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Alberta’s Care-First auto insurance: what changes in 2027

Alberta is replacing its current auto insurance system with a new Care-First model on January 1, 2027. If you are injured in a collision, the change affects what benefits you receive and whether you can sue.

Under the current system, a person injured by another driver can generally sue that driver for pain and suffering, lost income and other losses, subject to the Minor Injury Regulation cap for some injuries. Care-First moves toward a benefits-based system, in which injured people receive benefits from insurance and the ability to sue is limited.

Collision before or after January 1, 2027? The date of the collision may determine which system applies. If you were injured in 2026, do not assume Care-First applies to you. Get advice on your claim now.

What the Government of Alberta says will change

The right to sue is limited. Under Care-First, an injured person can sue only in specific situations, such as where the at-fault driver is found guilty of certain serious offences, including dangerous driving, impaired driving or fleeing police.
Treatment benefits expand. The province describes treatment as available for common, serious and catastrophic injuries for as long as it supports recovery.
Income replacement increases, described by the province as up to $125,000 a year until retirement.
Pain and suffering damages are replaced by benefits, including a permanent impairment benefit for lasting injuries.

Source: Government of Alberta, Care-First auto insurance. Details of the regulations and how they will be applied may change.

What this means for you

If you were injured in a collision before January 1, 2027, the current rules may still govern your claim, including the two-year limitation period for a lawsuit. If you are injured after that date, getting the full benefits you are entitled to will matter more than ever, and disputes with insurers about benefits may become the main way injured people protect their interests.

How we can help

Advising on which system applies to your collision.
Pursuing claims under the current system before limitation periods expire.
Helping you claim benefits and challenge benefit decisions under Care-First.
Assessing whether an exception that allows a lawsuit applies to your case.

Frequently asked questions

I was hurt in a collision in 2026. Will Care-First apply to me?

Not necessarily. The date of the collision is important. Speak with a lawyer about your specific claim, and remember that the general limitation period for a lawsuit in Alberta is two years.

Will I still be able to sue an at-fault driver after 2027?

Only in limited situations, such as where the driver is found guilty of certain serious offences. Whether an exception applies depends on the facts and the final rules.

Where can I read the government’s information?

The Government of Alberta publishes information about Care-First on alberta.ca. We will keep this page updated as the rules are finalized.

Talk to a lawyer

Book a consultation online, or call us Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

587-393-3958 Request a consultation

Talk to a lawyer about your situation

Book a consultation online, or call us at 587-393-3958, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The information on this page is general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect recent changes in the law. Contacting UMPC Law does not create a lawyer–client relationship.

UMPC Law is the trade name of Usman Mahmood Professional Corporation, a law practice in Northeast Calgary representing clients in immigration, motor vehicle accident, criminal and family matters.

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The information on this website is general information, not legal advice. Contacting UMPC Law does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Limitation periods and deadlines can be short; get advice promptly.