What is Care-First Auto Insurance?
What You Need to Know
Effective January 1, 2027, the Government of Alberta will introduce a new auto insurance system called Care-First Auto Insurance. Through Care-First, Albertans injured in a collision will have access to enhanced care and support benefits through their insurer, with a focus on recovery and more stable insurance costs.
The Care-First system will apply to all insured drivers effective January 1, 2027, regardless of policy renewal date. This transition is mandated by the Government of Alberta and is not an optional coverage choice. All Alberta drivers with auto insurance will move to the Care-First system on January 1, 2027, even if their policy renews later in the year.
At Armour, we're committed to helping customers understand these changes and what they mean for their coverage. Keep reading to learn more.
Quick Highlights
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Access to care: Medical treatment, rehabilitation and recovery costs will be provided through auto insurance benefits.
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Support after an injury: If you’re injured in a car accident, your auto insurance will be the primary source of coverage for care, treatment and recovery, regardless of who is at fault.
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Changes to legal action: Legal action for pain and suffering will be limited to specific situations.
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Driver accountability: At-fault drivers may still face consequences, including impacts to their premiums and driving record.
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Coverage choices: Drivers may have access to optional coverages that can provide benefits beyond those included in the standard policy.
What Changing on January 1, 2027
Effective January 1, 2027, Alberta will transition to the Care-First auto insurance system. Under Care-First, Albertans injured in a collision will be able to access enhanced benefits and support through their insurer without the need to sue.
The change will apply to all insured drivers, regardless of their policy renewal date.
With Care-First:
- Care is covered through insurance: Medical treatment, rehabilitation and certain financial supports will be provided directly through your auto insurer.
- Coverage regardless of fault: Benefits apply no matter who is at fault in an accident.
- Injury benefits through insurance: Support for injuries will be provided through insurance benefits rather than legal proceedings.
- Driver accountability remains: At-fault drivers will continue to face consequences, including higher premiums and potential impacts to their driving record.
The way you renew your auto insurance policy will remain the same. What’s changing is how injury claims are handled and the role of lawsuits. Insured drivers may also have access to optional coverages that are not included in the standard policy.
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Current System |
Care-First System (effective January 1, 2027) |
| How support is provided after an injury |
- Injured individuals may receive accident benefits and may also pursue legal action in many circumstances
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- Care, treatment and certain financial supports are provided through auto insurance benefits
- Benefits are available regardless of fault
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| Timing of support |
- Legal claims can take months or years to resolve
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- Treatment and benefits can begin soon after a collision
- Claims are handled through the insurance system
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| Legal action after a collision |
- Not-at-fault drivers can pursue legal action in most cases, subject to existing restrictions
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- Legal action is limited to specific circumstances set out under the Care-First system
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Why This Matters to You
As this change applies to all insured drivers, it's important to understand how the new system will affect injury claims, benefits and available coverage options.
A car accident can affect more than just your vehicle. Injuries may lead to time off work, treatment costs and long‑term recovery that can place strain on you and your family.
If you're injured in a car accident, your auto insurance benefits play a key role by providing access to care, treatment and other support. Knowing what's included in your policy can help you understand the support available to you.
It’s important to understand:
As implementation approaches, reviewing your auto insurance coverage can help you understand the benefits included in your policy and any optional coverages that may be available.
What are Injury Benefits?
Injury benefits provide support if you’re hurt in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Under the Care‑First system, these benefits become the primary way injured Alberta drivers receive support after a collision.
Injury benefits may include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Income replacement if you’re unable to work
- Support for recovery and daily living needs
Stay Informed
We’ll continue to update this page as more details about the Alberta Care‑First Auto Insurance Program become available. Please visit regularly to access the latest information and learn what it means to you.
Additional resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page provides a summary of the Alberta Care‑First Auto Insurance Program based on information currently available from the Government of Alberta. It is provided for informational purposes only and may change as additional details become available. For complete details, visit the Government of Alberta website and consult your insurance carrier.
