For cyclists

You were hit while cycling. You're not on your own.

If a car hit you while cycling, you can claim Accident Benefits, even without owning a car. Notify your insurer within 7 days of the accident, or as soon as reasonably possible.

Free Case Review Call (647) 460-3430

The question most cyclists ask

Can I claim if I was on a bike and do not own a car?

Usually yes

✓You can claim through the insurer of the vehicle involved

✓If you have your own auto policy, you claim through your insurer first

✓This also applies to dooring and to accidents without direct contact, such as when a car swerves into your path

Not sure what coverage applies? Ask us, free and with no obligation.

As a cyclist

What your claim can cover

Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care are in every policy. For everything else, it depends on when your policy was bought, not when your accident happened.

When was your policy bought?

Your policy keeps the same Accident Benefits coverage.

Medical and rehabilitation benefitsCovered

Attendant careCovered

Income replacement or non-earner benefitsCovered

Visitor expenses and damaged personal itemsCovered

These benefits remain available under your policy, subject to eligibility.

Want us to confirm what your policy includes? Ask us

Policies bought before July 1, 2026 keep their coverage when renewed, unless you agree to changes in writing.

Situations we see with cyclists

On a bike, your coverage comes from auto policies

You have your own auto insurance policy

Your own auto insurer pays your Accident Benefits, even though you were on a bicycle.

You have no car insurance

You may be covered under another auto policy as a spouse, dependant, or listed driver. If no such coverage applies, you generally claim through the insurer of the vehicle involved.

The driver left the scene

Your own auto policy or another policy covering you may apply first. If no insurance is available, the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund may provide medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits to eligible Ontario residents.

What changed in 2026

Since July 1, 2026, optional benefits under the policy of the vehicle that hit you no longer automatically cover cyclists. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits remain available. Income replacement depends on whether you are covered under an auto policy that includes this benefit.

Common challenges for cyclists

Worth knowing before you deal with an insurer.

Being unfairly blamed for the accident

Difficulty proving injuries without immediate documentation

Limited awareness of available insurance coverage

Dooring and crashes without direct contact, such as swerving

Hit-and-run incidents with unidentified drivers

No win, no fee

Nothing upfront. Nothing until we win.

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How VIA Legal helps cyclists

Determines available coverage

Even when no vehicle made direct contact.

Helps document injuries

Physical and psychological, from day one.

Handles insurer communication

You're not negotiating alone.

Builds the full picture

So your claim reflects the real impact, not just the visible one.

Questions cyclists ask

What should I do if I was hit by a car while cycling in Ontario?

Get medical care first. Note the driver’s name, licence plate number and insurance details. Notify the appropriate auto insurer within 7 days of the accident, or as soon as possible. This may be your own insurer, another insurer covering you, or the insurer of the vehicle involved.

I was partly at fault. Can I still claim?

Yes. Accident Benefits are no-fault.

Does my bike need insurance?

No. Accident Benefits for cyclists come through auto insurance policies: your own, another policy covering you, or the policy of the vehicle involved.

Hit while cycling?

Free review, even if the driver left the scene.

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