The OCF-1 Application for Accident Benefits is the form used to begin a statutory accident-benefits claim after an Ontario motor vehicle accident. The form is relevant to injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists, depending on the circumstances and available insurance.
The current FSRA instructions say an applicant should tell the insurance company within seven days of the accident that they intend to apply for benefits. If that is not possible, the applicant should notify the insurer as soon as possible.
After the insurer provides the OCF-1, the form should generally be returned within 30 days. If it is late, submit it with an explanation instead of assuming the claim is lost.
The form asks for applicant and policy information, the accident location and date, a description of what happened, injuries, medical attention, work or school status and other insurance coverage. It also asks whether police, an ambulance, a hospital or a collision reporting centre were involved.
Determining the correct insurer can be confusing, particularly for a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or someone without their own auto policy. The OCF-1 states that the first insurer receiving a completed application is responsible for paying benefits without delay while any priority dispute is addressed. The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund is generally a last resort when no automobile insurance is available.
Additional forms may be required depending on the benefits claimed. Examples include an employer confirmation, disability certificate, treatment and assessment plan or expense claim. Do not sign incomplete forms, and keep a full copy of every document.
Krylaw’s Accident Benefits page provides more context about no-fault benefits and related claims.
From July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory, while other accident benefits become optional. Do not assume income-replacement or other optional benefits are included in every new policy. Review the certificate, endorsements, effective date and the insured person’s relationship to the policyholder.
Renewal requires particular care: FSRA says existing coverage and limits continue at renewal unless the customer agrees to changes in writing. The reform did not automatically remove everyone’s existing benefits on July 1. Ask the insurer to identify the coverage that applied on the accident date, rather than relying on a general description of today’s products.
Sources: FSRA: July 1, 2026 accident-benefit coverage changes · FSRA: Accident-benefit optionality questions and answers
Record when the insurer was notified, when the OCF-1 arrived, when the completed application was sent and how delivery was confirmed. Keep a list of additional forms requested and their due dates. The OCF-1 starts the application; it is not a guarantee that every requested benefit will be paid.
If a benefit is denied, keep the complete decision and envelope or email showing when it was received. Ask which benefit, period and evidence the decision concerns. Obtain advice promptly about the applicable dispute process instead of assuming that ongoing discussions preserve every deadline.
Sources: FSRA: 2026 OCF-1 application and instructions
Use FSRA’s official OCF-1 form page to find the application and download instructions. The page lists July 1, 2026 as its last update, checked October 9, 2026. Start with the official version rather than an older saved copy, and ask the insurer which policy and application requirements apply to your circumstances.
General information for Ontario readers, prepared October 1, 2026. This is not legal advice. The facts, policy wording and applicable deadlines must be reviewed for an individual claim. Contacting the firm does not by itself create a lawyer-client relationship.
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