What covers me if the at-fault driver is uninsured in Canada?
Every Canadian auto policy includes mandatory uninsured automobile coverage, which pays for injuries caused by an uninsured or unidentified (hit-and-run) driver. For at-fault drivers who are insured but underinsured, the optional OPCF 44R Family Protection Endorsement (in Ontario) tops up your recovery to your own policy limit.
What is the OPCF 44R endorsement?
The OPCF 44R Family Protection Coverage is an optional Ontario endorsement (with equivalents in other provinces) that protects you when the at-fault driver's liability limit is lower than yours. It pays the shortfall between what the at-fault driver's insurer pays and your own policy limit, less certain deductible amounts.
How is an underinsured shortfall calculated?
Take your total assessed damages, subtract what you actually recover from the at-fault driver's policy and any collateral benefits, and the remaining shortfall is claimed under your OPCF 44R coverage up to your own policy limit. Statutory deductions for accident benefits and other payments apply.
What are typical uninsured coverage limits in Canada?
Standard uninsured automobile coverage is often $200,000, though limits vary by province and policy. OPCF 44R family protection matches your third-party liability limit (commonly $1,000,000 or $2,000,000). Higher limits are strongly recommended to protect against catastrophic losses.