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What Care-First auto insurance means for you
A new Care-First auto insurance system will change how injury claims are handled for collisions that happen on or after January 1, 2027. These changes will provide Albertans access to increased benefits focusing on the better treatment you need, faster.
Regardless of your policy renewal date, all Albertan drivers will move to Care-First on January 1, 2027.
Care-First will provide improved medical, rehabilitation, and income support benefits for Albertans injured in a collision – accessible without the need to sue – while continuing to hold at-fault drivers accountable through higher premiums.
What’s staying the same?
Your vehicle damage coverage, optional coverages, and fault determination will remain the same.
What's changing?
- Meal allowance: Helps cover expenses if you are required to travel for the purpose of receiving treatment.
- Critical care attendance: Helps cover expenses – up to $5,615 – for attending a close relative.
- Travel allowance: Reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses in accordance with guidelines.
- Clothing allowance: Allowance of up to $1,305 is available for those who require accommodation relating to using a wheelchair/prosthetic/orthotic device.
Who is covered and how fault is handled?
What if I'm involved in a hit-and-run or the at-fault driver does not have insurance?
Under Care-First, injured Albertans access benefits through their own auto insurance policy, regardless of who caused the accident. Passengers in a vehicle can claim benefits under their own auto insurance policy, or if they don't have their own policy, they can access benefits through the insurance policy of the vehicle they were travelling in. This means that even in a hit-and-run accident, or when the at-fault driver is uninsured, injured parties are still protected.
Will the Care-First system support cyclists and pedestrians?
All injured parties in an accident involving a motor vehicle with an auto insurance policy will have access to the medical and rehabilitation they require, including cyclists and pedestrians regardless of whether they have insurance coverage.
Will fault still matter?
Each driver’s insurance company pays for their medical care and rehabilitation treatment, and other benefits (such as income replacement), regardless of who caused the accident. Care-First will continue to hold at-fault drivers accountable through higher premiums and litigation if they are convicted of serious or criminal driving offences and access to certain benefits may be restricted or declined.
What happens next?
Care-First benefits will automatically apply to your auto insurance policy as of January 1, 2027, with no action needed on your end. However, this is a good opportunity to review your overall coverage and confirm it still meets your needs. Reach out to your broker if you have questions or would like personalized advice.
What could this mean for insurance costs?
The cost for your insurance will continue to be based on your individual circumstances. Premiums will vary, some may decrease, while others could see a moderate increase.
Want to learn more?
Please note this page reflects current information provided by the Alberta government and is subject to change. Please visit Alberta.ca for the latest updates.
