Changes to auto insurance act could improve support for injured in vehicle collisions
By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on March 25, 2025.
Herald file photo by Ian Martens -
A tow truck operator and emergency personnel work at the scene of a two vehicle collision along Whoop-Up Drive. Police say occupants from both vehicles were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com
Albertans injured in vehicle collisions could get income support and retirement benefits if the Alberta government passes new legislation that was introduced Monday.
The province on Monday announced that its Automobile Insurance Act “would bring in key changes to Alberta’s auto insurance system and establish improved access to health and medical benefits for Albertans injured in vehicle collisions,” including medical care, rehabilitation, daily living assistance and other supports.
The province says the Act would introduce a privately-delivered, care-centred automobile insurance system which in its opinion “improves access to care after a collision.”
Accident victims would be entitled to income support and retirement benefits depending upon the severity of their injuries, says the government.
“Albertans who are unable to work or attend school because of their injuries could be eligible
for these benefits,” the government announced.
People who suffer a permanent impairment would be entitled to a permanent impairment benefit, says the government, with insurers needing to determine entitlement before administering it.
The Act establishes the benefits that Albertans would be entitled to receive in the event of injury and the conditions for suing an at-fault driver for additional expenses.
“In most cases, the new legislation would restrict the ability to sue an at-fault driver for injuries in an accident. Exceptions to litigation would include if the at-fault driver is convicted of certain driving offenses under the Criminal Code or Traffic Safety Act (to be determined in regulations), or if losses exceed the amounts provided by the insurance policy, such as lost income,” says the province.
What the government calls an independent Alberta Automobile Care-first Tribunal will be established so people can appeal insurer decisions on benefits.
And the legislation establishes a death benefit for a spouse, adult partner or other dependents.
The legislation also includes details on appealing care and treatment decisions made by their insurer.
And it details what insurers would need to pay or reimburse accident victims for medical, rehabilitation and other benefits including prescribed health services, medication and supplies, prescribed services and supplies.
The new “care-first” system will shift focus away from court battles and litigation to providing support and care for all people involved in a collision “so that they get the help they need when they need it,” according to a media statement.
16-15
we have long paid a high premium for auto insurance here, but, unlike most other jurisdictions, our con govts here have bent over to protect the insurers, not the victims. it is outrageous that victims are sacrificed so that insurers can be ever the wealthier.