Alberta's Care-First Auto Insurance System
Published on • 5 minute read
Important notice
As Alberta prepares for the transition to the Care-First Auto Insurance System, program details may continue to be refined. Content on this page is based on information currently published by the Government of Alberta and is subject to change as further updates become available.
Starting January 1, 2027, the Government of Alberta will implement a new auto insurance framework known as Care-First Auto Insurance. Under this system, Albertans injured in a collision will receive access to enhanced care and recovery benefits through their insurer, with the goal of supporting recovery and helping maintain stable insurance costs.
Care-First will apply all insured drivers involved in collisions that occur on or after January 1, 2027, regardless of when your policy renews. The change is required under Alberta legislation and is not an optional coverage selection. All insured Alberta drivers will be subject to the Care-First system beginning January 1, 2027, including those whose policies renew later in the year.
We’re committed to helping customers navigate these changes and understand how they may affect their auto insurance coverage.
Important highlights
- Access to care: Medical care, rehabilitation and recovery expenses will be covered through auto insurance benefits.
- Support after an injury: Following an injury, auto insurance benefits will provide access to care, treatment and recovery support, regardless of fault.
- Changes to legal action and claims: Legal action for pain and suffering will be restricted to certain circumstances defined under the Care-First framework.
- Driver responsibility continues: Drivers who are at fault in a collision may still experience premium increases and impacts to their driving history.
- Optional protection choices: Drivers may have access to additional coverage options that can provide benefits beyond the standard auto insurance policy.
Understanding the changes taking effect January 1, 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, Alberta’s auto insurance system will transition to Care-First. Through this new approach, Albertans injured in a collision will have access to enhanced care, treatment and recovery benefits through their insurer, reducing the need for legal action to access support.
The Care-First program will apply to all insured drivers across Alberta, regardless of policy renewal timing.
Key features of Care-First:
- Insurance-funded care and recovery benefits: Medical treatment, rehabilitation and certain financial supports will be provided through your auto insurer.
- Access to benefits regardless of fault: Covered injury benefits will be available regardless of who caused the accident.
- Injury claims focused on recovery: Support for injuries will be delivered through insurance benefits rather than court proceedings.
- Driver responsibility continues: At-fault drivers may still experience higher premiums and impacts to their driving record.
The way you purchase and renew your auto insurance will stay the same. What’s changing is the process for injury claims and how benefits are provided after a collision. Optional coverages may also continue to be available.
| Change | Current model | Care-First framework (starting January 1, 2027) |
|---|---|---|
| How injury support works | Injured individuals may receive accident benefits and may have the option to pursue legal action in many situations. | Medical care, rehabilitation and certain financial supports are provided through auto insurance benefits. Benefits are available regardless of who caused the collision. |
| When support is available | Legal proceedings can take months or years to reach a resolution. | Access to treatment and eligible benefits can begin shortly after a collision. Injury claims are managed through the insurance system. |
| Options for legal action | Not-at-fault parties may pursue legal action in most circumstances, subject to current rules and restrictions. | Legal action is restricted to specific situations outlined under the Care-First framework. |
Why understanding your coverage matters
Because these changes will affect all insured Alberta drivers, it’s a good time to learn how the Care-First framework may impact injury coverage, claims handling and available protection options.
A collision can have impacts beyond vehicle damage. Injuries may require medical treatment, time away from work and ongoing recovery support, which can create unexpected challenges.
If you’re injured in an accident, your auto insurance coverage can help provide access to treatment, rehabilitation and other eligible benefits. Understanding your policy can help you make informed decisions about the coverage available to you.
Take time to review:
- What injury-related benefits are included with your standard auto insurance policy.
- Which optional coverages and protections may be available.
- How different coverage choices could affect the support available following a serious injury.
As the transition to Care-First approaches, reviewing your policy can help you better understand your coverage, benefits and any optional protections available to you.
Understanding injury benefits
Injury benefits provide financial and recovery support if you’re injured in a vehicle collision, regardless of fault. Under the Care-First framework, these benefits will serve as the main source of support for Albertans recovering from accident-related injuries.
Injury benefits can include:
- Medical care and rehabilitation services
- Income support if an injury prevents you from working
- Recovery and everyday living assistance during your rehabilitation
Keep up to date
We’ll continue to refresh this page as additional information about the Alberta Care-First auto insurance framework becomes available. Check back regularly for the latest updates and information about what these changes could mean for your coverage.
Additional resources
Disclaimer: This page contains a general overview of the Alberta Care-First Auto Insurance Program based on information currently provided by the Government of Alberta. It is provided for general informational purposes only and may change as additional details become available. For additional information, visit the Government of Alberta website and consult your insurance provider.