Being involved in a car accident can be stressful, even when the damage appears minor. Knowing what to do next—and what’s legally required in Ontario—can help protect your safety, your insurance coverage, and your finances.
This guide walks you through the steps to take after an auto accident, based on how serious the situation is.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
Your safety always comes first. Immediately after an accident:
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
- Call 911 right away if anyone is injured, even slightly.
- If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
Never leave the scene of an accident.
Step 2: Determine the Severity of the Accident
In Ontario, what you must do next depends on:
- Whether anyone is injured
- The total estimated damage
- Whether other vehicles or property are involved
Scenario 1: Minor Accident
No injuries and minimal damage (under $5,000)
This may include parking lot bumps, minor scrapes or dents, or single-vehicle incidents.
What to do:
- Take photos of the scene and any damage
- Exchange information if another vehicle is involved
- Report the accident to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
- Notify your insurance broker as soon as possible
Even when police involvement isn’t required, it’s still important to report minor accidents. Damage can end up being more costly than expected, and your broker can help you understand whether the incident is rateable and whether a claim makes sense after considering your deductible.
NOTE: If you’re unsure where your nearest Collision Reporting Centre is, call the local police department. In some jurisdictions, you are required to have the damaged vehicle taken to the CRC.
Scenario 2: Moderate Accident
No injuries, but total damage may exceed $5,000
This often includes fender-benders with visible damage or collisions involving more than one vehicle.
What to do:
- Take clear photos of all vehicles and the scene
- Exchange full driver and vehicle information
- Report the accident to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours
- Notify your broker as soon as possible
Calling 911 isn’t necessary unless traffic is blocked or there’s an immediate safety concern.
Scenario 3: Serious Accident
Injuries, major damage, or criminal concerns
This applies if anyone is injured (even minor injuries), the accident involves government or commercial vehicles, damage is clearly over $5,000, or there are concerns such as impaired or aggressive driving.
What to do:
- Call 911 immediately
- Do not move vehicles unless instructed by police
- Cooperate fully with responding officers
- Contact your broker as soon as possible
Step 3: Gather Information at the Scene
Regardless of severity, collecting accurate information is critical.
Take photos and /or video of:
- All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
- Licence plates
- Close-ups of damage
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- The surrounding area
Collect from other parties:
- Driver’s name and contact information
- Driver’s licence number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and licence plate
- Witness names and contact details, if available
Using your phone to take notes right away can help prevent details from being forgotten.
Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Broker
Always notify your insurance broker, even if:
- The accident was minor
- You don’t plan to make a claim
- It was a single-vehicle incident
Why is is important to notify to your broker?
Your broker can help:
- Determine whether the accident is at-fault or not-at-fault
- Explain if it’s a rateable accident
- Review deductible considerations
- Compare insurance repairs versus paying out of pocket
Step 5: Understand the Insurance Impact
Knowing how an accident may affect your insurance can help you make informed decisions.
Key considerations include:
Deductibles:
- If repair costs are close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may be an option.
- Your broker can help compare costs.
Rateable accidents:
- At-fault accidents may impact your premium.
- Not-at-fault accidents typically do not affect rates.
Single-vehicle accidents:
- Often considered at-fault.
- Still worth reviewing before submitting a claim.
Final Takeaway
When in doubt:
- Document everything
- Report the accident
- Talk to your broker before deciding to make a claim
A quick conversation can help you avoid unnecessary costs and unexpected surprises later on.
Download our Guide
We’ve created a handy guide for what to do if you’ve been in a vehicle accident in Ontario. Download the PDF, and either keep it on your phone, or print it off and keep it in your car for handy reference.