Nova Scotia Accident Benefits Explained

Public or Private?

Nova Scotia has private insurance. This means various private insurance companies are responsible for issuing insurance policies and you likely have your own, chosen insurer.

No fault or Tort-based?

Nova Scotia has tort-based liability rules. This means an automobile insurer will pay certain benefits only after determining liability and that an injured party can bring a claim in court against the party that allegedly caused their injuries.

Accident benefits in Nova Scotia

How to claim benefits

• Notify all insurers (yours, your passenger's, and any other drivers involved) if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident as soon as possible. Collecting insurance information at the scene is crucial for making sure all the right insurance companies know what they need to do. First, consult your own automobile policy for how to report a claim to your insurer
  • if you were a passenger, consult the policy of the driver
  • if you were a cyclist or pedestrian consult the policy of the “striking” vehicle must be notified
• The insurers you contact will provide a form called the Accident Benefits Notice of Claim that you must complete and return promptly to begin receiving benefit payments and reimbursements for expenses. You may also be asked to complete:
  • A Medical Form completed by your family doctor and an Employer’s Confirmation of Income
  • A Benefits Payments Form completed by your employer
• You should expect to receive payments from the insurer to reimburse you for expenses within 30 days upon receiving documentation. To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your benefits, you should:
  • Ensure all forms are completed and returned as soon as possible;
  • Submit original documents to insurers and retain copies for your records;
  • Ask your doctor to note “motor vehicle accident” on any referral documents;
  • Check with your private health insurance provider to make sure you are covered before submitting expenses to the insurer. (This also allows you to get the most out of your benefits).
• If you are missing work due to your injuries, you should also ask your doctor to estimate the date you will return to work or note when you will be returning to the doctor for reassessment. You must also apply for short-term disability benefits from your private insurer and/or Employment Insurance sickness benefits before you can access income replacements.

Remember:

If you have been injured in a crash and have coverage from another provider (for example, extended health care from your employer or individually purchased disability insurance), your other insurance will be the primary payer for most medical expenses and/or income replacement.

Want to Learn More?

Nova Scotia’s accident benefits are governed by the provisions of their respective Standard Automobile Insurance Policy.
You can also view a copy of the full Automobile Insurance Contract Mandatory Conditions Regulations - Insurance Act (Nova Scotia).
For more information on insurance policies in Nova Scotia visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.
If you have further questions about this process, or your benefits, contact your claims adjuster.
If you do not know who your claims adjuster is, contact the insurance company.
You can also contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or the General Insurance Ombudservice at 1-877-225-0446.