To receive Section B accident benefits in Alberta, you must notify your auto insurance company within 10 days and submit the AB-1 form within 30 days of the crash. Once approved, these mandatory no-fault benefits provide up to $50,000 CAD for medical treatments.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Calgary, one of the most immediate lifelines available to you is “Section B” benefits. Included in every standard Alberta automobile insurance policy (SPF No. 1), these are strictly no-fault benefits. This means that whether you caused the collision on Crowchild Trail or someone else hit you, you are legally entitled to medical coverage and some income replacement.
However, obtaining these funds requires strict adherence to specific timelines and paperwork. 📝 Delaying your application can result in your insurance company denying coverage for your physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. This guide breaks down exactly what you must do to secure your benefits without unnecessary delays.
Step-by-Step Process for Claiming Section B in Calgary
The process of claiming accident benefits in Alberta is standardized. Whether you use a clinic in the NE quadrant or a specialist in the SW, the required forms and provincial regulations remain identical.
Step 1: Notifying Your Insurance Company (Within 10 Days)
The very first step is to call your own auto insurance provider to report the accident. 📞 Under Alberta law, you are required to provide a Notice of Loss within 10 days of the collision. During this call, simply state the facts of the accident and inform them that you have sustained injuries. They will open a Section B claim and assign you an adjuster.
Step 2: Visiting a Primary Health Care Practitioner
You must be assessed by a medical doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor as soon as possible. During your visit, the practitioner will examine your injuries and complete the Form AB-2 (Treatment Plan). The clinic typically sends this form directly to your insurance company to authorize immediate billing under the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation.
Step 3: Submitting the AB-1 Form (Within 30 Days)
To finalize your application, you must complete the Form AB-1 (Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim) and submit it to your insurance adjuster within 30 days of the accident. 📩 This document requires details about the accident, your injuries, and your employment status. If you are claiming income replacement benefits because you cannot work, your employer will also need to fill out a portion of this paperwork.
What Does Section B Cover in Alberta?
Understanding your coverage limits is crucial for managing your recovery. Section B provides several different categories of financial assistance up to a maximum period of two years following the accident.
| Medical and Rehabilitation Limit | Up to $50,000 | Covers ambulance fees, physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, and medications. Specific per-visit limits apply to certain therapies (e.g., massage). |
| Total Disability / Income Replacement | Up to $400 – $600 per week | Pays a portion of your lost wages if you are entirely unable to work. Depends on your specific policy and provincial updates. |
| Death and Grief Counselling | Varies based on dependents | Provides funeral expenses and a lump sum to surviving family members in fatal accidents. |
Keep in mind that if you have personal health insurance through your employer (like Alberta Blue Cross or Sun Life), your auto insurance may require you to exhaust those benefits first before Section B kicks in for certain treatments. 💮
How Long Does the Process Take?
When you follow the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation, access to treatment is almost immediate. Once your practitioner submits the AB-2 form, you are automatically approved for up to 12 weeks of treatment for soft tissue injuries (WAD I or II). You do not need to wait for the adjuster to formally approve every single appointment.
For income replacement benefits (Total Disability), the timeline is slightly longer. 📆 After you submit your AB-1 form and your employer’s confirmation of your lost wages, the insurer must process it. You usually receive your first cheque within a few weeks of the insurance company receiving all the necessary documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a lawyer to apply for Section B benefits?
Generally, you do not need a lawyer just to submit the initial AB-1 form or to start receiving physiotherapy. However, if your insurance company wrongfully cuts off your treatment or denies your income replacement claim, a personal injury lawyer can intervene on your behalf.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline for the AB-1 form?
While the Alberta Standard Automobile Policy states a 30-day limit, insurance companies will often still accept late forms if you have a reasonable explanation (such as being hospitalized). However, to avoid any risk of denial, it is always best to file on time.
Does Section B cover passengers and pedestrians?
Yes. If you were a passenger in a vehicle, you are covered under the driver’s Section B policy. If you were a pedestrian or a cyclist struck by a car in Calgary, you are covered by the striking vehicle’s Section B benefits.
How long do Section B medical benefits last?
Under Alberta law, Section B medical and rehabilitation benefits are available for up to two years (24 months) from the date of the accident, or until the maximum limit of $50,000 CAD is reached-whichever comes first.
Can my insurance company force me to see their doctor?
Yes, your insurer has the right to request that you attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to assess your progress. If their doctor determines you no longer need treatment, they may cut off your Section B funding. You can dispute this decision with the help of a lawyer.
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