Archive for the ‘Motor Vehicle Accidents’ Category

Understanding and Advocating for Your Child: Navigating Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

By Roger Foisy on January 12th, 2024

In Ontario, head injuries stand as the number one cause of reported injuries among children aged 1-17, according to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth. While many head injuries in children fortunately result in quick recoveries, the journey through a traumatic brain injury (TBI)...

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The Risks of Settling Your Entire Accident Benefits Claim

By Roger Foisy on August 22nd, 2023

Navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be daunting, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance claims and potential settlements. Among the various options presented to you, a ‘full and final settlement’ of your accident benefits claim is a proposal sometimes...

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Understanding Your Rights to Access Personal Information from the Police

By Roger Foisy on July 7th, 2023

Accessing records from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) or municipal police can provide crucial information for personal injury victims, particularly in motor vehicle accident cases. In Ontario, individuals have the right to request records containing their personal information, including 911...

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How to Prepare for Your LAT Hearing: 9 Steps Your Lawyer Should Take to Get You Ready

By Roger Foisy on July 5th, 2023

When it comes to a Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) hearing, preparation is key. At Foisy & Associates, we take several crucial steps to ensure our clients are well-equipped for their hearing. While the process may differ from case to case, we follow a general approach that empowers our clients to...

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What is Catastrophic Impairment?

By Roger Foisy on March 17th, 2023

When an automobile accident occurs, the consequences can be life altering. For some, the injuries sustained can lead to a determination of catastrophic impairment. Understanding what catastrophic impairment is, how it’s defined in Ontario, and who makes a determination will allow you to be better...

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The Importance of Obtaining a Lawyer Who Can Cover Expert Fees

By Roger Foisy on March 8th, 2023

Expert witnesses are essential to appealing a case before the License Appeal Tribunal (LAT), but they can have severe implications for your disbursements if you are not careful. You may recall from earlier blogs that disbursements are third-party expenses you will pay following the successful...

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Having the Right Legal Representation for the LAT

By Roger Foisy on February 10th, 2023

If you need to go through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), it is essential to have a representative who can effectively advocate for you and protect your rights and interests. Without legal representation, you may be at a disadvantage and may struggle to present your case effectively. Although it...

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World Mental Health Day: Recognizing the Psychological Fallout of Motor Vehicle Accidents

By Roger Foisy on October 6th, 2022

World Mental Health Day is an international day for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy, celebrated on October 10th each year. Originally created in 1992, this day helps raise awareness and bring attention to mental illness and its effects on people’s lives worldwide. While we often...

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Why You Need Optional Benefits in Your Ontario Automobile Insurance Policy

By Roger Foisy on May 17th, 2022

On June 1, 2016, Ontario changed the benefits for automobile insurance, making adjustments that limit your access to long-term medical and rehabilitation benefits. This change was made quietly, and the people of Ontario were uninformed about the amendments made to their insurance policies. These...

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Personal Injury Potential Settlement Values: Arm Injuries

By Roger Foisy on May 16th, 2019

Arm injuries are often caused by instinctively holding out ones arm as a defensive action just before accident impact and sometimes due to the impact from air bags deployed at explosive speeds. In this article, we will take a look at four arm injuries and historical examples of the personal injury...

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Personal Injury Potential Settlement Values: Basal Skull Fracture

By Roger Foisy on October 5th, 2017

A basal skull fracture, most often caused by motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and child abuse cases, is considered a severe head injury. It is a fracture at the base of the skull and is frequently accompanied by a brain injury, which can cause significant challenges for...

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Personal Injury Potential Settlement Values: Whiplash Injuries

By Roger Foisy on August 11th, 2017

Whiplash injuries are generally the result of the head snapping forward and then back again, especially in rear-end motor vehicle accidents. Other similar activities gone wrong can cause a whiplash, such as a roller coaster, skiing, or from a sports injury where you might be accidently hit, kicked,...

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Riskier Roads – GTA Pedestrians and Cyclists Being Run Down at Record Rates

By Roger Foisy on February 28th, 2017

A rash of pedestrian and cyclist accidents in the GTA has been alarming to those people who choose to walk or bicycle. It is particularly upsetting because these accidents have caused increased pedestrian fatalities. With the continual increase in the number of automobiles in Ontario coupled with a...

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How Speech-Language Pathologists Help Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

By Roger Foisy on December 6th, 2016

In my previous video (and blog) about finding the right team for your brain injury rehabilitation, one of the key specialists I mention is the speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathologist is a medical professional who specializes in speech disorders and cognitive-communicative...

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New Auto Insurance Rules Reduce Rehabilitation Payout for Victim with Traumatic Brain Injury

By Roger Foisy on November 22nd, 2016

I have blogged frequently in the past few years about the reduction of auto insurance benefits in Ontario and how these changes are hurting car accident victims. In my last blog, I recommended Ontario drivers consider adding optional benefits to their insurance for this...

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Ontario Drivers: Do You Know about These Recent Reductions to Your Auto Insurance Coverage?

By Roger Foisy on November 1st, 2016

Did you know your auto insurance benefits were reduced on June 1, 2016? I have found many of my motor vehicle accident (MVA) personal injury clients are not aware of the recent changes to automobile insurance; I am writing this article because it is very important for every Ontario driver to know...

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Driving Rehabilitation Services after Personal Injury

By Roger Foisy on September 22nd, 2016

Driving rehabilitation is a service for personal injury clients who need assistance to get back into their vehicle and on the road to recovery....

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Helping Children Overcome Psychological Trauma after Car Accidents

By Roger Foisy on September 1st, 2016

Parents and caregivers should be particularly aware of the potential psychological fallout for children involved in car accidents – and even for those whose parents were in an accident without them. About 15-25% of children involved in car accidents show symptoms of depression that remain even...

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Alert for Ontario Drivers: New Road Safety Laws Passed to Protect Pedestrians

By Roger Foisy on February 23rd, 2016

As of January 1, 2016, new road safety laws have passed in Ontario. It’s important for all drivers to be aware of these new laws, primarily to protect the safety of pedestrians and avoid motor vehicle accidents – but also to avoid new...

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Do You Know the Truth about Auto Insurance in Ontario?

By Roger Foisy on July 14th, 2015

Today, I would like to draw your attention to the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s (OTLA) website about auto insurance. This website, truthaboutinsurance.ca, shines a much-needed light on the activities of the auto insurance companies and policy makers in the past 15...

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Ontario Trial Lawyers Association Against New Auto Insurance Regulations

By Roger Foisy on June 30th, 2015

My team and I recently attended an Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) event, Driving for Success: Maximizing Your Auto...

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New Ontario Budget Sides with Auto Insurance Companies over Accident Victims … Again

By Roger Foisy on May 20th, 2015

The 2015 provincial budget was announced on April 23, claiming to bring adjustments and reforms to the Ontario auto insurance industry. Initially, this sounds like a positive change. For the past 5 years, MPPs have passed bills regarding auto insurance that takes away their constituents’...

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Bill 15: Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance Regulations Hurt Motor Vehicle Accident Victims

By Roger Foisy on February 26th, 2015

Bill 15, The Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014, has recently passed in...

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Distracted Driving Causes Motor Vehicle Accidents

By Roger Foisy on September 5th, 2014

The Toronto Sun has published yet another saddening article about driving while distracted by a cell phone. It tells the story of a teen in 2009 who lost control of his car and died after reaching for a ringing phone....

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Don’t Neglect to Renew Your Driver’s Licence

By Roger Foisy on July 4th, 2014

Renewing your driver’s licence is a simple process – and it can save you from facing expensive insurance issues, should you get in an accident while your licence is...

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Changes to Prejudgement Interest at the Expense of Motor Vehicle Accident Victims

By Roger Foisy on April 9th, 2014

The recent Bill 171 “Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act” introduced by Ontario’s Minister of Finance, proposes reducing the amount of interest insurers must pay on compensation owed to motor vehicle accident (MVA) victims. Currently, the interest rate is 5%, but under...

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Accessing Funding for Medical Rehabilitation after Suffering a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Motor Vehicle Accident [Video]

By Roger Foisy on March 28th, 2014

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to understand the different levels of funding available to you. The funding you receive is dependent on the severity of your injuries; therefore, it is essential to recognize what your symptoms may mean so you...

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5 Reasons Why Substance Abuse is Linked to Brain Injury

By Roger Foisy on February 10th, 2014

Substance abuse is the overindulgence in, compulsive use of, or dependence on drugs and/or alcohol, particularly to the point of interference with work, home, or social life. Any substance use by an individual who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including a mild traumatic brain...

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Changes to Accident Benefits for Vehicle Collision Victims in Effect as of December 17, 2013

By Roger Foisy on January 30th, 2014

In December 2013, the government quietly passed regulations that change accident benefit insurance for motor vehicle collision victims. These alterations came into effect on December 17, 2013. Unfortunately, the changes are not to the benefit of those seeking personal care following an injury in a...

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Highway 401 Multi-Vehicle Collision 2013

By Roger Foisy on January 29th, 2013

Last Friday, January 25, 2013, Southern Ontario experienced a multi-vehicle accident on the 401 near Newcastle. As the busiest highway in North America, the 401 can become dangerous in poor weather conditions – such as the snow on Friday afternoon. The high volume of traffic, the slippery road...

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The Increasing Relevance of Social Media in FSCO Arbitration

By Roger Foisy on December 12th, 2012

A 2012 appeal decision by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) confirms that Facebook can be damaging to motor vehicle accident insurance claims.  This appeal confirms an earlier decision that limited access Facebook photographs are relevant in assessing accident benefits...

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Pedestrian Death Review Calls for Pedestrian-Friendly Roads

By Roger Foisy on December 5th, 2012

After 95 pedestrian deaths in 2010, Ontario’s Chief Coroner undertook a Pedestrian Death Review in order to make recommendations for improved road safety.  The review is clear that drivers of motor vehicles are not solely to blame.  Pedestrian behaviour and unaccommodating road design...

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Insurance Arbitrator Awards Medical Marijuana

By Roger Foisy on November 21st, 2012

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario has awarded a catastrophically injured motor-vehicle accident victim medical benefits for the purchase of medical marijuana.  The victim’s insurance company is to make payments of $567.60 per month. In 2000, the applicant suffered a major head...

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Maximum Attendant-Care Benefit not Limited to Extent of Economic Loss

By Roger Foisy on October 16th, 2012

When in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault, you are entitled to accident benefits from your insurance company.  One benefit is for ‘attendant care,’ which covers daily-care expenses if you are no longer able to care for yourself. The amount of attendant-care benefits depends on...

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School Bus Driver that Hits Child is not Found Negligent

By Roger Foisy on September 5th, 2012

As children start heading back to school it is beneficial to reflect on the issue of road safety. While children may act and play as though they are invincible they most certainly are not. Whether children walk to school, get a ride or take the bus there is still a risk. For all parents it...

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Combining Physical and Psychological Impairments in Catastrophic Impairment

By Roger Foisy on August 23rd, 2012

If suffering serious injuries from an accident, the method for assessing catastrophic impairment should be more inclusive according to an Ontario Court of Appeal decision. An assessment of physical and psychological impairments should be allowed to be combined in determining if someone suffers from...

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Understanding What Insurance is Readily Available to You in Ontario After a Car Accident [Video]

By Roger Foisy on August 2nd, 2012

What is important to know about automobile insurance coverage after you have been involved in a car accident in Ontario? The primary concern arising from a motor vehicle collision is to protect your legal rights for any future claims you may have resulting from this collision. In Ontario, every...

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Supreme Court of Canada Rules that Tree-Falling Fatality is a Motor Vehicle Accident

By Roger Foisy on July 31st, 2012

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in the city’s favour after a rotted tree which the city owned fell onto a car killing the driver Gabriel Rossy. Despite the coroner’s report that stated the victim’s death was preventable as the city failed to maintain the rotten tree – in this case...

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Stay Safe This Summer

By Roger Foisy on July 27th, 2012

With summer now underway many are looking forward to road trips, visits to the cottage, BBQ’s and swimming. Unfortunately, the reality is that during the summer months the top causes for accidental death in Ontario include falls, motor vehicle accidents, alcohol and drug use, and drowning. Using...

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The Benefits of Having an ‘Umbrella’ Policy in Your Insurance Coverage

By Roger Foisy on July 25th, 2012

When choosing to purchase insurance the option of an ‘umbrella’ policy should be considered. ‘Umbrella’ policies essentially provide extra protection in the event that damages are owed to you due to injuries suffered, such as in a motor vehicle accident. If the at-fault driver does not have...

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FSCO Against Combining Physical and Psychological Impairments to Determine Catastrophic Impairment

By Roger Foisy on June 18th, 2012

Seriously injured claimants may find it more difficult to access the motor vehicle accident benefits they need if the recent recommendations from Ontario’s insurance regulator are adopted into legislation. The recent report by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) finds that there...

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New Definition of Catastrophic Impairment

By Roger Foisy on June 15th, 2012

Expected Changes to Availability of Auto Accident Benefits with New Definition of Catastrophic Impairment. With a new and more limited definition of catastrophic impairment potentially going to be implemented by the Ontario government, there is a deep concern that those who suffer serious injuries...

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Winter Tires: Could You Be Found Negligent?

By Roger Foisy on November 2nd, 2011

Did you know that in Ontario you could be found negligent if you are in a car accident in the winter time and found to be driving without winter tires? In the province of Quebec it is actually illegal to drive in the winter time without winter tires. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of...

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Conflicting Limitation Periods for Car Accident Insurance Claims

By Roger Foisy on September 14th, 2011

The car accident insurance case, Whorpole Estate v. Echelon General Insurance Co., [2011] O. J. No. 1644 (S. C. J.) has brought up the issue of conflicting limitation periods, where more than one limitation period exists and a decision must be made over which applies. In particular, this case shows...

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Defining ‘Minor Injury’ in Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Cases

By Roger Foisy on August 30th, 2011

In September 2010, the Ontario Liberal government dramatically reduced the amount of medical and rehabilitation benefits available for injured people. For most Ontario car accident victims, the amount of available rehab money dropped from $100,000 to $3,500 with the introduction of the Minor Injury...

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Immediately After a Motor Vehicle Accident

By Roger Foisy on July 26th, 2011

Immediately after a car accident or other motor vehicle accident there are few important things you need to consider: Keep your composure: It is important that you remain calm. Do not argue with other drivers and passengers. Save your story for the police. Do not leave! If you leave the scene of an...

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Insurance Does Not Mean You Cannot Be Sued

By Roger Foisy on July 11th, 2011

If you have car insurance this does not mean that you can’t still be sued personally if you are involved in a car accident. Your insurance company will only cover you up to the amount of insurance coverage you have. Many people are under the impression that they purchase insurance to protect...

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What are No Fault Insurance Benefits?

By Roger Foisy on June 21st, 2011

There is a common misconception that ‘no fault’ insurance means that after a car accident no one is held to be at fault. This is not the case and the expression ‘no fault’ can be somewhat misleading when it comes to injuries resulting after a motor vehicle accident. When someone is involved...

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Immediately After a Car Accident

By Roger Foisy on May 31st, 2011

Immediately after a motor vehicle accident, families may often find themselves having difficulties dealing with the sometimes overwhelming emotions they feel for the loved one involved in the car accident.  It is at this moment, during the crisis, that things like taking care of making phone...

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I thought “AB” was just two letters in the alphabet and “Tort” was some kind of Pie?

By Roger Foisy on May 12th, 2011

After a car accident has claimed the life of a family member, individuals will seek legal advice to determine whether or not they can sue the driver of the other vehicle.  A lawyer may during a free initial consultation inform the family members of two major aspects of any case.  After a...

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Young People and Fatal Car Crashes – Too Easily Becoming A Statistic

By Roger Foisy on February 4th, 2011

Car Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens or young adults in Canada and in the United States.  In Canada, Statistics Canada reported that from the years 2000 through to 2004, motor vehicle crashes causing death accounted for 1.3% of all deaths in Canada; however, 17.3% of all deaths...

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Should you be Increasing Your Automobile Liability Coverage

By Roger Foisy on October 8th, 2010

Most Ontario automobile owners purchase higher third party insurance liability limits than the mandatory minimum coverage of $200,000. However, I suggest that the reason a consumer chooses higher coverage (usually $500 thousand or $1 million) is only due to the fact their insurance agent suggests...

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Car accident benefits – It is time to pay attention to your auto policy!

By Roger Foisy on October 7th, 2010

Car accident benefits have been slashed up to 50% and some benefits have been eliminated — how will accident victims be able to cope? My clients almost always tell me that before their car accidents, they thought insurance was both boring and confusing. For these reasons they...

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New Drinking And Driving Measures May Help To Prevent Fatalities

By Roger Foisy on September 14th, 2010

Ontario is making the province’s roads safer for all Ontarians with new changes that will help protect young and novice drivers. Starting August 1, all drivers 21 years of age and younger must have a zero blood alcohol level when they get behind the wheel or face: An immediate 24-hour licence...

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How does Ontario measure up in Canada when it comes to motor vehicle accident deaths?

By Roger Foisy on September 7th, 2010

The Ontario Government and Ontarians alike have been suggesting that fatal car accidents have been on the rise. Despite the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads, half as many Canadians were killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2004 as there had been 25 years...

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Strongly consider increasing your No-fault Insurance Benefits – What you need to know about changes to auto insurance in Ontario

By Roger Foisy on September 1st, 2010

The Ontario government is introducing significant reforms to the auto insurance system, if you have never taken the time to consider the differences you can expect from your now Standard Auto Insurance Policy and what it will look like on September 1, 2010, it is imperative you take the time NOW:...

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The McGuinty Government’s New Changes to the Ontario Auto Insurance Regulations in the fall of 2010

By Roger Foisy on August 3rd, 2010

A Quick Summary of the Changes Accident benefits for non-catastrophic injury claims will undergo some major changes, including: • Caregiver Benefits – The $250 per week, plus $50 per additional person in need of care will be eliminated • Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits – These...

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Keep Insurance Up-dated for Peace of Mind

By Roger Foisy on May 26th, 2010

Planning on lots of driving this summer? Heading up to the cottage this summer? Planning on a “see Canada” road trip vacation? A tune-up for your car before any big driving vacation is always a good idea but what about a “tune-up” for your insurance? Before you pack, it’s always a good...

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Are You Increasing Your Liability Insurance Coverage?

By Roger Foisy on May 17th, 2010

Should you be Increasing Your Liability Coverage? Most Ontario automobile owners purchase higher third party insurance liability limits than the mandatory minimum coverage of $200,000. However, I suggest that the reason a consumer chooses higher coverage (usually $500 thousand or $1 million) is...

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Motor Vehicle Insurance Housekeeping Benefits

By Roger Foisy on March 22nd, 2010

Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefits – What you need to know about your Insurance Policy Accident Benefits if you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision Many individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Ontario have come to realize that their...

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