Care First: Understanding What's Changing
Alberta auto insurance · Effective January 1, 2027
Alberta’s auto insurance system is changing on January 1, 2027, with the introduction of Care First. The new system focuses on helping people injured in automobile accidents get the care, treatment and support they need, while introducing changes to how auto insurance premiums are calculated.
At Millennium Insurance, we understand that changes to your insurance can raise questions about your coverage, your premium and what happens if you’re involved in an accident. We’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for you.
Injury benefits
The new Care First benefits framework applies to eligible accidents occurring on or after January 1, 2027.
Premium Changes
Your Care First premium will be reflected in your next policy renewal. Your premium may increase or decrease depending on a number of factors such as driving history, vehicle and coverages.
No new policy needed
Your Millennium auto insurance policy remains valid. You do not need to purchase a new policy because of Care First.
Understanding Care First
What is changing and why?
What is Care First and why is Alberta changing its auto insurance system?
Care First is Alberta’s new auto insurance system, designed to help people injured in automobile accidents access treatment, rehabilitation and financial support more quickly. The changes aim to reduce the need for lengthy legal proceedings and make auto insurance more sustainable and affordable over time.
When does Care First take effect?
Care First takes effect on January 1, 2027. The new injury benefits framework will apply to eligible accidents occurring on or after that date. Changes to your Millennium auto insurance premium will take effect at your next policy renewal.
Is Care First the same as no-fault insurance?
Care First is a care-focused insurance system. This means eligible people injured in an automobile accident can access injury benefits without first having to prove who caused the accident. However, this does not mean drivers are no longer responsible for accidents they cause.
Does fault still matter under Care First?
Yes. Drivers remain accountable for accidents they cause. An at-fault accident may affect your future insurance premium, and serious driving offences may have additional legal consequences. However, fault generally does not determine whether an eligible injured person can access Care First injury benefits.
What Care First means for you
Your policy, coverage and protection
Will my existing Millennium auto insurance policy remain valid?
Yes. Your existing Millennium auto insurance policy remains valid. You do not need to cancel your policy or purchase a new one because of Care First. The new injury benefits framework will apply to eligible accidents from January 1, 2027, while premium changes will be reflected at your next renewal.
How will Care First change my coverage and benefits if I am injured?
Care First provides expanded support for people injured in automobile accidents. Depending on your injuries and eligibility, benefits may include medical treatment, rehabilitation, income replacement and additional support for serious or permanent injuries. Eligible medical and rehabilitation treatment can continue for as long as it is needed to support your recovery, without the previous two-year limit. Your benefits will depend on your individual circumstances and the applicable Care First rules.
What happens if my policy renews after January 1, 2027?
Your policy will be renewed in 2027 using Millennium’s applicable Care First rates. Your premium may increase or decrease depending on your individual rating factors, including your driving history, vehicle and coverage. You’ll see your updated premium in your renewal documents before your new policy term begins.
Can I still take legal action after an accident under Care First?
Care First limits the circumstances in which someone can sue for injuries caused by an automobile accident. Instead, eligible injured people can access care and compensation through the insurance benefits system. Legal action may still be permitted in certain circumstances, including where an at-fault driver is convicted of specified serious driving offences or where certain losses exceed available benefits. The applicable law will determine whether a legal claim can proceed.
What happens if I disagree with a decision about my care or benefits?
We understand how important it is to have clear answers when you’re recovering from an injury. If you disagree with a decision about your Care First benefits, you can request a review of that decision. If the matter remains unresolved, you may be able to appeal to Alberta’s independent Automobile Care First Tribunal. Our Claims team can explain the review process and the steps available to you.
Your premium
Understanding what you may pay
Will Care First change my auto insurance premium?
Your premium may increase or decrease when your policy renews. The amount will depend on factors such as your driving history, vehicle, coverage and the applicable rating rules. Care First does not guarantee a premium reduction for every customer. Any change to your premium will be shown in your renewal documents.
What is happening to Alberta’s Grid rating system?
Alberta’s Grid rating system, which currently sets a maximum premium for certain basic auto insurance coverages, will be removed on January 1, 2027. With the Grid removed, your premium at renewal will be calculated using Millennium’s applicable approved rates rather than a comparison with the Grid premium. This may result in an increase or decrease, depending on your policy.
Will Millennium review my policy as part of the transition to Care First?
Yes. We’re preparing our systems, rates, and processes for the transition to Care First.
When your policy comes up for renewal, your premium will be calculated using Millennium’s approved Care First rates and the rating factors that apply to your policy. Because every policy is different, your premium may increase or decrease. You’ll see your updated premium in your renewal documents, giving you an opportunity to review it before your new policy term begins.
What do I need to do?
Your next steps and where to get help
Do I need to do anything before January 1, 2027?
No. You do not need to take any action solely because Care First is being introduced. Your existing policy remains in place. We encourage you to keep your policy information up to date and review your renewal documents when you receive them.
What should I do if I’m involved in an accident after January 1, 2027?
Your safety comes first. Check for injuries, call emergency services if needed and seek medical attention. When it is safe, exchange information with other people involved and document the accident. Report the accident to Millennium as soon as possible. Our Claims team will help explain the next steps and guide you through the applicable claims and benefits process.
Where can I find more information or get help with my Millennium policy?
For more information about Alberta’s Care First reform, visit the Government of Alberta or the Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) websites.
If you have questions about your policy, coverage, premium or renewal, please contact our Customer Service team through Millennium’s official contact channels.
Learn more about Care First
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
We know insurance changes can bring uncertainty. If you have questions about your policy or upcoming renewal, our team is ready to help you understand your options.