Important information for auto insurance customers
April 17, 2019
Ontario has made it clear – driving high is just as dangerous as driving drunk. On October 17, 2018, with the legalization of cannabis, lawmakers made amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada for drug-related offences. In addition, effective the same date, amendments to auto insurance regulations were made to ensure that drug-impaired driving is treated equally to alcohol-impaired driving under insurance contracts.
As a result, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) made changes to the standard Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP 1 – Owner’s Policy), effective April 1, 2019, by expanding the list of Criminal Code offences that would result in no insurance coverage. These rules form part of all SGI CANADA auto insurance policies, effective Oct 17, 2018.
SGI CANADA is committed to encouraging safe, sober driving and we respect the amendments. Under the updated OAP 1, we will not pay for losses or damages caused in a collision if the person we insure is convicted of one of the following offenses:
- operating a motor vehicle while the concentration of alcohol or drug in their blood exceeds the limit permitted by law
- refusing to comply with a lawful demand to provide a breath sample, perform physical coordination tests or submit to an evaluation
- causing bodily harm during operation of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or a drug or a combination of alcohol and a drug, or while the concentration of alcohol or drug in the operator’s blood exceeds the limit permitted by law.
The above apply whether or not the driver technically caused the collision. These rules acknowledge that impairment by alcohol or drugs is equally serious.
Learn more about these changes on the Financial Services Commission on Ontario website:
- Amendments to Three Ontario Automobile Policy Forms
- Technical Amendments to Auto Insurance Regulations
If you have any additional questions, please contact your broker.
