Get money-saving tips in your inbox.

Stay on top of personal finance tips from our money experts!

News & Resources

Take the Quiz: Do You Know How to Report a Car Accident in Ontario?

June 24, 2021
5 mins
young woman examines damage to her vehicle after minor car crash

Unfortunately, good drivers aren’t immune to car accidents. Collisions can happen to the best of drivers, most often when they least expect it.

Whether due to slippery road conditions, a wild animal darting out in front of you, mistakes made by an inexperienced driver, or a run-in with an impaired motorist, there are many unforeseen risks on the roads. Thankfully, your car insurance can help cover the unanticipated costs of an accident. But first, you’ll need to report it.

Test your knowledge to see how well you know when to report a car accident and to whom in Ontario by taking our interactive quiz:

What to do if you have been in a car accident

If you have been in an accident, follow these next steps:

  • Don’t leave the scene and pull over as soon as it is safe.
  • Check to make sure no one is hurt. Call 9-1-1 if someone is injured and don’t move anyone who has been hurt.
  • When it is safe to do so, move your car off the roadway and out of traffic. If you can’t, turn on your hazard lights or set up flares.
  • Call the police if the damages to both vehicles total more than $2,000.
  • If it is safe to do so, document the damage with photographs and video if possible, and exchange information with the other driver(s).
  • Call your car insurance provider and file a claim.

Visit a collision reporting centre within 24 hours of the accident if directed to by the police or to self-report a minor collision. From there, you can work with your adjuster and your car insurance provider to navigate the claims process.

Hayley Osmond

Hayley Osmond is an editor and writer in the personal finance space, where she uses her eight years of media and marketing experience to bring content to life. She specializes in money products, including mortgages, home and auto insurance, and credit cards. Hayley holds a Broadcast Journalism diploma from Sheridan College and was awarded the Shaw Media Journalism and Media Award for graduating at the top of her class. Her work has appeared in Global News and diverse digital corporate training materials behind the scenes.

Hayley is passionate about making complex subjects, such as home buying and financial literacy, concise and intriguing. Her work has garnered media coverage from The Globe and Mail, blogTO, Yahoo! News, and CityNews 680 and has been syndicated across other publications.

Latest auto insurance articles

Higher car expenses leading more Canadians to make changes to their driving
A new survey from RATESDOTCA and BNN found that 37% of Canadian drivers are planning on making changes to their driving routines in order to cut costs.
6 mins read
Why your new car's headlights cost $6,500 more than your old car's headlights
Bought a car this year? You might be paying at least 23% more for repairs. Find out why.
6 mins read
Major or minor traffic conviction — What’s the difference?
Certain traffic convictions can influence the car insurance rate you get for years. How much convictions may cost you depends on the seriousness of the violation.
2 mins read

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay on top of our latest offers, relevant news and tips!

Thanks for joining!

You'll be hearing from us shortly - stay tuned.