Three distinct streams under one tribunal: Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) disputes with auto insurers, AGCO licensing appeals (alcohol, cannabis, gaming, lottery), and driver's licence reinstatement under the Highway Traffic Act. Strict limitation periods on all three — file the LAT application early.
The License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) is the Ontario tribunal that resolves a wide range of regulatory disputes. The largest volume of files is in its Automobile Accident Benefits Service (AABS) stream — disputes between motor vehicle accident victims and their auto insurers over entitlement to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS): income replacement, medical and rehabilitation funding, attendant care, housekeeping, and treatment plan disputes.
The LAT also hears AGCO licensing appeals (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario — liquor sales licences, cannabis retail, gaming and lottery) and driver's licence reinstatement appeals under the Highway Traffic Act (medical suspensions, demerit-point suspensions, administrative driver's licence suspensions). Each stream has its own rules, evidence standards, and limitation periods. Two-year limit from the insurer denial for SABS; shorter limits for AGCO and HTA matters.
SABS disputes are the bulk of our LAT work. AGCO and HTA appeals come up less often but follow predictable LAT procedures and turn on documentary evidence and witness credibility.
Disputes with your auto insurer after an accident.
Liquor, cannabis, gaming, lottery, and HTA matters.
Realistic timelines: SABS files typically resolve 9–15 months from filing — many at Case Conference. AGCO and HTA appeals are usually quicker, 4–8 months to decision.
We read the insurer denial letter, AGCO Notice of Proposal, or Ministry licence suspension notice. We identify the issues in dispute and confirm the limitation: 2 years from the insurer denial for SABS, 15 days from an AGCO Notice of Proposal, 30 days for most HTA suspensions. Calendar the deadline first; everything else follows.
We file the LAT-AABS application (for SABS) or the General Service application (AGCO / HTA) via the LAT online portal. We pay the filing fee and serve the responding party. Case Conference is scheduled — that's the LAT's mandatory pre-hearing step.
Many SABS files settle at the Case Conference (a 60-90 minute video call with a Vice-Chair). The Vice-Chair canvasses the issues, narrows them, and explores settlement. If the parties don't settle, the Vice-Chair sets the hearing format — written, by video, or in person.
Hearings are typically by written submission for SABS technical disputes; by video for credibility-heavy disputes. AGCO and HTA hearings are usually oral. We prepare witnesses, draft submissions, and argue the case. Decisions issue in writing, typically 90 days after the hearing closes. Reconsideration on narrow grounds; judicial review at Divisional Court.
LAT files turn on documents and reports. We assemble the package early so submissions and any hearing are built on a complete record — not a scramble for evidence at the last minute.
Filing fees are reduced or waived in cases of demonstrated financial hardship — request a fee waiver at the time of filing. Note: in SABS files, the insurer is generally responsible for funding the cost of insurer-requested examinations and any reports they rely on. Costs are not generally awarded against either side at the LAT. See Tribunals Ontario — LAT ↗ for current fee schedules and rules.
Send us the denial letter or notice and a one-line description of the dispute. We'll come back within one business day with the limitation period, the issues, and the path forward.