New changes coming to insurance coverage for motorcycles as OPP report increase in related accidents

With motorcycle accidents and fatalities on the rise, changes are coming to insurance which could affect motorcycle riders most. Pat Foran reports.

According to data from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), motorcycle deaths reached a 20 year high in 2024, with 57 fatalities in the province.

They say the trend of motorcycle-involved collisions continued in 2025.

Brian and Debbie Haynes live in MacTier, near Georgian Bay, and told CTV News they loved to ride their motorcycle. But this past July, their lives changed in an instant.

“I loved sitting on the back and going through the back ways,” said Debbie. “We loved it. It was our way out. It was freeing.”

In July, while riding in the countryside, they were struck by a car in a collision. Both Brian and Debbie lost their lower left leg and foot.

“I woke up and I looked down because I couldn’t get up and I didn’t have a foot,” said Brian. “We are what you would call a below leg amputee.”

Debbie said it’s been difficult realizing her lower left leg and foot are gone.

“You do feel like it’s there,” she explained. “You do have to remind yourself and touch to know it’s not there.”

The couple spent two months in hospital and told CTV News recovery has been difficult.

Fortunately, they had adequate insurance coverage to help them with treatment and therapy.

Brian admits he wasn’t really sure what kind of coverage he had until he needed it.

“I kind of just wanted the insurance for the bike so we could get on it and go,” he said.

Motor vehicle insurance changes coming

Starting in July 2026, changes are coming to the way drivers and riders purchase auto and motorcycle insurance. Many benefits that were previously mandatory will now be optional.

According to Nainesh Kotak, founder of Kotak Personal Injury Law, motorcycle riders will have to opt in to receive certain benefits such as income replacement, attendant care, death, and funeral benefits.

Kotak said if they don’t, they may not have the coverage they think they do.

“I would encourage motorcyclists who are vulnerable members of the road to in fact make sure you purchase those benefits that are now being taken away,” said Kotak. “It won’t cost much and it will ensure that you have adequate protections.”

Kotak also told CTV News that many accidents involving motorcycles are typically not the riders fault.

“The majority of the time in fact, accidents with motorcyclists are caused by inattentive motorists on the road,” he said.

While many motorcycles are put away for the winter season, it’s advisable to check your coverage carefully in the spring.

As for Brian and Debbie, they’re trying to stay positive and say the motorcycle community has been very supportive since their accident.

“We don’t want to take away from the motorcycle riding,” Brian said. “A lot of the people we met are good people and they reached out and talked to us and said we will help you.”