1 within 30 days. The insurer will send you the application. The form says to return it within 30 days after you receive it. If you can't, send it anyway and explain the delay. Keep a copy.
Step 4: Work with your claims adjuster. An adjuster will contact you and guide you through the process.
Step 5: Get a treatment plan. For treatment, a health care provider usually submits a Treatment and Assessment Plan (OCF-18) to the insurer. The insurer reviews it and decides what it will approve.
Step 6: Keep records. Save every letter, form, receipt and note of phone calls with the date and the person you spoke with.
If you have workplace health benefits
This catches many people by surprise. The OCF-1 explains that if you have extended or supplementary health insurance, such as a workplace plan, that plan may need to pay its share first. Your auto insurer may then cover approved costs your health plan doesn't. The form also notes you may need to pay up front before your health plan reimburses you.
So keep your workplace plan details handy, and ask your adjuster how the two plans will work together for therapy. If your partner has a health plan that also covers you, mention that too. Ask whether it should be part of the picture.
Signs a crash has affected your mental health
Common reactions after a collision include:
flashbacks, nightmares or replaying the crash
feeling on edge, jumpy or easily startled
avoiding driving, being a passenger or the place where it happened
trouble sleeping or concentrating
low mood, irritability or losing interest in things you enjoyed
These reactions often ease with time. If they last more than a few weeks, get worse or affect work and relationships, it's worth talking to a professional. Tell your health care providers and your adjuster about mental health symptoms, not just physical ones. If they aren't on record, they're harder to include in your claim.
If your insurer denies a benefit
The insurer must give you a written notice with its reasons if it denies a benefit. Here's what you can do:
Read the notice carefully. Note the reasons and any dates.
Talk to your adjuster. Sometimes more information, such as an updated report, resolves the issue.
Apply to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, Automobile Accident Benefits Service (LAT-AABS). FSRA says this is where disputes about accident benefits go. The tribunal says you must apply within two years of receiving the insurer's denial notice. It can sometimes extend this, but it may refuse a late application.
The tribunal also says you may wish to get legal advice, especially if you're near or past the time limit.
Tips to protect your claim
Report early. Don't wait to see if symptoms go away.
Be honest and specific. Describe how symptoms affect daily life, driving and work.
Follow your treatment plan. Gaps can raise questions.
Keep a symptom journal. Note panic, sleep problems and what you avoid.
Read your policy. After July 2026, coverage can differ a lot from person to person.
Support after a car accident
Anxiety after a crash is very common, and it's very treatable. Therapy can help you feel safe on the road again, sleep better and get back to your life. Learn about our support for anxiety, what treatments work for PTSD and how to choose a trauma therapist. Our clinicians can provide supporting documentation where appropriate, as part of your care with us.
You can see us in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Ottawa, or by secure video from anywhere in Ontario. Online sessions can help if driving feels hard right now.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
We do not direct bill auto insurers. If your claim is approved for therapy, talk with your adjuster about how you'll be reimbursed.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), and we can direct bill many extended health insurers. Coverage depends on your plan.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Let them know about the accident and your insurance, and they'll help you find a good fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
After an accident: understanding the claims process, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)
LAT-AABS application and hearing process, Tribunals Ontario