If a loved one dies in a motor vehicle accident in London, standard Ontario auto insurance (SABS) pays up to $8,000 for funeral expenses. It also provides a lump-sum death benefit of $25,000 to the surviving spouse and $10,000 to each qualifying dependant, regardless of who caused the crash.
The sudden loss of a family member in a car accident brings not only devastating emotional grief but also immediate financial panic. Arranging a funeral in London, Ontario, can easily cost thousands of dollars, and families are often left wondering how they will pay these unexpected bills while dealing with the loss of a primary income earner. Fortunately, if the death involved a motor vehicle, the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) provides an immediate financial safety net that does not require you to sue or prove fault.
This straightforward guide will explain how to access Death and Funeral Benefits through auto insurance. 📍 We will detail the specific monetary limits under standard policies, the step-by-step process to submit your claim, and how to protect your family’s future. Generally, an experienced personal injury lawyer can handle this tedious paperwork for you, ensuring the insurance company releases the funds to the funeral home without delay.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming SABS Death Benefits in London
Navigating insurance forms is the last thing you want to do while grieving. However, following the strict provincial guidelines ensures your family receives the funds they are legally entitled to during this difficult time.
Step 1: Report the Collision and Notify the Insurer
The first requirement is ensuring the fatal accident is officially documented. 🚨 The London Police Service will generate a detailed Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC) report. Within 7 days of the accident, you or your lawyer must notify the deceased’s auto insurance company about the crash and the resulting death. If the deceased did not have auto insurance, you can claim these benefits from the insurance company of the vehicle that struck them.
Step 2: Submit the OCF-1 and Death Certificate
The insurance company will send you an Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1). You must complete this document and submit it along with an official Proof of Death certificate, which your chosen London funeral home or the municipality will provide. This paperwork formally triggers the SABS process and proves your eligibility as a spouse or dependant.
Step 3: Submit Funeral Invoices for Reimbursement
To access the funeral benefit, you must provide the insurance adjuster with itemized receipts from the funeral home, cemetery, or crematorium. 📄 Under a standard Ontario auto policy, the maximum payout is $8,000. This money can cover the casket, urn, burial plot, service fees, and even transportation. If the funeral costs less than $8,000, the insurer only pays the exact invoiced amount.
Step 4: Receive the Lump-Sum Death Benefits
In addition to funeral costs, SABS provides a one-time lump-sum payment. A surviving spouse is entitled to $25,000, and each dependant (such as a child) is entitled to $10,000. If the deceased had no spouse but had dependants, the $25,000 is split evenly among the dependants on top of their $10,000 shares. Once the paperwork is verified, the insurance company typically issues these cheques quite rapidly.
How Much Does SABS Cover in London?
The financial limits are strictly defined by Ontario law, though some drivers purchase optional upgrades. 💵 Here is what a standard policy covers in 2026.
| Benefit Type | Standard Limit (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Expenses | Up to $8,000 | Reimbursement for actual costs related to the burial, cremation, and funeral service. |
| Spousal Benefit | $25,000 | A one-time, lump-sum payment to the legally married or common-law spouse. |
| Dependant Benefit | $10,000 per dependant | A one-time payment to each person who was financially dependent on the deceased. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Unlike a traditional wrongful death lawsuit, which can take years, SABS benefits are designed for immediate relief. ⏳ Once your lawyer submits the completed OCF forms, the death certificate, and the funeral receipts, the insurance company is legally required to pay the benefits within 30 days. Most insurers process these specific claims even faster to support grieving families in London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if our funeral costs exceed $8,000?
The SABS funeral benefit is strictly capped at $8,000 for standard policies. If your funeral costs $12,000, you must pay the remaining $4,000 out of pocket. However, your lawyer will include that $4,000 shortfall as damages when suing the at-fault driver in a civil tort claim.
Did my loved one purchase optional increased SABS?
In Ontario, drivers can purchase optional benefits. If the deceased paid for this upgrade, the spousal benefit increases to $50,000, the dependant benefit to $20,000, and the funeral benefit to $12,000. Your lawyer will immediately check their policy to confirm.
Who legally qualifies as a dependant?
A dependant is typically a minor child, but it can also include adult children who are entirely supported due to a severe disability, or even elderly parents who relied on the deceased for their primary financial survival.
Can we get SABS if the deceased caused the accident?
Yes. Statutory Accident Benefits are “no-fault.” Even if your loved one caused the fatal collision in London, your family is still legally entitled to the funeral expenses and the lump-sum death benefits.
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