New changes to the Alberta Standard Owner’s Automobile Policy, which has been approved by Alberta’s Superintendent of Insurance, will take effect May 1, 2021. In addition to the implementation of gender-neutral language, Section B, Section C and Statutory Conditions will be updated.
Section B reflects amendments that came into effect on Nov. 1, 2020, in regard to Minor Injury Regulation, Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation and Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation, among others. Important changes include:
Minor Injury Amendment Regulation
- The “certified examiner” definition now includes dentist.
- The minor injury definition is broader and is now defined as a sprain, strain or whiplash associated disorder (WAD) injury “caused by the accident that does not result in a serious impairment and includes, in respect of a sprain, strain or WAD injury that occurs on or after Nov. 1, 2020, any clinically associated sequelae of the sprain, strain or WAD injury, whether physical or psychological in nature, caused by the accident that do not result in a serious impairment.”
Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Amendment Regulation
- There is now a $1,000 limit on expenses payable for access to additional health professionals such as dentists, occupational therapists and psychologists as providers of adjunct therapy.
Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Amendment Regulation
- There has been an increase in the limits under various headings for recoverable expenses, payments and benefits.
In Section C Subsection 3, it was clarified that a wild animal impact is a covered peril and plainly included hit and run damage when not in use or operation. Subsection 3 exclusions were also amended to the following:
- In (e), rugs and robes were removed.
- In (f), electronic accessories and equipment were clarified and updated.
- Item (g) was added to include telephones or computers when attached to or detached from an automobile.
- Item (g) was renumbered to (h), and implemented 2018 changes to Criminal Code.
- Item (h) was renumbered to (i).
Under Statutory Conditions, Termination 8 and Notice 9 now read as “recorded mail” instead of “registered mail.”
For more information, the full policy can be viewed here.
To ensure you are aware of all your auto insurance options or to reduce your insurance costs call Edmonton Insurance Broker CMB Insurance at 780.424.2727.