Understanding Alberta Accident Benefits
Accident benefits are an important part of your auto insurance coverage. These benefits help cover expenses should you be injured in an accident that involves a vehicle. The Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation is a mandatory part of every auto policy in Alberta. These benefits apply if you are injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist due to an automobile accident. Coverage applies regardless of fault.
Below is a summary of what’s included in your policy. Read or download the Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation from the Government of Alberta website.
Section B: Accident Benefits
Available to all parties who are injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist due to an automobile accident. These benefits include all reasonable expenses incurred within two years from the date of the accident for necessary medical treatments, surgeries, physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc. and all other services which your attending physical and medical provider deem essential for the treatment and rehabilitation.
These services are limited to $50,000 and a two-year limitation period (the period that a claim can be made within).
Certain services are limited under a Section B claim including:
- Massage therapy $350
- Acupuncture $350
- and Chiropractic $1000
The insurance policy is not responsible for any services that are recoverable under any other insurance contract (EHC).
Disability Benefits
Coverage is available should you be wholly and continuously disabled as a result of the accident provided you were employed at the time of the accident and within 60 days from the date of the accident be unable to preform any and every duty pertaining to your employment. This benefit has a seven-day waiting period and any payments for loss of earnings received from all other sources will be accounted for in the calculation.
The benefit is available in the amount of $400.00 per week to 80 per cent of your gross earnings.
If you are 18 years of age or older, are not receiving wages for employment, and are considered to be completely incapacitated and unable to complete household duties, you may be eligible for $135.00 per week for not more than 26 weeks.
Diagnostic Treatment Protocol Regulation (DTPR)
The Diagnostic Treatment Protocol Regulation applies to all cases where a patient wishes to be diagnosed and treated in accordance with the protocols for a sprain, strain or WAD (cervical, thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral) injury caused by a motor vehicle accident.
10 visits maximum – if a person is diagnosed with a sprain/strain 1 or 2 or WAD 1 injury
21 visits maximum – if a person is diagnosed with a sprain/strain 3 or WAD 2 injury
These sessions must be completed within 90 days following the date of the accident. These sessions are not subject to the use of extended healthcare and are paid in full by the insurance company.
Death, Grief Counselling and Funeral Benefits
Death benefits are available to a person who dies as the result of a motor vehicle collision. Payment will depend on the age and status of a person at the time of the accident
| Age of Deceased at Date of Accident |
Status of Deceased at Date of Accident |
| |
Head of household |
Spouse/Adult interdependent partner |
Dependent relative |
| Up to age of 4 years |
|
|
$1,000 |
| 5 to 9 years |
|
|
$2,000 |
| 10 to 17 years |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
$3,000 |
| 18 to 64 years |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
$2,000 |
| 65 to 69 years |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
$2,000 |
| 70 years and over |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
$1,000 |
Where there is a spouse or interdependent partner living in the household the benefit amounts are increased by $15,000. They are increased by $4,000 for each remaining survivor.
- Funeral service expenses are available up to $6,150.
- Grief counselling is available in the amount of $500 per family.
Download the Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation
Read or download the complete Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation from the Government of Alberta website. You can also view a copy of the full Alberta Standard Automobile Policy (S.P.F. No. 1).