Better. Faster.
More Affordable.
Care-First auto insurance is coming January 2027.
Care-First delivers substantial relief for Alberta drivers
Why are trial lawyers against the Care-First auto insurance system?
New Government Report Forecasts Escalating Claims Costs
Grid rating system will end under Care-First
What is Care-First auto insurance?
Care-First is the government’s new auto insurance system for Alberta drivers, taking effect January 1, 2027. What it means for Alberta drivers:
- More affordable. Simplifying the claims process and removing excessive legal costs from the system will save drivers hundreds annually.
- Better, faster care. The new system will provide improved medical, rehabilitation and income benefits for Albertans injured in a collision, including lifetime treatment for catastrophic injuries. In fact, they will be the most generous benefits in the country.
Why is a new auto insurance system needed?
Under the current system, those injured in collisions are often forced to undertake costly legal battles that delay the care and benefits they need. And when they finalize their settlement, up to 40% can disappear in legal costs. These litigation trends are also the main reason why Albertans pay some of the highest premiums in Canada today.
With Care-First, Alberta will move to a system that emphasizes care over courts. Those injured in collisions will receive faster, better care that’s determined by medical professionals. By reducing legal costs, drivers will also save hundreds annually on their premiums.
It’s a win-win.
How much will I save?
The government’s analysis of the new system, undertaken by consulting firm Oliver Wyman, found that Care-First will save drivers $260, on average. Those who only purchase mandatory coverages are expected to save up to $366, on average.
For more information on the findings of the Oliver Wyman report, click here.
What do I need to do to prepare for the change to the new system?
Nothing! Every driver in the province will automatically move to the new system on January 1, 2027 and will see the change in premiums reflected on their next renewal.
For more details on the changes and what they will mean for you, please visit:
Care-First Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under Care-First, Albertans will still have the right to sue in various circumstances. These include:
- If the at-fault driver is convicted of a specific criminal offence (e.g., impaired or dangerous driving);
- If the at-fault driver is convicted of certain offences under the Traffic Safety Act (e.g., stunt driving); and
- If your out-of-pocket costs exceed what’s offered by your insurer.
More information on the right to sue under Care-First can be found on the government’s website.
For the most seriously injured victims, the care and benefits provided under Care-First will last for life.
Care-First is designed to make sure you receive ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and income support focused on your recovery, for as long as its needed. Care-First will provide the most generous benefits in the country, there will not be time limits for receiving care as long as treatment is providing a measurable benefit.
See this government table comparing accident benefits between Care-First and the current auto insurance system.
No. Fault still matters. Drivers will still be held accountable in various ways:
- Driving record: If you cause a crash, this will go on your record and your insurance may cost more.
- Traffic charges: Bad driving that leads to tickets, fines, licence suspension and/or criminal charges will still impact a person’s insurance premium.
- Right to sue: In several cases, for example Criminal Code convictions like impaired driving, or when costs exceed insurance benefits, injured people will still be able to take legal action.
Care‑First will give drivers the option to top-up some of the standard benefits for additional coverage and protection.
Examples include higher income replacement benefits for high-income earners, such as those earning more than $125,000 annually (this number will go up with inflation), or for enhanced daily living supports (such as help with cooking and cleaning) if injured in a collision.
If these benefits aren’t offered to you when you purchase your coverage, you can sue to receive them if injured in a collision.
More information will be available as government finalizes the Care-First model.
Insights
Care-First delivers substantial relief for Alberta drivers
Why are trial lawyers against the Care-First auto insurance system?
Alberta’s rate cap is deepening the financial crisis in the auto insurance market
Grid rating system will end under Care-First
The risks of government-run auto insurance systems
The problem with rising legal costs
News
Better Auto Alberta is the trusted source of information for auto insurance reforms. Its goal is to provide Albertans with clear, accessible updates and insights on the new Care-First system and what it means for them.