If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident in Alberta, you’re likely overwhelmed—by medical appointments, insurance paperwork, and perhaps even time away from work. One of the most important parts of the post-accident puzzle in Alberta is understanding your right to Section B benefits. Unfortunately, many people have never heard of Section B until they need it—and by then, they’re often unsure how to access these crucial accident benefits.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly what Section B benefits are, what they cover, how to qualify, and what to do if you’re denied. We’ll also explain how working with an Alberta personal injury lawyer can help you maximize the benefits available to you.
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What Are Section B Benefits?
In Alberta, Section B benefits are part of the Alberta Standard Automobile Policy (SPF No. 1). These benefits provide no-fault accident insurance coverage for individuals injured in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault.
This means that even if you caused the accident—or if fault hasn’t yet been determined—you are still entitled to certain forms of compensation for medical costs, disability, and death-related expenses.
Section B is governed by the Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulation under Alberta’s Insurance Act. Every insurance company issuing standard auto policies in Alberta is required to include this coverage.
Why It’s Called “Section B”
It’s referred to as “Section B” because this part of the policy follows Section A (third-party liability insurance) and is distinct from other optional or additional coverage.
It serves a different function than filing a lawsuit or negotiating a tort claim for pain and suffering—it provides basic, immediate benefits to help accident victims manage the aftermath.
What Does Section B Cover in Alberta?
Section B benefits are broken into three key categories:
1. Medical Benefits
These are designed to cover necessary and reasonable medical treatments arising from injuries sustained in the accident.
Coverage includes:
- Ambulance services
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Acupuncture
- Prescription medications
- Dental care
- Psychological treatment (if related to the accident)
- Other medically necessary treatment not covered by provincial healthcare
Maximum amount: Up to $50,000 per person, for treatments occurring within 2 years of the accident date.
2. Disability Benefits (Weekly Indemnity)
If you are employed or self-employed and are unable to work due to your injuries, Section B offers income replacement benefits.
Eligibility criteria:
- You must have been employed at the time of the accident, or have worked at least six of the previous 12 months.
- A doctor must confirm your disability prevents you from doing your job.
Payment details:
- 70% of your gross weekly earnings, to a maximum of $400/week
- 14-day waiting period after the accident before payments begin
- Maximum duration: 104 weeks (2 years)
This coverage helps provide basic financial support while you are recovering and unable to return to work.
3. Death Benefits and Funeral Expenses
If the accident results in a fatality, Section B provides limited death benefits to certain family members, along with help covering funeral expenses.
Coverage includes:
- Death benefits to surviving spouses or dependents (up to $10,000)
- Funeral expenses (up to $5,000)
- Education benefits for dependent children pursuing post-secondary education (up to $15,000 per child)
These amounts are fixed, regardless of the income or net worth of the deceased, and are paid out to the surviving beneficiaries.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Section B Benefits?
Section B benefits are available to several classes of people involved in a motor vehicle accident in Alberta. These include:
- Drivers and passengers in a vehicle insured under an Alberta auto policy
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by an insured vehicle
- Family members of the policyholder, if injured in the accident
- In some cases, non-residents of Alberta may be eligible, depending on the jurisdictional rules and where the policy was issued
It’s important to note that fault is not a factor in determining Section B eligibility. This makes these benefits a reliable, first-line option for accident victims who need immediate help before a longer tort claim can be pursued.
How to Apply for Section B Accident Benefits in Alberta
Applying for Section B benefits involves several steps, and it’s important to get them right to avoid delays or denials.
1. Notify Your Insurer Promptly
You should inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Most insurers recommend doing so within seven days, and some may have specific reporting deadlines.
2. Request the Section B Claim Forms
Your insurer will provide you with three important documents:
- Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form (completed by you)
- Employer’s Certificate (completed by your employer, for disability claims)
- Physician’s Report (completed by your doctor)
3. Submit the Completed Forms
All three documents should be submitted together to your insurance company. The insurer will then assess your claim and begin providing benefits if you qualify.
4. Continue Treatment and Documentation
Ongoing documentation is critical. Keep all medical records, invoices, and travel receipts related to treatment. These are often required to justify the continuation of benefits.
What Happens If Your Section B Claim Is Denied?
Unfortunately, Section B benefits are not always guaranteed. Insurers may deny claims for several reasons, including:
- Missing or incomplete paperwork
- Delayed submission of forms
- Disputes about whether the treatment is “reasonable or necessary”
- Challenges to whether your injury truly prevents you from working
- Surveillance or investigations suggesting you are not as injured as claimed
If your Section B claim is denied or prematurely terminated, you have options.
Steps you can take:
- Request Written Reasons from the insurer
- Gather Medical Support for your ongoing disability or need for treatment
- Seek Legal Guidance to dispute the denial and potentially file a legal claim for unpaid benefits
Insurers are businesses. They may push back on claims to reduce their payouts. But that doesn’t mean they’re always right—and you don’t have to accept their decision without challenge.
How Section B Interacts With Other Claims
It’s important to understand that Section B benefits are not the same as suing the at-fault driver. They’re meant to provide short-term support immediately after the accident.
However, you may still be eligible to pursue a tort claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket costs not covered by Section B
- Loss of housekeeping capacity
- Future care costs beyond the $50,000 cap
Alberta’s Minor Injury Regulation (MIR) may limit pain and suffering compensation for “minor injuries,” but you are still entitled to pursue a tort claim if your injuries are more severe or long-lasting.
Section B is often the first step in your injury recovery. It buys time while you explore longer-term legal options for full compensation.
How Alberta’s Minor Injury Regulation May Affect You
Under the Minor Injury Regulation, Alberta limits the compensation available for pain and suffering if your injury is classified as “minor.” This includes:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD)
- Some psychological conditions
However, many injuries are initially classified as minor, only to later prove more complex or long-lasting. Section B benefits do not restrict your access based on MIR definitions—but the classification may impact your ability to recover damages in a lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether your injuries fall under the MIR—and how to challenge that classification if it’s unfair.
Why It’s So Important to Document Everything
One of the most important ways to protect your rights under Section B—and beyond—is to document every aspect of your injury and recovery.
That includes:
- Medical appointments
- Treatment recommendations
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Missed workdays
- Pain diaries or journals
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be—whether you’re dealing with an insurer, a denied claim, or a lawsuit against an at-fault driver.
What Happens If You Were a Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit by a Car?
You do not need to be in a vehicle to access Section B benefits. If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a vehicle insured in Alberta, you may still qualify for benefits under the driver’s Section B policy.
In these situations, the driver’s insurer becomes responsible for providing accident benefits to the injured party. However, because you are not the policyholder, insurers may be more hesitant to provide complete information or may dispute your entitlement.
It is essential to:
- Get the driver’s insurance information immediately at the scene
- Report the accident to the insurer as soon as possible
- Obtain medical attention and ensure your injuries are documented
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you assert your rights under the policy
Pedestrians and cyclists often sustain more severe injuries than drivers or passengers, making early access to Section B benefits critically important for treatment and recovery.
Can You Access Section B Benefits If You Are Self-Employed?
Yes—but the process may be more complex. If you’re self-employed, you may still qualify for disability benefits under Section B, provided you meet the work history criteria. However, proving your loss of income may require more documentation than a traditional employee.
To qualify:
- You must show that you were actively working at the time of the accident
- Or that you worked at least six of the last 12 months
- You’ll need to provide financial records, such as tax returns, invoices, or payment histories, to support your income loss
- A medical report must confirm that your injuries prevent you from performing your work duties
Self-employed individuals often need legal support to help package and submit this evidence properly. A lawyer can help streamline communication with the insurer and ensure all your losses are fully considered.
Can You Still Sue the At-Fault Driver If You Use Section B Benefits?
Accessing Section B benefits does not prevent you from suing the at-fault driver for additional compensation. These benefits are considered “no-fault” coverage, meaning they are available regardless of who caused the accident.
However, any benefits paid to you under Section B may be deducted from the total compensation you receive in a lawsuit. For example:
- If you sue for lost wages and have already received weekly benefits under Section B, those amounts may be subtracted from your final award
- This is done to avoid “double compensation” for the same losses
This is another reason why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury lawyer. They can ensure that your tort claim is structured properly and that your damages reflect the full scope of your loss—not just what’s covered by your Section B benefits.
How Section B Benefits Help Bridge the Gap Before a Lawsuit Settlement
Lawsuits can take months—or even years—to resolve. In the meantime, injured Albertans still need access to care, income support, and resources. Section B benefits serve as a critical financial bridge while your personal injury claim is ongoing.
For example:
- Weekly disability payments can provide some income during recovery
- Access to chiropractic care, physical therapy, and psychological treatment helps you heal
- Ongoing medical documentation strengthens your future lawsuit
Without Section B, many accident victims would be left to manage on their own while legal proceedings unfold. This benefit structure helps reduce stress and promote long-term recovery while your lawyer builds your larger claim.
Tips for Maximizing Your Section B Benefits
Navigating Section B isn’t always straightforward. Here are several tips to ensure you receive the maximum benefit available under your policy:
- Notify your insurer right away — the sooner you start the process, the better.
- Keep detailed records — track every appointment, receipt, treatment note, and missed day of work.
- Follow your doctor’s advice — insurers may cut off benefits if you fail to attend appointments or ignore medical instructions.
- Submit your paperwork carefully — triple-check forms and ensure your doctor and employer complete their sections thoroughly.
- Stay proactive — don’t wait for the insurer to chase you down; respond promptly and document every interaction.
- Don’t accept a denial at face value — if your claim is denied or benefits are prematurely ended, speak with a personal injury lawyer right away.
Being informed and organized can make a significant difference in the quality, duration, and scope of your Section B coverage.
How MNH Injury Lawyers Can Help You With Section B Claims
If you’re struggling to understand your Section B rights, facing delays from your insurer, or worried your benefits may be cut off too soon, MNH Injury Lawyers can help.
Our team works closely with injured individuals and their families across Alberta to:
- Ensure Section B paperwork is complete and accurate
- Communicate with insurers on your behalf
- Dispute unfair denials or premature benefit cutoffs
- Coordinate access to long-term medical and rehabilitation providers
- Evaluate whether additional compensation may be available through a tort claim
We understand Alberta’s insurance system inside and out—and we know how to push back when insurers make the process harder than it needs to be.
Section B benefits are your legal right. Let us help you protect them.
Looking for Help With Section B Benefits After a Car Accident?
You don’t need to fight the insurance company alone. Whether you’ve just been in an accident or your benefits have been denied, MNH Injury Lawyers is here to support you.
Call us today at (888) 664-5298 for a free consultation. We’re proud to help injured Albertans get the care, coverage, and compensation they deserve.
