FAQ: I received the accident benefits package from my auto insurance company after I reported my car accident in Kingston a couple of weeks ago. I fractured my right ankle as a result of the accident and can’t drive. I had to take a taxi everywhere. I don’t see a form for me to report this expense and other expenses. Am I missing a form?
Answer: Yes, you are probably missing a form called the OCF-6 Expenses Claim Form. When you called your auto insurance company to report your car accident in Kingston, the agent probably told you they would send you forms to fill out in order for you to receive accident benefits. You probably received the “basic” accident benefits application package, which does not include the OCF-6 Form. This form is an application for other expenses, such as transportation expenses.
In order to receive the OCF-6 Expenses Claim Form, you must specifically request it at the time you call your auto insurance company about your accident. If you do not request it, the form will not be sent to you. Therefore, you need to call your auto insurance company again to request this form.
Eligible Expenses for the OCF-6 Form
What exactly are other expenses? They are reasonable and necessary expenses incurred as a result of your car accident that are not covered under another plan. Expenses may include:
- transportation expenses,
- expenses of visitors,
- cost to repair or replace lost or damaged clothing, hearing aids, etc.,
- housekeeping and home maintenance benefit (an optional benefit), or
- caregiver benefit (an optional benefit).
The form asks applicants to provide a description of the expenses/services and the name of the service providers. In addition, applicants must attach bills and receipts as evidence that the expenses were actually incurred. If for some reason the bills/receipts are not available, an explanation must be provided.
Even though the housekeeping/home maintenance costs and caregiver benefits elections are included on the OCF-6 Form, you cannot be reimbursed for these optional benefits unless you actually purchased them.
What are Optional Accident Benefits?
Optional accident benefits are not included in a “standard” auto policy and are essentially additional benefits you could have purchased when you bought your insurance for an additional cost. They include:
- attendant benefits (hiring someone to take care of you because your injuries prevent you from caring for yourself, such as grooming, moving around, etc.),
- caregiver benefits (hiring someone to take care of your children or other dependents if you are no longer able to do so because of your injuries from the accident), and
- housekeeping benefits (paying someone to do your housework because you cannot after your accident)
Therefore, if you didn’t buy optional accident benefits, you would not be able to claim them.
Help After a Kingston, Ontario Car or Truck Accident
If you were injured in a Kingston, Ontario car or truck accident caused by a negligent driver, you have legal rights. Call the lawyers at Bergeron Clifford to schedule a FREEconsultation. 1-866-384-5886
