If you never get into a car accident, you will never report one. However, if the opposite is true, you’ll have to. Since you typically don’t get into a car accident daily, you might wonder what to do when it happens. Yes, you’re supposed to report the accident, but how do you do it? Is it necessary to report all car accidents?
Common car accidents are stressful, especially if they injure you or damage your vehicle. However, making a car insurance claim is an easy way to increase your premiums. However, you should take some time to think clearly after getting into an accident. You will likely have many questions, including:
Let BrokerLink answer these questions and many more in our comprehensive guide. Here’s what you need to know about reporting a car accident in Ontario.
Reporting a car accident in Ontario
When a car accident occurs, you will probably wonder who to call first. The answer to this question varies depending on the severity of the accident. If people are injured or the accident has caused a hazardous situation such as a fire, call 911 to request an ambulance or other emergency personnel. You should not attempt to move the injured person or touch anything dangerous, such as live wires.
If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, you should still contact your local police department or report the accident to the nearest collision reporting centre. Call your broker before submitting a claim directly to your insurance company. Your broker will help you review coverage options, offer guidance, and walk you through the process of filing an insurance claim. Your broker can also help you find the nearest collision reporting centre or arrange a tow to a nearby repair facility.
When you have to report an accident to your insurance company
The requirements for reporting an accident will vary depending on the severity of the incident, including the extent of injuries suffered and property damage that occurred. Sometimes, you will have to call the police to make a police accident report form right away. Other times, you can report the accident to your insurance company and a collision reporting centre once things at the accident scene have been taken care of. Sometimes, you do not have to report an accident at all.
The steps of reporting a car accident
If you are involved in a car accident, there are a few essential steps to follow. This standard procedure can help ease your worries. Understanding this is essential because you never know when you could get into a car accident. Here’s what you need to know:
Report the accident to the police
In some cases, you are required to immediately report an accident to the police. After you make a report, the police will come directly to the scene. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, you have to file a police report:
- Someone has been killed or injured in a car crash in Ontario
- There is damage to public or private property
- At least one of the drivers appears intoxicated
- The accident involves a cyclist or pedestrian
- At least one of the drivers is unlicensed or uninsured
Lastly, you must report an accident to the police if the total amount of damage is estimated to be over $2,000. However, depending on the circumstances, the police won’t always arrive on the scene.
Report the accident to a collision reporting centre
If none of the previously mentioned situations apply, you do not have to call the police. However, if the combined damage of the value is estimated to be over $2,000, you will have to report the accident to your insurance broker or the nearest collision reporting centre.
How long do you have to report an accident in Ontario? In Ontario, you are required by law to make a police report about the accident to the nearest collision reporting centre within 24 hours of the accident.
If an accident happens outside normal business hours, you should take your car to a collision reporting centre the following morning. If the car is undrivable, have it towed to a centre. You have to use the centre closest to where the accident happened. If you are unsure about which centre to use, contact your insurance broker or local police department.
A collision reporting centre is where drivers go to report a car accident in Ontario. There are 30 of these centres in cities throughout the province. Their purpose is to provide a convenient place to report an accident. Reporting centres also free up police officers for other duties. When you visit the collision reporting centre, you will need to bring the following information with you:
- Driver’s licence number
- Contact information, including your name, address and phone number
- Car insurance information, including your policy number
- Vehicle information, including the make and model of your vehicle and licence plate number
- Details of the accident
Report the accident to your insurance broker
During minor accidents, you might wonder if you have to make a report at all. The answer is always yes when it comes to your insurance broker. Your insurance broker is a licensed professional who can review your coverage and discuss your options. If the total damage to all vehicles involved in the accident is less than $2,000, you do not have to report the accident to your insurance company or file a claim. However, there may be reasons why this is a good idea, and your broker can guide you with your decision.
If you do have to contact your insurance company, your broker will walk you through the claims process. This includes answering any questions you may have, reviewing your coverage options, and transferring you directly to a claims adjuster if you decide to make an insurance claim.
If an accident occurs after-hours and it’s an emergency, the majority of insurance companies have a 24-hour emergency claim service. If required, you can find your provider’s emergency claim number in our BrokerLink Insurance Centre. Making your first collision report can be overwhelming. If you have any doubts about reaching out to your insurance provider, contact your broker first.
If you don’t report an accident in Ontario
All car insurance policies in Ontario require you to report any accidents with damages exceeding $2,000 or any situations mentioned earlier. Some people hesitate to make a collision report because they worry that car accidents will affect their driving record. Another common fear is the insurance provider increasing insurance premiums because of the car accident.
Failing to report a car accident can have severe consequences. Your insurance company can cancel or refuse to renew your policy at the end of the term, even if you have multiple auto insurance policies. Failing to remain at an accident scene is also a criminal code offence. You have to stay and exchange information with the other driver to prove fault. Otherwise, you will face higher insurance rates, fines or, in some cases, jail time. If you are involved in a hit-and-run car accident, uninsured automobile insurance can help.
What to do if you’re injured in a car accident
If you or any drivers involved are injured due to the car accident, contact the police immediately. We also recommend calling your insurance company after a minor car accident, especially if injuries were sustained. The most common types of injuries caused by car accidents include sprained or broken bones, brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, chest injuries, shoulder injuries, bruising, scrapes, cuts, burns, lacerations, scarring, and back and spinal cord trauma.
You should try to remain calm whether you discover any type of injury during or after the accident. Pull over to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. Examine yourself and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Once emergency services are on their way, you can exit your vehicle if it’s safe. Look for any signs of damage. You can also check on the other driver to confirm they are safe if applicable. If the other driver is injured, you should not remove them from their vehicle.
Once emergency services arrive, ensure everyone who’s injured receives medical attention. If you are unsure whether or not you are injured, get checked out just in case. Depending on the circumstances of the auto accident and the extent of the injuries, you can file an insurance claim under the accident benefits coverage portion of your policy. It will help you pay for medical expenses if required.
Sometimes, you might have to call a tow truck to remove your vehicle from the scene before you can go home. Contact BrokerLink for more information on whether insurance covers towing in Canada.
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Explaining a police accident report form
In certain situations, you are legally required to report car accidents to the police. You should also know how to report a car accident to a police officer. So, what’s included in a police report? Let us explain below:
Police report number
All police accident reports are assigned a unique number. This makes it easier to review cases later on.
Date, time, and location of the car accident
The police report will include basic details, such as the date, time, and location of the accident.
Accident details
The goal of a police report is to show the extent of the damage. This is done by containing as many accident details as possible. Details are sometimes written down, but they are more evident in photos. Specific details frequently include the property damage and bodily injuries that resulted from the accident.
Driver information
The police report lists the driver’s licence numbers, insurance company names, insurance policies, and contact information of all drivers involved in the car accident.
Vehicle information
The police report also has a record of all vehicles involved in the accident reporting process. This includes the make, model, and year of the vehicles.
Witness statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, such as passengers or pedestrians, their statements will be included in the police report.
Driver statements
Each driver involved can issue a statement about what they believe led to the collision. Both statements will be included in the police report.
Additional information
The police report may also contain additional information. Details about the road conditions or weather at the time of the accident may also be present if the authorities deem them relevant.
It’s important to remember that police reports often vary depending on the jurisdiction and law enforcement agency. As a result, information can differ depending on where you get into an accident.
The impact filing a police report after an accident has on your car insurance rates
Your Toronto car insurance rates may increase after a car accident, especially if you admit fault. However, exceptions exist. Shared liability is possible in Ontario, but one driver is always considered more at fault than the other. If you are considered at fault, your insurance premiums may increase the next time your policy is renewed. The only exception to this rule is if you have accident forgiveness coverage, which prevents your rates from increasing following your first at-fault accident. Additionally, if you report an accident and are not deemed at fault, your insurance company will likely keep your rates the same.
However, it should be noted that whether a police report is filed or not doesn’t affect your car insurance rates. If you call the police after an at-fault accident, your rates will go up the same way as they would if you hadn’t called the police.
Lowering your car insurance rates after getting into an accident
Your car insurance rates will likely increase after going through the accident reporting process at your local accident reporting centre. As previously mentioned, this is mainly if you are found to be at fault. That said, we have compiled a list of ways to get your insurance company to reduce your rates below:
Go to driving school
Enrolling in a nearby professional driving program allows you to learn safe driving tips and become a better, more responsible driver. Your insurance company may offer you a discount if you show proof of graduating from a driver’s education or defensive driving program in your province. You can also lower your insurance premiums by checking out our article on 5 ways to save on your car insurance.
Add accident forgiveness coverage to your car insurance plan
Adding accident forgiveness to your no-fault insurance plan saves you money because it prevents your rates from going up after your first at-fault accident. Having this type of coverage stops your insurance provider from raising your premiums after your first at-fault accident.
Drive less
Reducing how much you drive can also save you money on car insurance. Low-mileage car insurance can significantly reduce your premiums. Spending less time on the road makes you less likely to get into an accident. It also will lead to fewer car insurance claims. Learn more about how many car insurance claims per year by contacting BrokerLink.
Reach out to the experienced insurance brokers from BrokerLink!
Road accidents can happen when you least expect them. So, you must take extra precautions when driving or crossing the street and ensure you have the right insurance coverage!
If you’re looking for car insurance, BrokerLink is here to help! First, we will let you know which documents are required for car insurance. Then, our brokers can answer any questions, get you multiple quotes instantly and ensure you have the coverage you need at a great price. Contact us today by phone, online or in person at one of our local branches.
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Ontario car accident reporting process FAQs
Can I report a car accident after 24 hours in Ontario?
You have 24 hours to report a car accident to the Collision Reporting Center in Ontario. Damages above $2,000 need to be reported immediately, as Ontario law requires.
Do I have to report a minor car accident in Ontario?
Report minor car accidents to the Collision Reporting Center in Ontario. If the accident leads to massive damages and deaths, you must report it to the police.
How long after an accident can you make a claim in Ontario?
According to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, you must file a claim within seven days.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
