What Cyclists and Motorcyclists Need to Know About Insurance This Riding Season in Ontario

Introduction

If you are injured in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, your recovery can be more difficult than for occupants of automobiles. Insurance policies and coverage can vary, and not all policies include optional benefits. Furthermore, the upcoming automobile insurance reforms in Ontario, going into effect July 1, 2026, will significantly reduce certain no-fault benefits unless you actively purchase your own insurance add-ons.

Before riding, it is important to review your insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect yourself in the event you sustain a serious injury.

Motorcycle Insurance in Ontario

Motorcycle insurance in Ontario is usually provided through the standard Ontario motor vehicle owner’s policy called an Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP) 1.

That coverage:

• responds to claims brought against you by people injured as a result of your actions
• includes standard no fault coverage for medical and rehabilitation treatment if you are injured in a crash

Any additional coverage you purchase to protect yourself in the event you are injured while riding, is provided on a “no fault” basis and will be included as part of your Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs).

Understanding Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) for Motorcycle Insurance

It is important to understand that not all Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) are the same.

Coverage limits, eligibility criteria, and available benefits can vary depending on your policy and the severity of your injuries.

In cases of a serious injury, you may be classified as “catastrophic,” which results in augmented accident benefits, which will include:

• a lifetime of medical and rehabilitation benefits, and attendant care benefits, with a combined total coverage of $1,000,000
• availability of housekeeping and home maintenance benefits
• expanded travel and visitation benefits

For those non-catastrophically impaired, accident benefits are still available, but coverage for medical and rehabilitation and attendant care is capped at $65,000, and these benefits must be consumed within 5 years of the accident.

If one suffers only a minor injury, often described as whiplash, the cap for accident benefits for medical rehabilitation and attendant care is only $3,500 until steps are taken to increase coverage up to the non-catastrophic limit of $65,000.

Insurance Coverage in Ontario for Cyclists

If you are struck by a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, you may be eligible for no-fault Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) coverage from:

• your own automobile insurance policy (which you would turn to first), but if not available;
• the owner of any vehicle involved in your crash

Once again, the amount of SABs coverage will depend on the specific policy and whether additional or optional benefits have been selected to increase limits for medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits.

When No Automobile Is Involved in a Cyclist Accident

If a bicycle accident does not involve a motor vehicle, access to coverage is limited. In such cases, you will be dependent on:

• resources available through OHIP
• supplementary coverage through your employer

In the absence of coverage through your employer, there is a very basic plan available through Ontario Cycling.

How to Prepare for Riding Season

Motorcyclists

• Review your auto and motorcycle insurance coverage
• Purchase optional coverages, if needed
• Choose an insurer that is designed to resolve claims and support its insureds through the rehabilitation process

Cyclists

• Confirm whether you are covered under an automobile insurance policy
• Review any supplementary coverage available through your employer
• Consider basic coverage options available through Cycling Ontario

How will the July 1, 2026, auto insurance changes in Ontario affect motorcyclists and bicyclists?

Motorcyclists

Your motorcycle insurance policy will likely default to lower overall coverage unless you purchase additional protection. There are no new changes to the medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care coverages; however, key accident benefits, which used to be available as part of the standard package of coverage, will be reduced unless optional benefits are purchased.

These “à la carte” benefits now include:

• Income Replacement Benefits
• Caregiver support
• Housekeeping assistance
• Visitation expenses, and more

Cyclists

Previously, cyclists involved in a collision with a motor vehicle could often access benefits under the driver’s automobile insurance policy.

Starting July 1, 2026, cyclists:

• Will still have access to mandatory benefits
• Will not have access to optional benefits under the driver’s policy
• Should consider purchasing coverage, especially if they do not have their own auto insurance policy

Why Insurance Planning Matters

While recovering from an injury or dealing with stress after an accident, having a clear understanding of your coverage can make a meaningful difference in the road to recovery following an accident.

Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle or cycling accident, you may be entitled to compensation beyond standard accident benefits.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you:

• Understand your entitlement to accident benefits
• Determine whether a claim can be brought against another party
• Navigate complex insurance issues

Schedule a free consultation with the expert legal team at Thomson Rogers. Call us at 416-868-3100 or 1-888-223-0448, or contact us online to get the compensation you deserve.

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FAQs

What are Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) in Ontario?

Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) are a set of insurance benefits designed to cover immediate financial and medical needs after a motor vehicle accident.

Do motorcyclists have insurance coverage in Ontario?

Yes. Motorcycle insurance in Ontario is usually provided through the standard Ontario motor vehicle owner’s policy. This includes liability coverage and access to SABs.

Do cyclists have insurance coverage in Ontario?

Yes. If the cyclist was injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle, they may have access to SABs. If there was no automobile involved, cyclists may have access to insurance through OHIP, their employer or their own third-party personal insurance plan.

Are there going to be changes to insurance in Ontario?

Yes. Starting July 1, 2026, changes to automobile insurance will come into effect in Ontario. These changes will affect motorcyclists and bicyclists involved in collisions with motor vehicles, as they will reduce available benefits coverage and limit access to certain benefits under a driver’s insurance policy.