⊸ Blog⊸ Reporting An Accident In Ontario

Apr 8, 2020

Find Out What To Do After An Accident

Car Accident Reports

So, you've just been in a car accident. Now what? If you've never been in an accident before, and many drivers haven't (thankfully), you may not know what to do next. Most are unsure about how to report car accidents in Ontario.

Do you call the police? Do you move your car or leave it where it is? Do you talk to the other driver? Do you fill out a car accident report? What about your insurer - should you call them?

There aren't many things more stressful than getting into a car accident. One out of three Canadians will be involved in a car accident sometime in their life – that's 33% of us. In a high anxiety situation like this, we often freeze up – not knowing what to do next.

But don't worry – this is why we are writing this article – to help you be prepared and know what to do, just in case you get into a car accident.

I've Just Been In An Accident. When To Report An Accident.

The first thing you need to know about car accidents is when to report an accident. Do you have to report a car accident? Should I report a minor car accident? Is it illegal to not report an accident? These are common questions drivers think about when reporting an accident.

When Do You Need To Report An Accident In Ontario?

When To Report A Car Accident In Ontario

By law in Ontario, if the damage exceeds $2000 (between both vehicles combined), you are required to file a police accident report There are other situations where you will be required to report an accident in Ontario, even if there is no damage. Here is when you need to report a car accident :

  • Damage $2000 or more : If the damage is greater than $2000 between both vehicles combined.
  • Injury : You must report the accident if someone is injured.
  • Government Vehicles : The accident involves a government vehicle.
  • No Insurance : If it involves a driver who is driving without car insurance.
  • Criminal Act : A criminal act occurs such as impaired, DUI, etc.
  • Pedestrian : The accident involved a pedestrian.
  • Property Is Damaged : Damage is caused to private or municipal property.

What Happens If You Don't Report A Car Accident Even If It's A Minor Accident?

It can be tempting to skip the accident reporting process and not involve the police or insurance, especially if you are in a minor accident. No one wants their insurance rates to increase because of an accident, especially a fender bender. This is why many drivers consider making a deal with the other driver and offer to pay out of pocket.

Convictions

Under the Highway Traffic Act, convictions for leaving the scene of a car accident in Ontario could include :

  • Fines : Fines range between $400 and $2000.
  • License Suspension : Your license could be suspended for up to 2 years.
  • Jail : You could face jail time depending on the severity of the accident.

Other Risks

There are many other risks associated with failure to report an accident to police and your insurance company.

  • The other driver could decide to report the accident to insurance : If this happens, your insurance company will be notified of the accident and you could risk having your insurance cancelled. This can also make you look guilty because you didn't file a claim.
  • The other driver could file a police report : You could then be charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
  • The other driver may do an about-turn and decide not to pay : You may be forced to pay for the damage, even if you were not at fault.
  • Injuries could arise after the fact : You will have to pay out of pocket for these medical expenses.
  • The damage could be more than $2000 : If this is the case, then you are required to file a police report.
  • The other driver could be conning you : You risk being a victim of insurance fraud and being taken advantage of by the other driver.

Plus, not reporting an accident can weigh on your mind and can have you second guessing yourself and wondering if the decision not to report an accident will come back and impact you in the future.

What Happens If Someone Hits You And They Don't Report It?

If someone hits your vehicle and they don't report the accident, they could be charged with "Leaving The Scene Of An Accident". Failure to file an accident report is very serious.

If you hit a vehicle and don't stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. The FSCO recommends this course of action :

"Call the police if anyone is injured, if the total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be more than $2,000, or you suspect that any of the other drivers involved are guilty of a Criminal Code offence (such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol). Follow the instructions given to you by the emergency operator. Police will arrive as soon as possible. Do not try to move anyone injured in the accident — you may aggravate their injuries.

If no one is injured and total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be less than $2,000, call a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours."

How Long Do I Have To Report An Accident In Ontario?

In Ontario, you should report any accident within 24 hours of it occurring. Even if the damage is minimal (less than $2000) and you decide not to file an insurance claim, you will have a record of the accident.

Can you report a car accident after 24 hours? If you have let 24 hours lapse, then you should report the accident immediately at your local accident reporting centre.

Do I Have To Report An Accident To My Insurance Company?

Many drivers make the incorrect assumption that this means you do not need to notify your insurance company if damage is less than the threshold. This is incorrect. Your car insurance policy states that you need to report all accidents, regardless of the amount of damage, even if you are paying for the repairs out of pocket.

Do I Have To Report An Accident In A Parking Lot?

Back into a car in the parking lot? Did your car get hit while you were in the store? An accident in a parking lot should be treated the same as an accident on a road. Use the same rules above to assess the situation and your need to file an accident report. Call your insurance company to notify them of the accident.

Steps To Take After You Have Been In A Car Accident

Remain Calm

This may seem obvious that it's not worth mentioning, but this is the most important thing for you to do. Remaining calm helps you keep your head clear so you can make the right decisions in the moment. Take a deep breath or two and collect yourself before doing anything.

Stay At The Scene Of The Accident

If you don't remain at the accident scene, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Make Sure You And Your Passengers Are Not Injured

Begin by checking yourself. Are you feeling pain? Can you move all your limbs? Ask other people in your car the same questions.

Move Your Vehicle To The Side Of The Road – If It's Safe

How many times has traffic slowed to a crawl because of vehicles remaining in active lanes on the road or highway? If you are sure it is safe, move your vehicle to the shoulder. DO NOT get out of your car in live lanes of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be moved, put on your hazard signals.

Check That The Driver And Passengers In The Other Vehicle Are Unharmed

What To Do When In A Car Accident In Ontario

Before checking your car, you want to be sure that everyone is unharmed. Once you have confirmed all parties are okay, check the damage of your vehicle. Take photos.

Call 911 Immediately If :

  1. Someone is injured in the accident.
  2. The damage to the vehicles exceeds $2000 between both vehicles.
  3. You think any of the drivers have committed a criminal offence (for example, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – DUI).

Call The Nearest Police Station For Accident Reporting Instructions

If none of the conditions above apply, you should call the closest police station for instructions on how to proceed with reporting the accident. Some police stations will dispatch officers, and others will advise you to go to the closest Collision Reporting Centre.

NOTE : If a police officer doesn't come to the accident, you are required to go to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.

Make Sure To Exchange Information With The Other Driver Involved

Before you leave the accident scene, make sure you exchange information with the other driver. Information you need to obtain includes :

  • Drivers license numbers
  • Drivers names and contact information
  • Insurance policy numbers
  • License plate numbers
  • Names of the car insurance companies
    •

Get an Accident Worksheet from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario website.

Write Down Information About Weather, Road Conditions Along With Time And Place Of The Accident As Soon As Possible

You want to be able to provide as much information about the conditions surrounding your accident as possible. The sooner you do this, the more likely it is that you will remember more details. This helps your broker or insurance company, and (if necessary) the police, to understand the circumstances around the car crash.

Call A Tow Truck If You Can't Drive Your Car

Many times, tow trucks will show up at the scene of the accident. If your car has been damaged so that you can't drive it, you will need to be towed to an accident reporting centre.

Be wise when you engage a tow truck's services. You've just been in an accident, and sometimes you are in a vulnerable state. Before a tow truck hooks up your car :

  • Ask how much the towing costs will be.
  • Have your vehicle towed to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre.
  • Don't sign anything without reading and understanding what you are signing.

According to the Toronto Police Services, "A flat rate of $166 plus tax or, $188 plus tax will be charged by the towing company depending on if the vehicle was towed from a street or, a highway."

You can get more detailed information on Tips for Avoiding Tow Truck Scams from FSCO.

If You Can, Drive To Or Call The Closest Collision Reporting Centre

How To Report A Car Accident

Find the centre nearest to your car crash on our collision reporting centre page. Or phone 416-808-2222 (in the GTA) to locate the Collision Reporting Centre nearest to you.

Fill Out A Full Accident Report

When you get to the Collision Reporting Centre, you will fill out a collision report. An officer will then check the damage against your report to determine if the damage they can see is consistent with your report.

Report Your Accident To Your Broker Or Insurance Company As Soon As You Can

Your broker or agent is there to help you. They will need some basic information about the accident to begin to process your insurance claim. Be ready to provide :

  • Insurance Policy Information : The policy owner's name and policy number.
  • Information On The Car : Have the year, make and model of your vehicle ready.
  • Details About The Accident : Provide all the information that you have written down or can remember.
  • Information About Car And Driver Of The Other Vehicle : Have on hand the other persons driver's license information, insurance info, license plate info.
  • Reporting Office Information : Have the name and badge of the reporting office if there was one.

All of this information will be on the form you fill out at the accident reporting centre.

Filing Police Reports For An Accident

There is a lot of misinformation out there about filing a police report after accidents. It is always a good idea to take precautions and call the police to find out whether or not you will be required to file a police report.

How To File A Police Report

Filing a police report in Ontario is fairly straightforward. You will be asked for specific information by a police officer at the scene or the accident reporting centre. Follow their instructions for filling out police report documentation.

Will The Police Come To The Scene Of The Accident?

It depends. Police may or may not come to the scene of an accident based on many factors including the amount of damage, if there are injuries, and the location of the accident. Call the police, and they will let you know if they are en route to the scene or if you should visit an accident reporting centre to file a police report for the accident.

Does Filing A Police Report Mean You Need To File An Insurance Claim?

Filing a traffic accident police report does not mean that you are required to file a car insurance claim for the accident. The police report is the record of the accident, and it will outline the details of what occurred. It can also help protect you because you don't know what the other driver may do or say after the accident.

What Is Included In Police Reports For Car Accidents?

Police Reports After An Accident

The information included in a police report for a car accident can vary based on the details of the accident, who filed the report, and where the report was filed. For example, a car accident police report at the scene will be different from the police report filed at a reporting centre.

The following information is typically included in a police accident report form :

  • Report Number : The police accident report reference number will be indicated.
  • Date and Location : The report will have the date and location details of the accident.
  • Accident Details : Photos of damage, location of damage, type of accident
  • Driver Information : Driver's license, insurance, ownership, contact information of all drivers involved.
  • Vehicle Information : Make and model of vehicles involved in the accident.
  • Statements : Statements of what witnesses and passengers saw.
  • Driver Statement : A statement of the events that led to the car accident from the driver's perspective.
  • Other Information : Any other information that may be relevant to the accident, such as road and weather conditions.

What Are The Benefits Of Filing A Police Report?

Here are some of the benefits of filing a police report after a car accident :

  • Reporting : You will have an accurate account of the car accident details. You will have a copy of your car accident police report form.
  • Legal Issues : You are protected if legal issues arise.
  • Proves Fault : It can help prove fault, and prove you are not at fault in an accident.
  • Protection : It helps protect you from a scam or insurance fraud.
  • Law : You may be legally required to file a car accident police report. Don't leave anything to chance.
  • Peace Of Mind : It provides you with peace of mind in knowing you did everything you could.

Do Police Reports Impact Insurance?

Contrary to popular belief, car accident police reports will not impact your insurance company's assessment of the car accident. It is up to your insurance provider to determine who is at fault for an accident and whether or not you will see an increase in your car insurance rates.

Learn more by reading At Fault Accidents and Insurance In Ontario.

What NOT To Do When You're In An Auto Accident

Now that you know what to do after a minor car accident, and understand the importance of reporting an accident and how to file a motor vehicle accident report, here are some things NOT to do after an auto accident :

  1. Stay Calm : Try to remain calm and not panic.
  2. Injured People : Do not move anyone who has been injured in the accident – this could aggravate their injuries.
  3. Don't Fight : Do not argue at the accident scene about the collision.
  4. Blame : Do not assume responsibility for any damage, or promise to pay for damages.
  5. Unauthorized Tow Trucks : Do not let an unauthorized tow truck driver pressure you to have your car towed.

What Happens After A Car Accident?

Review Your Insurance Policy

You should know exactly what you are covered for. While your insurance broker or company can provide you with this information, the claims process will be less stressful for you if you clearly understand what your specific policy will do for you. Read through your policy and understand your coverage limits.

Work With Your Claims Adjuster

Once your claim has been submitted, you will receive a call from one of your insurance company's Claims Adjusters. Your adjuster will review your policy with you so understand what you are covered for and which items your insurance company will compensate you for. Your claims adjuster can answer any questions you might have about the process.

If at any time you have questions that you want to get answered, reach out to your insurance broker or agent.

Being in a car accident is extremely stressful. Following these steps will not only help to ease your stress but also help to make sure that everyone is properly taken care of in the event of a collision.

How Does Your Insurance Company Assesses A Claim After An Accident?

Whenever there is a collision, someone is always considered to be 'at-fault' – fully or partially. Assessing at-fault accidents helps insurance companies determine accident coverage rates for each driver – which helps keep your premiums lower when you renew your policy.

Insurance companies use At-Fault Accident Determination Rules provided by FSCO. So that all accidents are assessed uniformly and fairly. Insurance companies have processes in place if you disagree with the claims assessment. Start by speaking with your claims adjuster and present any new information that you believe is important and has been overlooked.

Helpful Car Accident Information and Links

Collision Reporting Centre Locations
Accident Report Form
After An Auto Accident: Understanding The Claims Process (FSCO)

If you suspect that you may be a victim or target of a scam or fraud, you need to report it to the police immediately.

You can also file a report through FSCO's Insurance Fraud Hotline. Go to www.fsco.gov.on.ca/TipNow or call 1-855-5TIP-NOW.

You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).

Greater Toronto Area – Numbers To Call To Report An Accident

Durham : 905-668-4157 (Ajax, Pickering, Whitby)
Barrie : 705-725-7025 (also for Bolton, Alliston, Beeton)
Belleville : 613-966-1834
Brampton, Mississauga : 905-453-2121
Mississauga 12 Division : 905-453-3311
Burlington : 905-331-0233
Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo : 519-653-7700 ext. 8786
Guelph : 519-829-4444
Hamilton Central : 905-521-1600
Hamilton East : 905-560-0510
Milton : 905-636-3100
Oakville : 905-825-4640
Scarborough : 416-808-2222
Toronto : 416-808-2222

How To Report An Accident In York Region

Aurora, Newmarket : All collisions must be reported at the scene in Aurora. Call 911 and wait at your car.

King City, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Woodbridge : 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7700

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A Guide to the Ontario Graduated Driver's Licensing System
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A Simple To Follow Guide For How To Buy A Used Car
Average Car Insurance In Ontario

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