Statutory accident benefits, often called SABs, are part of your car insurance policy. If you're injured in a car accident, these benefits cover things like medical treatment, rehabilitation, and even some of the income you lose if you can't work.
One of the purposes of SABs is to offer help to accident victims without them having to prove who was at fault. It's actually one of the most important elements of the no-fault insurance system.
But, as with most things' insurance-related, it's not as simple as just filling out a form. There's a lot more to it, and that's exactly why you need to have a full understanding of this concept.
Types of Statutory Accident Benefits
Here is a list of different types of coverage offered by SAB.
Income Replacement Benefit
This one's a biggie. If you can't work because of the accident, you can receive up to 70% of your gross income, with a maximum weekly limit (which is around $400 in most cases, but then there are options to increase this if you've opted for enhanced coverage).
Income replacement benefits kick in only after the first seven days of your injury. So, if you've got some savings or sick leave, that might help during the initial week, but it's SABs that will keep you going in the long term.
Medical Benefits
After an accident, you might need immediate medical attention or ongoing rehabilitation. This could mean hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, you name it. SABs step in to cover the costs of these services, up to a certain limit.
Even if you already have health insurance, statutory accident benefits will often cover things that your health plan doesn't. For example, specialized treatments or equipment that fall outside the usual scope of medical insurance might be covered here.
Caregiver Benefits
If you're the primary caregiver for a family member, let's say maybe a child, an elderly parent, or someone else who depends on you, and your injuries prevent you from fulfilling those duties, you could be eligible for caregiver benefits.
These are designed to help cover the cost of hiring someone to take over your caregiving responsibilities while you recover. Even if a family member is the one helping you out, they can be compensated for their time.
What a lot of people don't realize is that these benefits can also cover things like meal preparation, house cleaning, and other essential tasks that you might not be able to handle post-accident.
Non-Earner Benefit
Let's say you're a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone who wasn't working at the time of the accident. What then? Are you just out of luck when it comes to income replacement? Not at all.
This benefit provides a flat-rate payment (usually around $185 per week) to help you get by, starting six months after the accident if you can't carry on with your usual activities.
How to Apply for Statutory Accident Benefits
Now that you know what the benefits are, how do you actually get them?
This part can feel overwhelming, especially when you're recovering from an accident. Here's a quick guide to walk you through everything.
1. Get in touch with your insurance company: You have to let them know within seven days of the accident. This might sound like a tight window, but even if you're still in the hospital, you have to get it done within this time frame because, as you know, insurance companies are sticklers for deadlines.
2. Fill out the forms: You'll be sent a package of forms to fill out. You'll need to provide details about the accident, your injuries, and your employment status, among other things. Don't rush through it; take your time and make sure that every detail penned down is completely accurate.
3. Work with your healthcare team: You'll need medical professionals to fill out specific sections of the forms. Be clear with them about all your symptoms and any concerns you have, because their assessment will play a big role in determining how much you're entitled to.
