A fatal motor vehicle accident changes everything in an instant. The sudden loss of a loved one leaves families in shock, overwhelmed by grief and searching for answers in a time of deep uncertainty. Alongside the emotional toll, there are unfamiliar situations to navigate, including insurance claims, accident benefits, and legal questions that arise at a time when it’s hardest to face them. In recent weeks, several tragic collisions across Ontario have served as heartbreaking reminders of how quickly lives can be altered. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, three young people lost their lives in a single-vehicle crash. In Pickering, another collision claimed [...]

Car insurance premiums in Canada have been climbing steadily. According to a CBC report, average rates increased by 36 per cent between 2014 and 2024, with no signs of slowing down. Understandably, many drivers in Ottawa and across Ontario are re-examining their policies and asking questions about switching providers. At McNally Gervan LLP, we understand that people might want to change an expensive insurance policy for a more affordable option, even though an open claim remains pending. The decision is not simple, but it is possible to change insurance with an open claim. What matters is knowing how it works, [...]

Getting denied by your insurance company can feel like a punch to the gut. You went through the injury, the forms, the back and forth, only to be told you don’t qualify for any number of reasons. Denials happen more often than people think, but they’re also often incorrect. Insurance companies can point to minor technicalities in your policy to justify saying no. At McNally Gervan LLP, we’re here to help you fight those unjust denials to get the benefits you deserve. If your claim was rejected, here’s what to focus on. Tips for Appealing a Denied Insurance Claim in [...]

It’s not uncommon for an accident victim to feel completely blindsided when their insurance company refuses to pay out. The shock of a denied insurance claim can make an already stressful situation worse, regardless of if you’ve been injured in an auto accident, are filing a disability claim, or are dealing with property damage. Insurance companies in Ontario are under financial pressure, as, according to Statistics Canada, claims ratios have been climbing steadily, peaking at over 90% in late 2024. With rising vehicle prices, parts shortages, and more frequent collisions, there are many economic reasons why insurers might limit payouts.  [...]

If you're involved in an accident, you're not just dealing with injuries or property damage. You're also faced with critical deadlines that can affect whether your insurance company will honour your policy at all. The consequences of missing those deadlines can lead to a denied claim which can have devastating consequences, as seen in a recent case told by CTV News. At McNally Gervan LLP, we help people understand the deadlines and decision points that follow an injury. Here's what you need to know about how long you can wait to submit an insurance claim in Ontario. What You Need [...]

Insurance benefits help people recover from an accident or injury. The system works when claims are based on facts, but when a person includes false information or exaggerates part of a story, this dishonesty has far reaching consequences. Submitting false information on a claim, even if it seems minor, poses real risks. According to recent studies, insurance fraud investigations rose 76% in 2024, and nearly two-thirds of that involved auto insurance fraud. These numbers are pushing insurance providers to act faster when they suspect fraud, and the penalties for making a false insurance claim can be serious, even when the [...]

Recovering from a house fire is about more than rebuilding walls and replacing belongings. It’s about trying to restore a sense of safety and control in the face of unexpected loss. If you’ve experienced a fire, you’re likely counting on your insurance to step in and help. But many Ontario homeowners find themselves asking: how long will this take? What happens if there are delays? And where do I turn if things don’t go as expected? Home insurance rates are rising faster than inflation in many Canadian provinces, with the national average increase coming in at 5.28% in 2025. Eastern provinces [...]

Many Canadians who experience serious illness or injury find themselves facing unexpected out-of-pocket medical costs—even when they have insurance. If you’ve paid for care or treatment this year, you may be wondering: can you claim medical expenses covered by insurance on your tax return?  The answer depends on whether you were reimbursed, who paid for the expense, and whether the cost qualifies under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules.  In this post, we’ll walk through what expenses are claimable, how insurance affects your tax credit, and how to calculate your eligible amount. We’ve drawn on the CRA’s official medical expense guidelines [...]

Wildfires and other extreme weather events made the Summer of 2024 the most destructive season in Canadian history for insured losses, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).   With over $7 billion in insured losses, the record setting Summer of last year needs to be taken in context; as the IBC notes, extreme weather only figures to get worse in the future, and the efforts to coordinate and invest in climate adaptation have been overshadowed by discussions around emissions. It boils down to this: More Canadians will be filing fire insurance claims and other property insurance claims as a result [...]

When an illness or injury keeps you from working—or when a car accident suddenly turns your life upside down—insurance should offer a safety net. It’s meant to be there when you need support the most. But for many people in Ontario, the experience is anything but simple. Instead of getting help quickly, they’re met with long delays, vague explanations, and increasing frustration. How long do insurance claims take? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of claim, type of injuries, how the insurer handles the file, and whether everything is submitted on time. In this post, we’ll walk you [...]