My auto insurer denied my benefits — where do I go?

Statutory accident benefits disputes go to the LAT's AABS stream, not to court. There is a mandatory step before filing and a strict limitation period from the denial.

Can I also sue the other driver in Ontario?

Ontario is partial no-fault: you claim accident benefits from your own insurer regardless of fault, and may separately sue for pain and suffering subject to statutory thresholds and deductibles. This differs fundamentally from Quebec, where suing for bodily injury is generally barred.

What is a catastrophic impairment determination?

A designation that unlocks substantially higher benefit limits. Disputes over it are among the most consequential AABS matters and effectively always warrant legal representation.

For accident benefits disputes, strongly advisable — insurers are represented and the rules are technical. Many personal injury lawyers act on contingency.

Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) Ontario — Accident Benefits & Licence Appeals

Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT)

The LAT has two very different streams. Its Automobile Accident Benefits Service (AABS) decides disputes with your own auto insurer over statutory accident benefits — the single largest source of LAT cases in Ontario. Its general stream hears appeals of licence, registration and permit decisions. AABS disputes have strict time limits and require a mandatory dispute-resolution step first.

What it does

Resolves statutory accident benefits (SABS) disputes with auto insurers
Hears appeals of licence, registration and permit refusals or revocations
Decides certain compensation claims under consumer statutes

Matters it hears

Denied income replacement, medical or rehabilitation benefits
Catastrophic impairment determinations
Treatment plan and assessment disputes
Driver, vehicle dealer and other licence appeals
Liquor, cannabis retail and other registration appeals

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Divisional Court (Ontario).

AABS decisions may be appealed to the Divisional Court on a question of law, or reconsidered by the LAT. Deadlines are short.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

My auto insurer denied my benefits — where do I go?: Statutory accident benefits disputes go to the LAT's AABS stream, not to court. There is a mandatory step before filing and a strict limitation period from the denial.
Can I also sue the other driver in Ontario?: Ontario is partial no-fault: you claim accident benefits from your own insurer regardless of fault, and may separately sue for pain and suffering subject to statutory thresholds and deductibles. This differs fundamentally from Quebec, where suing for bodily injury is generally barred.
What is a catastrophic impairment determination?: A designation that unlocks substantially higher benefit limits. Disputes over it are among the most consequential AABS matters and effectively always warrant legal representation.
Do I need a lawyer?: For accident benefits disputes, strongly advisable — insurers are represented and the rules are technical. Many personal injury lawyers act on contingency.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.