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Suicide by motor vehicle exhaust is not an 'accident' for the purpose of statutory accident benefits.
The insured person committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in his parked car.
His widow applied for death and funeral benefits under his automobile insurance policy.
The insurer denied the claim on the basis that suicide is not an 'accident' under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.
The arbitrator found in favour of the widow, concluding that the definition of 'accident' in the Schedule was broad enough to include suicide.
On appeal, the Director's Delegate reversed the arbitrator's decision, holding that the definition of 'accident' restricts rather than expands the common law meaning, and does not include intentional acts such as suicide.
The appeal was allowed and the claim for benefits was dismissed.
