When you ask for a car insurance quote in Ontario, the broker or insurer usually checks more than your driving record. They also look at your insurance history: past policies, gaps, cancellations and claims. However, most drivers never see that history until a quote comes back higher than expected. Checking your AutoPlus report in Ontario before you renew or switch takes a few minutes, costs nothing, and lets you catch mistakes before they cost you money.

What is an AutoPlus report in Ontario?

AutoPlus is a policy and claims database run by CGI. CGI describes the consumer version as a report that “provides your individual automobile policy and claims history” as submitted by the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry. Insurers that take part send their data to CGI, and use the industry version of the report when they underwrite a policy or manage a claim.

Since June 2024 there has also been a second system. IBC launched DASH (Driver and Auto Search History), which it describes as an “industry-directed policy and claims information system.” IBC lists Ontario among the provinces and territories DASH covers.

Neither one is the same as your Ministry of Transportation driver record. Here is how the three compare:

If you need the government record of tickets and convictions instead, see our guide on how to get a driver history report in Ontario. That covers the MTO record; this article covers the insurance industry’s record.

Why your insurance history report matters before you renew or switch

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) lists previous accidents among the details in your driving record that insurers consider, and states plainly: “The better your record, the lower your premium.” Insurers and brokers use AutoPlus and DASH when they quote and underwrite a policy.

As a result, the accuracy of your history report matters. CGI’s August 2026 guide for insurers shows what the industry version of an AutoPlus report can contain:

• Each claim, flagged as at-fault (over 0% fault) or not-at-fault (0% fault)
• Amounts paid on each claim, by coverage, such as third-party liability, collision, accident benefits and comprehensive
• Whether a vehicle was a total or partial loss
• Policy cancellations, including cancellations for non-payment and for misrepresentation, with a count of those from the last three years

For example, a claim recorded with the wrong fault percentage, a claim that belongs to another driver, or a cancellation that never happened can all make you look like a higher risk. If you are reviewing a car insurance renewal in Ontario, or plan to compare auto insurance quotes, pull your report first so you are quoting on accurate information.

How to get your AutoPlus report in Ontario

CGI offers two ways to get your report.

Option 1: The myAutoPlus app (fastest)

1. Download the myAutoPlus app from the App Store or Google Play, or go to myAutoPlus.ca.
2. Verify your identity in the app.
3. View your policy and claims history.

CGI describes the app as “immediate and free access” to your auto insurance and claims information. myAutoPlus lists Ontario among the provinces where its full services are available.

Option 2: The Consumer AutoPlus request form (by email or mail)

1. Download and complete CGI’s Consumer AutoPlus Request Form (a PDF). It must carry your original signature.
2. Attach a clear scan of the front and back of your current provincial driver’s licence.
3. Attach proof of residence. CGI prefers your insurance pink slip, but a utility bill or credit card statement also works.
4. Email everything to insurance.helpdesk@cgi.com, or mail it to the CGI Technical Assistance Centre in Montreal at the address printed on the current form.

According to the form, CGI provides one report in a 12-month period at no cost and mails it by regular mail within 10 business days. It only goes to the address on your proof of residence, so use a document that shows where you live now. AutoPlus consumer reports are not available in Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan, but Ontario drivers can use them.

How to get your DASH report from IBC

Because insurers and brokers can use DASH as well as AutoPlus, it is worth requesting both. IBC says consumers can request their own DASH report at no charge once per year.

1. Complete the DASH Consumer Driver Report Request form on IBC’s website.
2. Include a clear copy of your driver’s licence and one document that confirms the name and address on it, such as a utility or financial statement. IBC suggests blacking out details it does not need.
3. Submit by email to DASHConsumerRequests@ibc.ca with your ID documents password-protected, and send the password in a separate email. You can also mail the form, or book an in-person appointment by calling 1-844-227-5422.

IBC says email requests are processed and returned within 10 business days, and mailed requests within 10 to 20 business days after it receives them. The DASH report has four parts: your identifying information, your policy history, your claims history, and an inquiry log showing each time a brokerage or insurer accessed your report.

In addition, the inquiry log is useful on its own. If you see an insurer you have never dealt with, ask the broker or company why they pulled your file.

What about home insurance claims history?

CGI also keeps a home insurance database called HITS. A consumer HITS report covers personal property claims for properties you insured, and does not include claims from times when someone else insured the property. To get it, send CGI’s HITS Request Form with a current utility bill showing your name and address and your current property policy details. CGI says it mails the report within 10 business days.

How to read your AutoPlus report: what to check

When your report arrives, go through it line by line:

• Names and addresses: Make sure every policy listed is really yours.
• Policy dates: A missing policy period can look like a gap in coverage.
• Claims: Check that each claim happened, that it was yours, and that the vehicle is right.
• Fault: Compare the fault shown with the decision your insurer gave you in writing. In Ontario, fault is assigned under the Fault Determination Rules, a regulation under the Insurance Act.
• Cancellations: Check any cancellation, especially one marked as non-payment. If you ended a policy yourself, it should not appear as a cancellation for non-payment. Our guide on how to cancel car insurance in Ontario explains how to end a policy cleanly.

How to fix an error on your AutoPlus report in Ontario

Many drivers assume CGI or IBC will make the correction. However, CGI states that it “is not authorized to make changes” to your report details, and it sends consumers to the insurer that supplied the information. IBC investigates DASH disputes and contacts the reporting company if it can’t fix the record directly.

1. Gather proof. Collect claim letters, fault decisions, cancellation notices, proof of payment or your old pink slips.
2. Contact the insurer that reported the data. Ask for its complaint officer, or ombudsperson, and explain the error in writing. FSRA keeps a list of insurers’ complaint officers.
3. For a DASH error, file a correction with IBC. Email DASHConsumerRequests@ibc.ca for the DASH Consumer Driver Report Correction form, then send it with your documents. IBC says it processes disputes in about 20 business days.
4. Ask for a final position letter if the insurer will not correct its record. FSRA’s complaint process starts with the insurer’s complaint officer and a final position letter.
5. Escalate if needed. The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) is a free, independent dispute service for customers of member insurers. If the insurer has not referred you to GIO and you believe it broke the Insurance Act, you can file a complaint with FSRA.
6. Use your consumer reporting rights. CGI notes that you can contest or correct information under Ontario’s Consumer Reporting Act, or apply to the Registrar of Consumer Reporting Agencies. Ontario’s government says the Registrar can inspect agencies and issue compliance orders.

If the error involves a claim decision you disagree with, rather than a record-keeping mistake, our step-by-step guide on what to do if an insurance claim is denied in Ontario walks through that process.

Should you check your AutoPlus report before switching insurers?

Yes. Checking first means you will know what your history shows before an insurer does. It also means you can answer application questions accurately, which matters because misrepresentation is one of the cancellation reasons recorded in the industry report.

A licensed broker can then use your accurate history to compare Ontario auto insurance options across the insurers it represents. If you would like a broker to review your report with you before you renew, you can request a call back from AAXEL.

Frequently asked questions

Is an AutoPlus report free in Ontario?

Yes. CGI’s myAutoPlus app gives free access to your auto policy and claims history. If you use the mail-in request form instead, CGI provides one report in a 12-month period at no cost.

How long does it take to get an AutoPlus report?

The myAutoPlus app gives immediate access. A report requested with the Consumer AutoPlus Request Form is mailed by regular mail within 10 business days of CGI receiving your request.

What is the difference between AutoPlus and DASH?

Both are industry databases of auto policy and claims history. AutoPlus is run by CGI. DASH is run by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, launched in June 2024, and covers Ontario. Your DASH report also shows which brokers or insurers have accessed it.

Is an AutoPlus report the same as a driver’s abstract?

No. A driver’s abstract is your government driving record from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, such as licence status and convictions. An AutoPlus report comes from insurers and shows your insurance policies and claims.

Can CGI remove a wrong claim from my AutoPlus report?

No. CGI says it is not authorized to change report details. Contact the complaint officer of the insurer that reported the claim, and provide documents that show the error.

Do not-at-fault claims show up on AutoPlus?

Yes. CGI’s guide for insurers shows that claims appear with a fault indicator. A claim with 0% fault is marked as not-at-fault, and a claim with more than 0% fault is marked as at-fault.

How often can I get a free DASH report?

IBC says consumers can request their own DASH report at no charge once per year, by email, by mail or at an in-person appointment.

Can I get my home insurance claims history in Ontario?

Yes. CGI’s HITS report covers personal property claims for properties you insured. Send the HITS Request Form with a current utility bill and your current property policy details, and CGI says it will mail the report within 10 business days.

Sources

• CGI, Consumer AutoPlus, myAutoPlus and HITS reports (consumer access, HITS, CGI cannot change details, Consumer Reporting Act rights)
• CGI, Consumer AutoPlus Request Form, revised September 2025 (cost, documents, delivery time, provinces not served)
• CGI, Interpreting AutoPlus Gold Reports, August 2026 (fault flags, claim amounts, cancellation codes)
• myAutoPlus (free app; provinces with full service)
• Insurance Bureau of Canada, DASH Consumer Driver Report Request (free once a year, how to apply, timelines, disputes)
• Insurance Bureau of Canada, Insurance Bureau of Canada officially launches DASH, June 11, 2024
• Insurance Bureau of Canada, DASH (jurisdictions covered, including Ontario)
• FSRA, What determines your auto insurance rate
• FSRA, How to resolve an auto insurance complaint
• Government of Ontario, Credit reports (Consumer Reporting Act rights; Registrar of Consumer Reporting Agencies), updated June 30, 2026
• Government of Ontario, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 668: Fault Determination Rules

This article is general information about insurance history reports in Ontario as of November 6, 2026. It is not legal advice. Processes, forms and timelines are set by CGI, the Insurance Bureau of Canada and your insurer and can change, so check the current form before you send a request. For advice about your own policy, speak with a licensed insurance broker.

The post AutoPlus Report Ontario: How to Get Your Insurance History Free and Fix Errors appeared first on Aaxel.

Your renewal is the one moment each year when you can change coverage, deductibles or insurers without a mid-term cancellation penalty. This guide explains what is pushing premiums up across Ontario, what you control, and the questions to settle before you sign.

Why did my home insurance go up at renewal?

Three things usually drive a higher renewal: market-wide costs, severe weather, and changes in your own file. The first two affect everyone, which is why switching insurers does not always erase an increase.

Rebuilding a home costs much more than it used to

Your premium is tied to what it would cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. Statistics Canada’s study Insurance in Canada: What’s driving premiums higher? (June 2026) shows how fast those costs have moved:

The pressure has not stopped. In its September 2026 Consumer Price Index release (October 19, 2026), Statistics Canada reported that homeowners’ home and mortgage insurance prices were up 4.9% from a year earlier, against headline inflation of 3.1%.

There is one nuance worth knowing. Construction cost growth has slowed: Statistics Canada’s residential building construction price index rose 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026, and residential costs in Toronto fell 0.8% that quarter. Premiums still reflect the large increases of 2020 to 2025, so a slower year for builders does not mean a lower renewal.

Severe-weather claims keep setting records

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported on October 22, 2026 that severe weather caused more than $3.7 billion in insured losses in summer 2026, the third-costliest summer on record. Ontario events included flooding in the Niagara Region in July and August and storms across Ontario and Quebec in late June and early July.

The long-term trend is the bigger story. IBC says average annual insured losses over the last decade topped $3.7 billion, up from $1.4 billion in the decade before. Statistics Canada notes that catastrophic event claims, which are mostly homeowners’ claims, hit $8.6 billion in 2024. Insurers price future policies with these losses in mind.

Changes in your own file

IBC lists the factors insurers weigh for each home: replacement cost, how well the home is maintained and updated, wood stoves, unique features, location, distance to the nearest fire hydrant and fire station, and claims history. IBC notes that past claims are often an insurer’s best predictor of future claims. A recent claim, a lapsed discount or a change in how you use the home can move your price on top of market increases. Our guide to the top factors that affect your home insurance premium in Ontario covers those personal factors in more detail; this article focuses on the renewal decision.

Who regulates home insurance rates in Ontario?

This is where home and auto insurance differ. Ontario auto insurers need the approval of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) to change the rates they use to calculate premiums. FSRA describes its role in property insurance differently: making sure that those selling insurance are licensed and follow the legislation, and reviewing complaints when an insurer is not following the rules.

FSRA also says it cannot make an insurance company sell you a policy or mediate disputed or denied claims. In practice, as IBC puts it, every insurer takes different factors into consideration when pricing a home. That is why two quotes for the same house can be far apart, and why comparing at renewal matters more for home insurance than many people assume.

Is your home insurance renewal based on the right rebuild amount?

Check the dwelling limit on your renewal before you look at the price. With residential construction costs up 69.4% since late 2019, a limit set when you bought the home may no longer cover a full rebuild.

Ask your insurer or broker three questions:

1. How was my rebuild cost calculated, and when was it last updated?
2. Does my policy pay replacement cost or actual cash value for the building and contents?
3. Does it include guaranteed or extended replacement cost, and what are the conditions?

IBC also warns against over-insuring, so the goal is an accurate figure, not the largest one. Renovations matter too: a finished basement, new kitchen or addition raises your rebuild cost. The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) reminds consumers to tell their broker and insurer about any material changes in their circumstances.

What to check before your home insurance renewal in Ontario

Use this list when the renewal notice arrives. FSRA’s own consumer tips cover most of the same ground.

1. Premium change. Ask what portion is a market-wide increase and what portion relates to your file, such as a claim or a removed discount.
2. Dwelling limit. Confirm it reflects today’s rebuild cost (see above).
3. Water coverage. IBC says basement damage from a sewer backup is covered only if you bought optional sewer backup coverage. Flood coverage is also optional, and groundwater and seepage are typically not standard. Our explainer on sewer backup coverage walks through the endorsement, and our flood zone guide explains overland flood risk.
4. Endorsement limits. Check the dollar limit on each add-on, not just whether it is listed.
5. Deductibles. Note the standard deductible and any separate deductible for water or wind. FSRA says a larger deductible may lower your premium, but only choose one you could pay tomorrow.
6. Additional living expenses. IBC suggests asking about the limit if your home becomes unlivable after a claim.
7. Discounts. Ask about bundling home and auto, security and alarm upgrades, non-smoker and annual payment discounts.
8. Changes in use. Renting out a room or basement suite, running a business from home or leaving the house empty for long periods can all affect coverage. Snowbirds should read our guide to home insurance rules before you leave for the winter.

Should you switch home insurers at renewal or stay?

If you are going to switch, do it at renewal. FSRA and IBC both advise waiting until renewal time to change insurers, because cancelling mid-term can trigger a cancellation penalty.

Compare like for like. A cheaper quote with lower sewer backup limits, a higher water deductible or actual cash value instead of replacement cost may not be cheaper after a claim. Line up the coverage, limits and deductibles side by side before you compare prices. Line up your start dates too, so the new policy begins the day the old one ends and you are never without coverage.

Staying can also be the right call. If your increase matches the market and your coverage fits, a broker may be able to adjust deductibles or add discounts with your current insurer instead.

How to lower your home insurance premium without cutting the wrong coverage

IBC’s consumer guidance lists practical ways to manage the cost:

• Shop around and compare prices at renewal.
• Bundle home and auto insurance, and ask about every discount you may qualify for.
• Raise your deductible, if you have savings to cover it.
• Protect the home against fire, theft, water and severe weather damage.
• Pay your premium annually if your insurer charges less for it.
• Review your coverage every year and avoid over-insuring.

Water protection upgrades may also be partly subsidized. The City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program offers up to $6,650 per eligible property, covering up to 80% of the invoiced cost of measures such as backwater valves (up to $1,600 per device, two devices maximum) and sump pumps (up to $2,250). Funding is first-come, first-served and subject to annual Council approval. If you live outside Toronto, ask your municipality whether it offers a similar program. Ask your insurer whether these upgrades earn a discount or make sewer backup coverage easier to get.

What not to cut: sewer backup coverage if you have a finished basement, and liability coverage. A lower premium is not worth a gap you discover only after a claim.

How a broker helps with your home insurance renewal

A broker can compare several insurers at once and explain why their quotes differ. RIBO says a broker has a duty to provide professional advice, and every RIBO-licensed broker must give clients a commission disclosure letter. You can confirm any broker’s licence on RIBO’s public registry.

AAXEL Insurance Brokers is an independent Ontario brokerage that works with more than 60 insurers. [CONFIRM: Replace with a real anonymised renewal example from AAXEL’s brokers, or delete this sentence.] If your renewal has gone up, request a home insurance review before your term ends. You can also read more about home insurance with AAXEL or save by bundling home and auto. If you are also renewing your car policy this season, see our guide to car insurance renewal in Ontario.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my home insurance renewal higher this year in Ontario?

Most increases reflect market-wide costs. Statistics Canada reports homeowners’ insurance premiums rose 45.0% nationally from December 2019 to December 2025, while residential construction costs rose 69.4%. Severe-weather losses and changes in your own file, such as a recent claim, can add to that.

Does FSRA approve home insurance rates in Ontario?

FSRA approves rate changes for auto insurance. For property insurance, FSRA describes its role as making sure those selling insurance are licensed and follow the legislation, and reviewing complaints. Each insurer weighs different factors when pricing a home, so quotes can vary widely.

Is my home insured for its market value or its rebuild cost?

Home insurance is based on what it would cost to rebuild your home, not what it would sell for. Construction costs have risen sharply since 2019, so check that your dwelling limit still reflects a full rebuild.

Can I switch home insurance before my renewal date?

You can, but cancelling mid-term may trigger a cancellation penalty. FSRA and IBC both suggest waiting until renewal to change insurers. Make sure the new policy starts the day the old one ends.

Is sewer backup covered by standard home insurance in Ontario?

No. According to IBC, basement damage from a sewer backup is covered only if you bought optional sewer backup coverage. Flood coverage is also optional, and groundwater and seepage are typically not standard.

How can I lower my home insurance premium at renewal?

Compare quotes, bundle home and auto, ask about discounts, consider a higher deductible you can afford, and pay annually if it costs less. Protecting the home against water, fire and theft can also help. Avoid cutting coverage you would need after a claim.

Does making a claim raise my home insurance premium?

It can. IBC says your claims history may affect your premium because past claims are often an insurer’s best predictor of future claims. Ask your broker how a specific claim affects your renewal.

Do I need to tell my insurer about renovations or a basement rental?

Yes. RIBO tells consumers to update their broker and insurer about any material change in their circumstances. Renovations can raise your rebuild cost, and renting out space changes how the home is used.

Are home insurance premiums still rising in 2026?

Nationally, yes. Statistics Canada’s September 2026 Consumer Price Index showed homeowners’ home and mortgage insurance prices up 4.9% year over year, above headline inflation of 3.1%. IBC reported more than $3.7 billion in insured severe-weather losses in summer 2026.

Sources

All pages were opened and read on October 27, 2026.

• Statistics Canada: Insurance in Canada: What’s driving premiums higher? (June 16, 2026): Premium, CPI, construction and repair cost changes, Dec 2019 to Dec 2025; catastrophic claims
• Statistics Canada: Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (October 19, 2026): Homeowners’ insurance +4.9% year over year; headline CPI +3.1%
• Statistics Canada: Building construction price indexes, second quarter 2026 (July 24, 2026): Residential construction costs, Q2 2026, including Toronto
• Insurance Bureau of Canada: Summer 2026 insured damage (October 22, 2026): Summer 2026 losses, Ontario events, decade averages
• IBC: How home insurance rates are set: Rating factors and claims history
• IBC: How to drive down your home insurance rates: Ways to lower premiums; switching at renewal
• IBC: Flooding and insurance: Sewer backup, flood, groundwater and additional living expenses
• FSRA: Auto insurance rate approvals: FSRA approval of auto rate changes
• FSRA: Property and other insurance: FSRA’s role in property insurance
• FSRA: Helping you navigate property insurance: Consumer questions, deductibles, cancellation penalty
• RIBO: Consumer rights and expectations: Broker duties, commission disclosure, material changes, licence registry
• City of Toronto: Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program: Subsidy amounts and conditions

Disclaimer

This article is general information about home insurance in Ontario as of October 2026. It is not advice about your policy. Coverage, exclusions, limits and pricing vary by insurer and policy wording. Speak with a licensed broker about your situation before changing your coverage.

The post Home Insurance Renewal in Ontario: Why Your Premium Went Up and What to Check appeared first on Aaxel.

A denial isn’t always the last word. Ontario has a set route for disputes, and knowing it before you start saves time. Disputes are common: the GIO received 7,330 consumer contacts in the year to April 30, 2025, its busiest year on record. Of those, 4,701, about 64%, came from Ontario.

This guide picks up where our guides to filing a car insurance claim and filing a home insurance claim leave off: you’ve filed, and the answer wasn’t the one you expected.

Why was my insurance claim denied in Ontario?

Before you dispute anything, find out exactly why. Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) states that if your claim is denied, “you also have the right to be informed why it was denied.”

Common reasons fall into a few groups:

• The loss isn’t covered. The policy excludes it, or you didn’t buy the optional coverage that would have applied.
• A policy condition wasn’t met. Late reporting is the classic one. For auto claims, FSRA says you must report an accident to your broker, agent or insurer within seven days.
• The insurer disagrees on the amount. It accepts the claim but values the loss lower than you do.
• Fault. For auto claims, the insurer applied Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules and found you wholly or partly at fault.

Each of these leads to a different fix, so pin down which one applies before you go further.

Step 1: Ask for the reason in writing and add evidence

Call your adjuster and ask which policy wording, exclusion or rule they relied on. For a fault decision, FSRA’s claims guidance says to ask which rule in the Fault Determination Rules was applied. It also says an insurer will reconsider fault “only if additional, relevant information is provided.”

So give them something new: repair estimates, photos, receipts, a contractor’s report, witness details or a police report. If the adjuster can’t help, ask for their claims supervisor.

Keep a log as you go. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) recommends noting dates, the names of the people you spoke with and what was said.

Step 2: Use your insurer’s complaint process and get a final position letter

If the adjuster won’t change the decision, make a formal complaint. FSRA’s claims guidance says each insurer has a complaint officer responsible for making sure your complaint is addressed; some insurers call this role an ombudsman. FCAC suggests you prepare your policy number, your broker or agent’s name, the key facts, the outcome you want and copies of your documents.

The most important thing to ask for at this stage is a final position letter. FCAC advises asking for “a letter that clearly states your insurer’s final decision regarding your complaint.” Without it, the GIO can’t review your file and FSRA can’t review your complaint.

Step 3: Take a denied home, auto or business claim to the GIO

Once you have the final position letter and still disagree, you can bring the dispute to the GIO. It’s an independent, not-for-profit service for home, auto and business insurance disputes, and it’s free.

According to the GIO, the process runs in up to four stages:

Know the limits before you start:

• Recommendations are non-binding. Neither you nor the insurer has to accept them. Using the GIO doesn’t affect your legal rights, so you can still pursue legal action afterwards.
• Some disputes are outside its mandate. These include the price of insurance, whether an insurer will offer you coverage, and matters already before a court.
• Your insurer must be a subscriber. The GIO’s member list covers many insurers, but not every Ontario insurer. FSRA’s claims guidance says the final position letter should identify the independent ombudsman organization that can review your complaint.

In the 2024–2025 year, the GIO’s average time to close a file fell to 38.25 days, from 48.3 days the year before.

Step 4: Disagree about the value of a property loss? Ask about appraisal

If your insurer agrees the damage is covered but you can’t agree on the amount, you may not need a complaint at all. FSRA’s claims guidance says a disagreement over the value of property damage “can be settled by an appraisal under the Insurance Act.” The request “must be made in writing, and your insurance company must participate.”

Appraisal settles the amount of the loss. It doesn’t decide whether the loss is covered. Ask your broker or a lawyer how appraisal works under your policy before you invoke it.

Step 5: Know who handles a denied insurance claim in Ontario

Ontario splits insurance disputes between several bodies, and choosing the wrong one costs time.

Accident benefits go to the LAT, not the GIO

If your insurer denies or stops statutory accident benefits after a car crash, the dispute goes to the Automobile Accident Benefits Service of the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT-AABS). Tribunals Ontario says you must apply within two years of receiving the insurer’s written denial with reasons. The application fee is $106 and isn’t refundable. The LAT-AABS doesn’t hear disputes about property damage, fault or which insurer is responsible.

Accident benefits rules changed on July 1, 2026. Our post on Ontario’s 2026 auto insurance changes explains which benefits are now optional.

FSRA regulates insurers but doesn’t settle your claim

FSRA’s complaint form says it reviews whether “regulatory requirements were not met” and decides whether action is needed. It’s also clear about what it can’t do: it can’t “force a company or individual to change a business decision or provide refunds,” and it can’t “seek compensation on your behalf or resolve individual disputes.” It also won’t review a complaint until you have the company’s final written response.

Complain to FSRA if you think an insurer isn’t following the rules. Don’t expect it to pay your claim.

RIBO handles complaints about brokers

If the problem is how your broker treated you, not your insurer, RIBO investigates conduct complaints. Examples include poor service, failing to follow your instructions or failing to explain your policy’s terms. RIBO says it can’t award compensation, and it refers claims disputes with insurers to the GIO.

Court is the last step

Ontario’s Small Claims Court hears claims of up to $50,000; the limit rose from $35,000 on October 1, 2025. Lawsuits have strict legal deadlines, so speak to a lawyer or licensed paralegal early if court is a possibility.

How a broker can help when your claim is denied

A broker can’t overrule your insurer. A broker can help you read the denial against your policy wording, gather the right evidence and press the insurer’s claims team for a clear answer. RIBO tells consumers they have “the right to be treated with fairness and integrity” by their broker.

[AAXEL to confirm or replace: one real, anonymised example of a disputed claim your brokers helped with. Delete this line if you have none.]

If your dispute came out of this fall’s storms, our storm damage claims guide covers sewer backup, flood and hail coverage. This guide covers what to do once you’ve been told no. For help with an existing claim, start at our claims page or request a call back.

Frequently asked questions about denied insurance claims

What should I do first if my insurance claim is denied in Ontario?

Ask your adjuster to explain the decision and name the policy wording or rule they relied on. RIBO says you have the right to be told why a claim was denied. Then send any new evidence, such as estimates, photos or a police report.

What is a final position letter?

It’s a letter from your insurer stating its final decision on your complaint. FCAC recommends asking for one at the end of the insurer’s internal complaint process. The GIO and FSRA both need it before they’ll review your case.

Is the General Insurance OmbudService free?

Yes. The GIO says all of its services are free for home, auto and business policyholders of its subscriber insurers. It works in English and French.

Does my insurer have to follow the GIO’s recommendation?

No. The GIO’s recommendations are non-binding for both you and the insurer. Using the GIO doesn’t affect your legal rights, so you can still pursue legal action or contact the regulator afterwards.

How long does a GIO review take?

The GIO sets targets of 45 days for Informal Conciliation, 60 days for Mediation and 90 days for Senior Adjudication, barring exceptional circumstances. In 2024–2025 its average time to close a file was 38.25 days.

Can the GIO help if I think my premium is too high?

No. The GIO lists the cost of insurance and rates as outside its mandate, along with whether an insurer will offer you coverage. Matters already before a court are also excluded.

What if my insurer and I disagree only on how much the damage is worth?

FSRA’s claims guidance says a dispute over the value of property damage can be settled by appraisal under the Insurance Act. The request must be made in writing, and the insurer must take part. Appraisal sets the amount; it doesn’t decide coverage.

Where do I appeal denied accident benefits in Ontario?

Apply to the Licence Appeal Tribunal’s Automobile Accident Benefits Service (LAT-AABS). Tribunals Ontario says to apply within two years of the insurer’s written denial with reasons. The fee is $106 and isn’t refundable.

Can FSRA make my insurer pay my claim?

No. FSRA says it can’t force a company to change a business decision, order refunds, seek compensation for you or resolve individual disputes. It reviews whether regulatory requirements were met and decides on regulatory action.

How do I complain about my insurance broker in Ontario?

RIBO handles complaints about a broker’s professional conduct, such as poor service or not explaining your policy. RIBO encourages you to contact the brokerage first. It can’t award compensation and refers claims disputes with insurers to the GIO.

Can I take my insurance company to Small Claims Court?

Ontario’s Small Claims Court hears claims of up to $50,000, a limit that took effect on October 1, 2025. Lawsuits have strict legal deadlines, so get advice from a lawyer or licensed paralegal early.

Sources

• General Insurance OmbudService – Annual Report 2024–2025
• General Insurance OmbudService – How the process works
• General Insurance OmbudService – FAQ
• General Insurance OmbudService – Member companies
• FSRA – Complaint Form GF-012E
• FSRA – Submit a complaint to FSRA
• FSRA – Auto insurance
• FSRA – After an Auto Accident: Understanding the Claims Process
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada – How to file a complaint about your insurance company
• Tribunals Ontario – LAT-AABS application and hearing process
• RIBO – Making a complaint
• RIBO – Consumer rights and expectations
• Ontario.ca – Civil law information and resources
• Insurance Bureau of Canada – Dispute resolution

This article is general information about insurance disputes in Ontario as of October 30, 2026. It is not legal advice. Your rights depend on your policy wording and the facts of your claim, and legal deadlines apply. For advice on a specific dispute, speak to a lawyer or licensed paralegal. An insurance broker cannot overrule an insurer’s claims decision.

The post Insurance Claim Denied in Ontario? How to Dispute It, Step by Step appeared first on Aaxel.

Two rules have changed recently, and many older guides haven’t caught up. Ontario raised the police-reporting threshold from $2,000 to $5,000 on January 1, 2025. For accidents on or after July 1, 2026, your auto insurer pays first for medical and rehabilitation costs (excluding medication), even if you have workplace health benefits. Here is the whole process, step by step, with the source for each rule.

Step 1: What should you do at the scene of a car accident in Ontario?

Stop. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) warns that leaving the scene can lead to a criminal investigation. Then work through this list:

1. Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and don’t move them.
2. Make the scene safe. If it’s safe, move the vehicles to the shoulder. If you can’t, turn on your hazard lights and set out cones or triangles.
3. Don’t admit fault. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) advises against signing anything about fault or promising to pay for damage.
4. Record everything. Get the names, addresses, plate numbers and insurance details of every driver, passenger and witness. Note the time, place, weather and road conditions. Take photos and video of the scene and all the damage. FSRA publishes a printable accident worksheet that makes this easier.
5. Watch for staged collisions. IBC describes schemes such as the “swoop and squat”, where a car cuts in and brakes hard so you rear-end it. If you suspect a staged crash, call the police.

Step 2: Do you have to report a car accident to police in Ontario?

You must report to police if anyone is injured or if combined damage appears to be more than $5,000. That threshold is set under section 11 of Ontario Regulation 596 under the Highway Traffic Act. It rose from $2,000 to $5,000 on January 1, 2025.

Collision Reporting Centres photograph your vehicle and help you complete a police report. Give that documentation to your insurer. In Toronto, any vehicle towed from a collision must go directly to a reporting centre. Bring your driver’s licence, ownership and insurance documents.

One caution: FSRA’s own consumer checklist still mentions a $2,000 figure for reporting centres. The regulation and police services now use $5,000. Modern bumpers, sensors and cameras make damage hard to price at the roadside, so if you’re unsure, report it.

Step 3: What are your towing rights in Ontario?

Ontario’s towing rules give you clear rights, in force since January 1, 2024:

• The operator needs your consent to tow, unless police or another official direct the tow. Never sign a blank form.
• You choose the towing company and where your vehicle goes, except in a restricted tow zone or when police direct otherwise.
• You see an itemized invoice before you’re asked to pay, and you can pay by credit card, debit card or cash.
• Operators must show their certificate number and can’t charge more than the maximum rates they have filed with the province.

On busy GTHA highways, the Tow Zone Program applies. Fifteen zones on Highways 400, 401, 403, 404, 409, 410, 427 and the QEW are served by one authorized company each, and you must use it. Call 511 and choose the Tow Zone option to request one. Before you agree to storage or repairs, call your broker or insurer. IBC advises against leaving a car in a compound yard unless your insurer tells you to.

Step 4: How do you report a car insurance claim in Ontario?

FSRA tells drivers to report an accident to their broker, agent or insurer “within seven days, or as quickly as possible after that,” whoever was at fault. If you wait an unreasonable time, the insurer may not have to honour the claim. Have these ready:

• Your policy number and vehicle details
• Licence details for every driver involved
• Date, time and location of the accident
• Injuries, damage and the number of passengers
• Your account of what happened
• The other drivers’ insurers and policy numbers
• The officer’s name and badge number, if police attended

If you’re an AAXEL client, call your broker first. We can tell you what your policy covers before you speak to the insurer. For emergencies after hours, our claims page lists a 24-hour claims line, 1-866-856-6335. Once the claim is open, an adjuster will contact you and may ask you to complete a Proof of Loss form.

Step 5: How is fault decided on a car insurance claim in Ontario?

Your insurer assigns fault using the Fault Determination Rules, a regulation under Ontario’s Insurance Act. The rules use diagrams covering more than 40 accident scenarios. They apply regardless of weather, road conditions or visibility, and a police charge (or the lack of one) does not decide insurance fault.

Fault runs from 0% to 100% and can be shared. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, the claim goes on your record and will likely raise your premium at renewal. That also applies when someone you lent your car to causes the crash. Our guide to car insurance renewal in Ontario explains how claims history affects your rate.

If you disagree with the decision, ask the adjuster which rule they applied. If they won’t change it, go to the insurer’s complaints officer.

Step 6: Who pays for your vehicle damage?

In Ontario, your own insurer usually pays for damage to your car, even when another driver caused the accident. Which coverage applies depends on fault:

FSRA gives an example. If you’re 100% at fault, the repair costs $7,000 and your collision deductible is $500, the insurer pays $6,500. Insurers pay whichever is lower: the repair cost or the vehicle’s actual cash value. To check which coverages you carry, see what auto coverage you really need in Ontario.

Step 7: How do you claim accident benefits if you’re hurt?

Statutory accident benefits are available whoever caused the accident, and you usually claim them from your own insurer. Ontario’s 2026 Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1) sets two deadlines:

1. Tell your insurer within 7 days of the accident that you plan to apply.
2. Return the completed application within 30 days of receiving it. If you miss either deadline, apply anyway and explain the delay.

Two July 2026 changes matter here. First, only medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits are mandatory now. Income replacement, non-earner, caregiver and other benefits are optional, and they cover only the named insured, their spouse, dependants and listed drivers. Our guide to the 2026 Ontario auto insurance changes explains which ones to keep. Second, for accidents in Ontario on or after July 1, 2026, your auto insurer pays first for medical and rehabilitation expenses (excluding medication), before any workplace or private health plan.

If your insurer denies a benefit, you can apply to the Licence Appeal Tribunal within two years of the insurer’s written notice. The fee is $106. If no insurance policy applies, Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund is the payer of last resort.

Should you file a car insurance claim for minor damage in Ontario?

Report every collision to your broker or insurer within seven days, even a minor one. Reporting is not the same as asking to be paid, and it protects you if the other driver later claims injury or more damage.

Whether to ask the insurer to pay depends on fault. If the other driver is identified, insured and fully at fault, DCPD can cover the whole repair if your DCPD deductible is zero. If you’re at fault, compare the repair estimate with your deductible and with the likely rate effect of an at-fault claim. Repeated at-fault claims can push a driver into the high-risk car insurance market.

How a broker helps when you file a claim

An insurance broker can’t decide your claim. A broker can explain your coverage, help you meet the deadlines, question a fault decision and escalate when a claim stalls. [Organisational observation for AAXEL to confirm or replace, e.g. the most common claim mistake our brokers see.]

If a crash has left you wondering about your coverage, request a call back and an AAXEL broker will review your policy with you. Our auto insurance page covers the policies we place. For damage to your home rather than your car, see our step-by-step guide to filing a home insurance claim in Ontario. The process and coverages are different.

Information current as of October 16, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company in Ontario?

FSRA tells drivers to report an accident to their broker, agent or insurer within seven days, or as soon as possible after that, whoever was at fault. If you wait an unreasonable time, the insurer may not have to honour your claim.

Do I have to report a car accident to police in Ontario?

Yes, if anyone is injured or combined damage appears to be more than $5,000. The threshold rose from $2,000 on January 1, 2025. Below that, with no injuries, a police report is not legally required, but you must still tell your insurer.

What is a Collision Reporting Centre?

Collision Reporting Centres are facilities where drivers report collisions that police don’t attend. Staff help you complete a police report and photograph the damage, and you give that paperwork to your insurer. In Toronto, any vehicle towed from a collision must go straight to a reporting centre.

Can a tow truck take my car anywhere it wants in Ontario?

No. In most cases the operator needs your consent and you choose the company and destination. The exceptions are a restricted tow zone on GTHA highways or a tow directed by police. You’re also entitled to an itemized invoice before you pay.

Who decides who is at fault in an Ontario car accident?

Your insurer applies Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules, a regulation under the Insurance Act with diagrams for more than 40 accident scenarios. A police charge doesn’t decide insurance fault. If you disagree, ask which rule was applied and use the insurer’s complaint process.

Do I pay a deductible if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DCPD) pays for your car to the extent you weren’t at fault. If the other driver is identified, insured and fully at fault, DCPD can cover the full repair when your DCPD deductible is zero. You usually pay your full deductible when you’re at fault.

Will an at-fault claim raise my car insurance in Ontario?

Probably. FSRA says being found 50% or more at fault goes on your record and will likely increase your premium at renewal. That also applies if someone you lent your vehicle to caused the accident.

How do I apply for accident benefits after a car accident in Ontario?

Tell your insurer within 7 days that you plan to apply, then return the Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1) within 30 days of receiving it. If you’re late, submit it anyway and explain why. Benefits are available whoever caused the accident.

Does my auto insurance or my workplace health plan pay first after July 1, 2026?

For accidents in Ontario on or after July 1, 2026, your auto insurer pays first for medical and rehabilitation expenses, excluding medication. Your workplace or private health plan comes after. This applies to all auto policies that carry accident benefits coverage.

What can I do if my insurer denies my accident benefits?

You can apply to the Licence Appeal Tribunal’s Automobile Accident Benefits Service. You must file within two years of the insurer’s written notice, and the fee is $106. Getting legal advice early can help.

Should I claim for a small fender bender?

Report it to your broker or insurer within seven days either way. Whether to ask for payment depends on fault, your deductible and how an at-fault claim might affect your rate. A broker can walk you through those numbers.

Sources

• FSRA: What to do after an accident: at-the-scene steps, the accident worksheet, collision reporting centre guidance (still cites $2,000)
• FSRA: After an Accident: Understanding the Claims Process: 7-day reporting, information to have ready, Fault Determination Rules, 50% at-fault record, DCPD opt-out since January 2024, Uninsured Motorist $25,000 less $300, MVACF, mandatory benefits after July 1, 2026
• FSRA brochure: After an Auto Accident: Understanding the Claims Process: DCPD and deductible examples ($7,000 repair, $500 deductible; zero DCPD deductible)
• FSRA: Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1), 2026 version: 7-day notice and 30-day application deadlines
• FSRA: Fact Sheet, 2026 Accident Benefits Reforms: mandatory and optional benefits, covered persons
• RIBO: Ontario Auto Insurance Reforms Industry FAQ and RIBO: Optional Accident Benefits in Auto Insurance: auto insurer as first payer for medical and rehabilitation (excluding medication) for accidents on or after July 1, 2026
• Ontario Ministry of Transportation memo, August 13, 2024: reporting threshold raised from $2,000 to $5,000 under s. 11 of O. Reg. 596, effective January 1, 2025
• Toronto Police Service: Collision Reporting: $5,000 threshold, reporting centres, what to bring, towed vehicles to a CRC
• Ontario.ca: Know your rights when getting a tow: consent, choice of company and destination, itemized invoice, payment, certificates, maximum rates
• Ontario.ca: Tow Zone Program: 15 GTHA zones, highways covered, 511 (updated July 27, 2026)
• Ontario MTO: Maximum rate schedule guidance (TSSEA): operators can’t charge above published maximum rates
• IBC: Collision Resources: don’t admit fault, staged collision schemes, compound-yard caution
• Tribunals Ontario: LAT-AABS application and hearing process: two-year limit, $106 fee

Disclaimer

This article is general information about the auto insurance claims process in Ontario as of October 16, 2026. It is not legal advice and does not change the terms of any insurance policy. Coverage, deductibles and benefits depend on your policy and the Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP 1). For advice about your situation, speak to a licensed insurance broker. For an injury claim or a denied benefit, consider speaking to a lawyer.

The post How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 appeared first on Aaxel.