How to file a car insurance claim after a collision

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Getting in a car accident can be stressful, and navigating the next steps may feel overwhelming. Fortunately, your insurance provider is there to help you file a claim.

If a collision occurs, you must notify your insurance company within seven days of the accident. Failing to do so can result in your claim being denied.

Your auto policy will also cover damages based on your coverage. For example, if you have optional collision coverage, it will pay for damage to your vehicle. However, if you are found at fault, you’ll need to pay a deductible before your insurer covers the rest. If you’re not at fault and Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) applies, you typically won’t pay a deductible.

Important update: 

As of January 1, 2024, DCPD coverage is optional in Ontario. Opting out via the OPCF 49 endorsement can lower premiums but means you can’t claim damages from your insurer for not-at-fault collisions, leaving you to cover repair or replacement costs. This may not be allowed for leased or financed vehicles, as lenders often require DCPD.

Above all, stay calm and ensure everyone’s safety after an accident. When it’s time to file a claim, many insurers offer online or mobile app options. Here are some tips to simplify the process. 

Step 1: Check for injuries and call the police if required

Always report a collision to the police if someone is injured, if the damage to both vehicles is more than $5,000, or if you suspect a driver may be guilty of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving.  

You are also required to call the police if the collision involves a pedestrian or cyclist, a government vehicle, an uninsured driver, an unlicensed driver, or if there is damage to private or public property.

For minor collisions under $5,000, you must still exchange information and report to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if required. Always document the scene and ensure everyone is safe before moving vehicles out of traffic. 

Step 2: Take notes and pictures to file an auto claim

Document details of the collision, including where and when it happened.  

• Details to capture: Date, time, location, weather conditions, and a description of the incident.
• Photos and videos to take: Capture vehicle damage, license plates, and the overall scene.
• Information to collect:  
  • Insurance policy number.
  • Names, contact details, and driver’s license numbers of all involved drivers.
  • Vehicle details (year, make, model, license plate numbers).
  • Police officer’s name or collision report number (if applicable).
  • Your insurance policy number
  • A description of the collision, including the weather conditions
  • The names and driver’s licence numbers of all drivers involved
  • The year, make, and model of the vehicles involved, and their licence plate numbers
  • The police officer’s information or the corresponding collision report number, if applicable

Do not admit fault or accept cash offers at the scene. Fault is determined by your province’s fault determination rules. Accepting cash or agreeing to "forget" the collision could void your insurance policy.

Read more: What do accident benefits in Ontario cover? 

Step 3: Notify your insurance provider and discuss repairs

If your car requires repairs, ask your insurance company if it has a list of preferred repair shops in your area. Sometimes insurance companies have partnerships with repair shops that make processing the claim and getting your car repaired faster.

Key questions to ask:

• Does the insurer cover all repair costs upfront?
• How are supplemental repairs handled if additional damage is discovered?
• Are there any restrictions on repair shop choices?

Related: Your car may be worth less after an accident: Learn about diminished value 

Step 4: Inspect and finalize repairs to your vehicle

After your vehicle is fixed, inspect the repair work at the auto shop and get a receipt that details all the work they completed. Make sure that the name and address of the shop are on the receipt. You might need to submit the invoice to your car insurance provider.

Learn more: How a car accident affects your insurance premium 

Additional considerations

Many provinces now offer digital collision reporting tools, allowing you to report minor accidents online. This can save time and streamline the process, especially for incidents that don’t require immediate police involvement.

If your vehicle is undrivable, having rental car coverage as part of your policy can be invaluable. This ensures you have access to transportation while your car is being repaired, reducing inconvenience during the claims process.

For those with leased or financed vehicles, ‘gap Insurance’ is a critical optional coverage to consider. It protects you from financial loss if your vehicle is written off and its value is less than what you owe on the lease or loan.  

Without this coverage, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for the difference.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can navigate the aftermath of a collision more effectively and minimize financial and logistical stress.

Read next: What is an auto insurance grace period?