Understanding Uninsured MotoristAccident Coverage

Written By Justin A. Villeneuve

Fact-Checked

Updated June 13, 2024

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In Canada, all motor vehicle drivers, owners, and lessees are required to have a valid auto insurance policy. Operating a vehicle without the proper insurance coverage could have serious consequences. If an uninsured motorist accident occurs, the ramifications could be even worse. Keep reading to learn more about incidents with uninsured drivers and how a car accident lawyer may be able to assist. 

Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Motorists

Every Ontario driver is legally required to have an auto insurance policy that provides minimum coverage. If a driver is caught on the road with insufficient insurance, they may face fines of $5,000 to $50,000, license suspension, and vehicle impounding. Still, many motorists disregard these penalties and risk driving without insurance anyway. For this reason, policies must include uninsured motorist coverage, which provides protection for incidents involving parties that don’t have insurance. 

What happens to uninsured drivers in an accident? Your uninsured motorist coverage can pay up to $200,000 in damages. If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist involved in an incident with an uninsured driver, you can apply for compensation from the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund for up to $200,000. The uninsured driver may face significant fines and legal trouble. They’ll have to pay for vehicle damage out of pocket and may face a lawsuit if the other driver decides to sue. 

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

Even if your insurance coverage meets the minimum standards, it may not be enough to cover all the damages caused by an uninsured driver. Insurance companies can only do so much. Ontario has a “no-fault” car insurance system. This simply means that if you are injured, or your car is damaged in an accident, your own insurance company handles the claim regardless of who’s at fault for the incident. However, it doesn’t prevent drivers from filing lawsuits against the party who’s at fault for the incident. 


It’s important to remember that you have options. Your insurance provider may not have your best interest in mind. An experienced car accident lawyer will work to protect your rights as a victim and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering. At WVG Law Group, we can help you assess your options, choose the right course of action, and negotiate the best possible settlement so you can focus on what matters most.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

If you were in an accident with an uninsured motorist and their negligent behaviour caused harm to you or your vehicle, you have a right to pursue compensation. A no-insurance car accident lawyer can help you determine whether it’s best to seek benefits through legal action or an insurance claim. 


Regardless of how you seek damages, your settlement may include compensation for: 

  • Loss of current and future wages 
  • Household services and modifications 
  • Damage to your vehicle 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Medical costs for past and future treatment 

About the Author

Justin is a fully bilingual lawyer and services clients in both French and English. He represents parties in insurance disputes, personal injury claims, and employment disputes at various levels of courts in Ontario. He was given early acceptance to the Common Law program at the University of Ottawa Law School. He obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2014 and was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2016 after articling at Weaver Simmons in Sudbury, Ontario.

Education

University of Ottawa – Common Law

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