How to Report a Car Accident or Collision in Ontario

In Ontario, the process is streamlined through various collision reporting centres. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, covering when to report an accident, how long you have to report it, what to do if someone hits your car, how to make an insurance claim, and the timeline for filing that claim. Understanding the accident reporting process can help you navigate this challenging situation more effectively.

When to Report an Accident

In Ontario, you are required to report an auto accident to the police if it meets certain criteria. Specifically, you must report the collision if:

• There are any injuries or fatalities.
• There is damage to any vehicle or property exceeding $2,000.
• The accident involves a criminal code offence such as impaired driving or leaving the scene of the accident.
• There is damage to any private, municipal or highway property.
• An uninsured driver is involved.
• A government vehicle is involved.
• A pedestrian or cyclist is involved. 

If the accident is minor (with damage below $2,000 and no injuries), you do not need to call the police to the scene. Instead, you should visit the nearest collision reporting centre to file a report. Regardless of the severity, it is always a good idea to collect as much information as possible from the scene.

How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident?

When reporting an accident in Ontario, you generally have 24 hours to report a collision to the nearest collision reporting centre. However, if you are unable to report within this timeframe due to injury or other serious circumstances, ensure you do so as soon as possible once you are able. Delays beyond 24 hours can complicate the accident reporting process and may affect your insurance claim.

What to Do if Someone Hits Your Car:

If you are involved in an auto accident where another vehicle hits your car, follow these steps:

1. Remain Calm: Assess the situation calmly and ensure everyone's safety.
   
   
2. Check for Injuries: Make sure no one is hurt. If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately.
   
   
3. Move to Safety: If it is safe and possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safer location. Use hazard signals to alert other drivers.
   
   
4. Exchange Information: Collect the following information from the other driver:
   - Name and contact information
   - Driver's license number
   - Insurance information (company, policy number)
   - Vehicle details (make, model, license plate number)
   
   
5. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, any damage, road conditions, and weather conditions. Note the time and location of the accident.
   
   
6. Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
   
   
7. Contact Police: If the damage exceeds $2,000 or there are any injuries, call the police and file a report.
   
   
8. Visit a Collision Reporting Centre: If the police do not attend the scene, go to the closest collision reporting centre within 24 hours to report the accident.

How to Make an Insurance Claim on a Car Accident

Once you have reported the accident, you will need to make an insurance claim. Here is how to navigate the claims process:

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Provide them with all the details you have gathered.
   
   
2. Submit the Police Accident Report Form: If the police were involved, submit a copy of the police accident report form to your insurance company.
   
   
3. Visit a Collision Reporting Centre: Submit a collision report if you haven't already done so. The centre will provide you with a damage report.
   
   
4. Insurance Adjuster: Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle and determine the next steps.
   
   
5. Repair Estimates: Obtain repair estimates from authorized repair shops as directed by your insurance company.
   
   
6. Claims Process: Follow the claims process outlined by your insurance provider, including any required documentation and inspections.
   
   
7. Settlement: Once the claim is processed, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs or the vehicle's market value if it is a total loss.

How Long Do You Have to Make an Insurance Claim?

While it is best to initiate the claims process as soon as possible, Ontario's statutory conditions typically give you up to seven days to notify your insurance provider about the accident. However, check your specific policy for any variations in this timeframe. Delaying beyond this period can risk denial of your claim.

Who Pays the Deductible after a Car Accident in Ontario?

Your car insurance policy may have a deductible, which is the portion of the covered loss a driver is required to pay out of pocket. For instance, if you have an insurance policy with a $500 deductible and your car requires $2,000 worth of insurance repairs, you’ll pay the first $500, and your insurance company will pay the remaining $1,500.

Generally, customers can choose the deductible rate that works best for their insurance needs, with higher deductibles lowering insurance rates but putting drivers on the hook for more of the cost of a covered loss.

Ontario’s no-fault insurance system means your insurance company pays out your claim, whether you’re found at fault or not. Your insurance company handles your claim for you, rather than wasting time and money dealing with the other motorist’s insurance company. Your claim is handled by your insurance company, not somebody else’s.

If you’re not at fault in an Ontario accident, who pays the insurance deductible?

According to the Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan, there’s no simple answer, but rather, some factors to consider.

Though exceptions exist, not at fault claims typically fall under your insurance policy’s Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) coverage, which usually has a $0 deductible anyways. Translation? In many not at fault accidents, there’s no deductible to pay.

In other cases where you do pay the deductible, your insurance company can try to get payment from the at-fault motorist’s insurance company for you. Contact your insurance company for the full scoop as it relates to the specifics of your accident.

How to dispute a car accident fault in Ontario

If you’re involved in a car accident, you may be found partially, or completely, at fault by your insurance company. This depends on the type of accident and the circumstances surrounding it. The determination of fault has implications on your insurance rates after an accident.

Is it an at-fault or not-at-fault car accident?

At-fault accidents include rear-ending another vehicle, or encountering ‘black ice’ in wintertime and sliding off of the roadway. In both of these types of accidents (and many others), the driver is deemed to be at fault. 

Not-at-fault accidents include being hit by another driver while parked or at a stop sign, or a collision with an animal.

Fault Determination Rules and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)

Fault is determined using a pre-set list of guidelines which apply to a wide range of accident situations. These are called Fault Determination Rules, and they’re basically compiled in a guide used by insurance companies to determine how to assign fault to the drivers in an accident. This pre-set list of rules ensures that all drivers are treated fairly and subjected to the same list of rules and determinations when fault is being assigned.

Whether or not you’re found at fault after an accident can have implications on your insurance rates. According to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), drivers who feel they’ve been found at fault wrongfully, or who feel that the decision doesn’t accurately reflect the circumstances of their accident, should speak to the claims adjuster handling their file and to ask which of the Fault Determination Rules were used in their case.

The FSRA says that insurance companies are unlikely to revise their fault decisions unless new information or evidence is provided that could alter their decision. If your insurance company still refuses to change their fault decision, contact a complaint officer to guide you through your insurance company’s specific complaint-handling procedure.

How long does car accident stay on record in Ontario?

A government driving record or abstract contains information about a driver and their driver’s licence. It contains information about the driver, demerit point totals, convictions and suspensions and more. Both three and five-year records are available.

These records are one of the tools an insurance company looks at when setting your rates. Another is your insurance history report, which allows insurers to look back at your insurance history, vehicles, claims, accidents and more. 

An Ontario car accident can stay on record from 3 to 6 years

Though each insurance company has different policies and procedures, drivers can generally expect an accident to stay on their record from 3 to 6 years. Though an accident can increase your insurance rates, these will typically fall over time if you steer clear of any additional accidents being added to your record.

The longer your driving record is accident free, the less you’ll typically pay for insurance.

Additional Tips and Common Questions

What If My Vehicle Needs to Be Towed?

If your vehicle is not drivable, you may need to get it towed. Contact a towing company or use the one suggested by the police or your insurance provider. Ensure the tow truck takes your vehicle to a location approved by your insurance company or a collision reporting centre.

What Happens If I Don’t Report the Accident?

Failing to report an accident that meets the reporting criteria can result in fines, license suspension, and complications with your insurance claims. It is crucial to follow the proper accident reporting process to avoid these issues.

Can I Report the Accident Online?

Some jurisdictions may allow you to start the reporting process online, but you will typically need to visit a collision reporting centre to complete the report. Check with your local accident reporting centre for specific instructions.

What If I Am Charged with a Criminal Code Offence?

If you are charged with a criminal code offence such as impaired driving, it is important to seek legal advice immediately. A criminal charge can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension, fines, and even imprisonment. Cooperate with law enforcement and follow legal procedures carefully.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured?

If you are injured in an accident, prioritize your health and seek medical attention immediately. Report your injuries to your insurance company as part of your claim. You may be entitled to additional benefits such as medical expenses and loss of income under your insurance policy.

How Do Collision Reporting Centres Work?

Collision reporting centres are facilities where drivers involved in minor collisions can report the incident and document the damage without police presence. These centres provide a convenient way to complete the collision report and often offer additional services such as towing assistance and repair shop referrals. Visit the closest collision reporting centre within 24 hours of the accident to file your report.

How many car accidents are there per day in Ontario?

The Ministry of Transportation’s latest Ontario Road Safety Annual Report examines preliminary fatality and injury data from the 2021 Ontario Collision Database. The report says that in 2021, there were over 23,000 fatal and personal injury collisions in Ontario, involving nearly 43,000 vehicles. 

The report says that 341 drivers were killed, followed by 108 pedestrians and 78 passengers. According to tests.ca and Ontario.ca, one person is injured in a distracted-driving collision every 30 minutes in Ontario. This data is a good indicator of the frequency of more serious accidents with injuries or deaths, where a 911 call is required. 

The most common contributing factors to fatal collisions in Canada include distraction and speeding, with the 25-34 age group being the most likely to be involved.

Conclusion

Reporting a car accident in Ontario involves several critical steps, from immediate actions at the scene to filing a claim with your insurance provider. Understanding when and how to report an accident, what to do if someone hits your car, and how to navigate the insurance claims process will help you manage the situation effectively. Always collect as much information as possible, follow the proper procedures, and remain calm throughout the process. By doing so, you can ensure a smoother resolution and protect your rights as a driver.