A better way

Starting January 1, 2027, Alberta’s new auto insurance system will put care first so Albertans get better, faster and more reliable auto insurance. It’s care without the wait, compensation without the conflict and dignity when it matters most.

Through care-first, you keep what you're entitled to, with better benefits and more stable insurance costs.

I want to:

Highlights

  • Benefits within weeks vs months or years.
  • Unlimited access to treatment, such as chiropractic, physiotherapist or psychologist care, as long as it contributes to getting you better, if needed.
  • Income replacement up to $125,000 per year until retirement.
  • Spousal support up to $600,000 in the event of a death.
  • Permanent impairment benefit up to $295,000.
  • Learn more about benefits of care-first insurance.

Care-first will support you

We will continue to implement the new system so Albertans get care when they need it, with the highest level of benefits in Canada, without the need for costly court battles or expensive lawyer fees. 

Instead of waiting years for a settlement, you will be able to access care more quickly and focus on healing, recovery and moving on with your life.

A stylized heart floating above a person's hand

Savings for what matters most

The savings from reduced legal costs can go where it matters most: to pay for increased benefits and to support long-term affordability and stability.

A car colliding into the side of another car.

Accountability for at-fault drivers

Care-first will also continue to hold at-fault drivers accountable through higher premiums, and litigation if they are convicted of serious or criminal driving offences.

Better care when you need it

Unlike the current system, care-first offers unlimited medical coverage for life.

  • Common injuries

    • Care-first: Unlimited treatment as long as it supports recovery.
    • Current system: Limited to 10 to 21 visits depending on severity.

    Examples of common injuries include sprains, strains and cuts.

  • Serious injuries

    • Care-first: Unlimited treatment as long as it supports recovery.
    • Current system: Up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation benefits plus about $600 per week for lost income for 2 years, must sue for additional care.

    Examples of serious injuries include broken bones, major whiplash and neurological complaints.

  • Catastrophic injuries

    • Care-first: Unlimited treatment as long as it supports recovery.
    • Current system: Up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation benefits plus about $600 per week for lost income for 2 years, must sue for additional care.

    Examples of catastrophic injuries include quadriplegia, paraplegia and limb amputation.

Resolution without delays

  • A clock with a small circle containing a plus sign

    Care-first (starts January 1, 2027)

    • Treatment and benefits can begin within weeks of a collision.
    • No lengthy court delays.
    • Focus is on quick recovery and support.

    Current system

    • Legal claims can take months or years to resolve.
    • Recovery and compensation are often delayed due to litigation.

Compensation without litigation

Why pay 30 to 40% of your settlement to lawyers or watch your premiums climb, year after year? Care-first provides care without legal battles.

  • Common injuries

    • Care-first: No delays to access care due to court involvement. Out-of-pocket expenses can be automatically claimed. Pain and suffering damages replaced by immediate benefits.
    • Current system: Maximum $6,061 for pain and suffering damages plus out-of-pocket expenses, but only after a sometimes-lengthy wait for court decision.

    Examples of common injuries include sprains, strains and cuts.

  • Serious injuries

    • Care-first: Possible lump sum up to $298,520 for permanent impairment, income replacement up to $125,000 per year, plus out-of-pocket expenses.
    • Current system: Not-at-fault drivers could sue for damages. No possibility to sue for people injured in a single vehicle collision or if they are an at-fault driver.

    Examples of serious injuries include broken bones, major whiplash and neurological complaints.

  • Catastrophic injuries

    Today, victims of fatal vehicle accidents receive as little as $10,000, sometimes just $4,000 per survivor. Even with court action, families often get only a fraction of any settlement after deducting costs and legal fees. Under the care-first system, a spouse would receive up to $600,000, without the costly court battle.

    • Care-first: May receive a permanent impairment lump sum up to $298,520, plus an income replacement benefit (maximum gross income of $125,000 in 2025), plus out-of-pocket expenses.
      • Additional available benefits: payment of critical care expenses, vehicle purchase or adaptation and home accessibility renovations.
    • Current system: Not-at-fault drivers could sue for damages. No possibility to sue for people injured in a single vehicle collision or if they are an at-fault driver.

    Examples of catastrophic injuries include quadriplegia, paraplegia and limb amputation.

Right to sue

  • Scales representing law and justice

    Care-first (starts January 1, 2027)

    • Can sue if at-fault driver is found guilty of certain serious offences, such as dangerous operation of a vehicle, drunk driving or fleeing law enforcement.

    Current system

    • Not-at-fault drivers can sue in most circumstances, except for narrowly defined minor injuries.
    • Resolving a legal claim can take years, with no guarantee of success and any awards are reduced by expenses and legal fees.

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