What Is Family Protection Coverage (OPCF 44R)?

OPCF 44R: “Family protection coverage.”

Ontario auto insurance is difficult enough without all the insurance mumbo jumbo and the various endorsements that are only ever referred to by “code” that appears exclusive to insurance experts. Enter OPCF 44R, or “family protection coverage.” It’s not one of the more well-known auto insurance endorsements, but it can be seriously beneficial in the event of an unexpected motor collision.

In Ontario, you will be required to carry a standard amount of auto insurance, known as the mandatory amount. However, when you purchase auto insurance, you’ll have several additional options to enhance your coverage. Things like comprehensive and collision are popular adds, but what about endorsements like OPCF 44R that enhance your existing coverage? Your family mean the world to you, and you want to defend them – in the same way Excalibur works hard to defend you.

Here’s a little bit about OPCF 44R, or “family protection coverage.”

How does family protection coverage work?

OPCF 44R acts as an enhancement on top of the already existing mandatory auto insurance requirements in Ontario. Family protection coverage is an optional rider which provides additional coverage if injuries should occur to you or your passengers in the event of a motor collision, and the other driver is inadequately insured or doesn’t have insurance at all. Family protection coverage solely exists to protect you, i.e., the policyholder, and your family members.

Imagine this scene: you are turning left at an advanced green and someone runs a red, hitting your car in the side. Your passenger is seriously injured in the accident, but the at-fault driver only has the provincial minimum – $200,000 – in third-party liability coverage. You’ll need to seek compensation somehow for the injuries and the cost to replace income, pay for rehab expenses, and more, and those bills can quickly rack up. Before you know it, those costs can outweigh the at-fault driver’s coverage.

What coverage is provided by family protection coverage?

This endorsement offers coverage for yourself and any eligible family members for enhanced third-party liability and benefits (for death and bodily injury). Any remaining damages you may require following an incident that cannot be covered by the at-fault’s insurance policy will be recouped through this coverage. In addition, this endorsement can:

• Provide access to insurance if you or your family member should be injured in an accident
• Protect children under 18 who are financially dependent
• Protect you from injuries occurring in a motor vehicle accident whether you are a driver, passenger, or even a cyclist/pedestrian

Essentially, this endorsement mirrors third-party liability, and acts as an enhancement to your policy. If a claim occurs, your OPCF 44R coverage will need to be greater than the at-fault’s coverage.

As an example – say your OPCF 44R coverage has a limit of $1,000,000. You’re involved in an accident and someone only has $200,000 in coverage. As a result, your OPCF 44R would provide the remaining $800,000 in protection. This amount could be considered critical if you or a family member suffers a serious injury in a motor vehicle accident.

What if you’re involved in a hit-and-run?

With hit-and-runs, you will still have coverage. With your standard auto insurance, it’s difficult to recoup costs related to any injuries sustained in an accident involving a driver that cannot be identified. With OPCF 44R, you will have coverage. However, you will have to prove that the accident was actually caused by someone who you are unable to identify.

Note: hit-and-run car accidents are serious convictions. If you are ever a victim of a hit-and-run accident, call 9-1-1 as soon as you can. If you were in your vehicle when the accident occurred, try to acquire the following (if possible):

• A description of the other vehicle
• The plate of the other vehicle
• Where the driver might have been going
• Any other beneficial information to identify the vehicle/driver

Even if your vehicle is driveable, do not try to pursue the other driver involved. Also, even if the accident occurs in a parking lot, you’ll still need to report it. It’s a common misconception that parking lot or private property accidents don’t need to be reported, but you should treat them the same as any other accident.

How do I purchase this endorsement?

In many cases, OPCF 44R may be purchased upon the time that you first purchase your auto insurance policy. Otherwise, it can be added by contacting your insurance provider and filling out the OPCF 44R form. You will be required to provide the number of family members who will have coverage for any injuries they sustain in an accident under this coverage.

As with any insurance policy or coverage, the amount your premiums will increase may vary. It could depend on your driving record, past claims, amount of family members you want to cover, claims rates in your area, and more.

If you’re considering OPCF 44R but aren’t sure if it’s worth the cost, discuss with an Excalibur Defender today. It might be worth the conversation if you have family members who need protection or whose medical bills/loss of income you wouldn’t be able to recoup from without protection.