Guelph, like many communities across Ontario, is seeing a troubling upward trend in car accidents; and it’s not just fender-benders, but collisions resulting in serious injuries. In the four years between 2017 and 2021, a study showed that a collision occurred once every 4.5 hours in Guelph. Catherine Shearer, a Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at McKenzie Lake Lawyers in Guelph says, “Based on the trends, we’re seeing more collisions resulting in injuries in Guelph. We know that motorcycle fatalities are on the rise in 2024 and accidents involving transport trucks have increased as well.”
Guelph’s growing population is bringing more cars, more commuters and unfortunately more risk to the roads. Commuters heading to Kitchener, Waterloo, and the GTA for work along the highway 401 are sharing the road with large transport trucks. Guelph has also seen a surge in university students, who are often novice drivers.
Despite relentless reminders not to text and drive, it’s still happening. A quick glance at a phone or fiddling with navigation apps for seconds can lead to serious accidents. Shearer says, “It’s a perfect storm of crowded roads, pressure to get to your destination, distracted driving, and inexperience behind the wheel.”
Injuries can be serious and life-changing
While the factors leading to car accident injuries are cause for concern today, an upcoming change to Ontario ‘s No-Fault Insurance system could make things far worse. As of July 1st 2026, most accident benefits will be optional.
Currently, when someone is injured in a car accident in Ontario, they are covered by a range of benefits, which include income replacement, a provision for caregivers, and non-earner benefits. It’s a safety net designed to catch those who are injured, ensuring that they’re not left struggling financially or physically while they recover. They don’t have to worry about proving who is at fault before they can access these benefits. Shearer says, “Slowly over the years, the government has been peeling back what’s offered in the basic package. As of July 1, 2026, any benefits that do not cover medical rehabilitation are completely optional.”
Could be a risky gamble
Today, income replacement benefits are $400 a week under no-fault insurance and increased benefits are optional. Those who cannot work will automatically receive $400 a week or the benefits can be increased with a slight increase in premiums to $1,000 a week. Shearer stresses, “As of the change date, income replacement benefits will be completely optional, so you will not be covered unless you opt in, which will impact a lot of people who are trying to keep their monthly premiums low. But when they’re injured in a car accident, they will realize that they’re not adequately covered.”
Catherine Shearer is particularly concerned that the changes will disproportionately impact those who need the benefits the most, middle to lower-income families who do not have generous long-term benefit policies at work. She says, “These are often the same families who can least afford to lose a stream of income or go without assistance at home if the breadwinner is injured in a collision. While healing from their injuries they also must figure out how to pay the bills and continue supporting their families.”
A person may choose to opt out if they have excellent long-term disability benefits through their employer. But if they don’t have any protection and are unable to work because of a car accident, if they don’t opt in, they could be in a difficult spot.
In some cases, an at-fault driver can be sued for lost income. But it could take 3 to 5 years for the claim to settle or go to court, which leaves an injured person without a source of income for that period. They will eventually recover if the other driver is at fault, but it takes a long time. If no one is at fault, then the injured victim is out of luck.
As of July 2026, Shearer points out, “If you buy back income replacement benefits and you’re at fault, you can still claim the income lost as a result of the collision. But if you’re renewing your policy and you decide to not buy income replacement benefits and you get into a collision where you can no longer work, you will not be covered.”
Education is key to staying protected
Catherine Shearer believes now is the time to educate vehicle owners about these impending changes and the importance of opting in. She says, “The cost of not being covered for benefits such as income replacement could far outweigh the short-term savings on premiums.”
With more vehicles on roads in and around Guelph, understanding the upcoming changes is a critical step in protecting yourself from being left behind in an insurance system that is shifting more responsibility to individual vehicle owners.
If you have suffered an injury in a collision and would like to learn more about your rights and options, Catherine Shearer would be happy to speak with you about your next steps. Her initial consultation is free.
Contact Catherine Shearer at [email protected] or call (226) 203-1243
