If you find yourself here, reading this, it likely means you’ve recently been involved in a minor car accident.
While this can be a distressing situation, especially if you’ve never experienced it before, this article should help. You’ll not only find step-by-step instructions on what to do after a minor car accident in Ontario, but answers to several important questions as well so that you have the information you need to handle this unfortunate situation effectively.
What To Do After a Minor Car Accident in Ontario
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your primary objective is to prioritize everyone’s safety, gather the necessary information, and promptly notify the relevant parties, including your car insurance company. To help you do that, here’s what to do after a minor car accident in Ontario:
- Check for injuries
- Check your surroundings
- Pull off to the side of the road, if possible
- Assess the damage
- Call the police, if necessary
- Exchange information
- Talk to witnesses
- Document the scene
- Visit a collision reporting center, if necessary
- Call your insurance company
Step 1: Check for Injuries
First things first, prioritize your safety by checking yourself for injuries. If you’re unharmed, proceed to your passengers, if you have any. From there, check on the other involved driver(s), their passengers, and any witnesses to the incident, verifying if they require medical attention.
Step 2: Check Your Surroundings
Next, carefully assess your surroundings for any potential hazards or dangers, such as leaking fluids, live wires, or oncoming traffic. If any are present, take precautions so no further accidents or injuries occur.
Step 3: Pull to the Side of the Road, If Possible
If your surroundings are clear, move the vehicles to the side of the road. If it’s not possible, turn on your hazard lights, turn off your car, and place cones or warning triangles around the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution, so be careful!
Step 4: Quickly Assess the Damage
Before you exit your vehicle to assess the damage, pause and take a deep breath. You want to stay calm and composed throughout this process as it will help you handle the situation better and make sound decisions. From there, ask yourself the following types of questions:
- Are there any visible signs of damage to the vehicle?
- Has any part of the vehicle been compromised structurally?
- Are there any leaks or potential safety hazards?
- Are essential components functioning properly? (ex. Steering, brakes, seat belts, etc.)
- Have any safety features, like airbags, been deployed?
- Is the vehicle safe to drive in its current condition?
- What do you think it will cost to repair your vehicle? A lot (ex. more than $2,000)? Less (ex. less than $2,000)?
Step 5: Call the Police, If Necessary
If someone has been injured or you’ve determined that extensive property damage has occurred, then it’s time to call the police. If you suspect that intoxication or reckless driving contributed to the accident, it’s that much more important to bring in law enforcement at this point.
Step 6: Exchange Information
Filing an insurance claim will be easier if you collect all the necessary information at this stage, so take your time exchanging the following details with the other driver(s).
- Name, license numbers, and address of the driver(s) involved
- Name and address of each car owner, as shown on their vehicle registration certificate (the card or document that says who is the owner of the car)
- Make, model, and license plate number of the car(s) involved
- Car insurance policy number and name of insurance company
Step 7: Talk to Witnesses
If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask politely for their contact information, including names and phone numbers. Their statements may be valuable for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Step 8: Document the Scene
Now’s a good time to document the scene, so long as it’s safe to do so. Take note of the time, location, and road conditions. Then, grab your phone and take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, any damages, and the surrounding area, such as skid marks, debris, and the overall layout of the scene.
Step 9: Visit a Collision Reporting Center, If Necessary
If you’ve assessed that police assistance isn’t necessary and your vehicle is still safe to drive, proceed to the nearest collision reporting center to file an accident report as soon as possible.
Step 10: Call Your Insurance Company
Although you have seven days to call your insurance company after an accident in Ontario, you should call it in as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Do You Have to Report a Minor Car Accident to the Police in Ontario?
Yes, car accidents that happen in Ontario must be reported, whether you report it to the police or a collision reporting center though depends on the nature and severity of the accident.
Section 14 of The Highway Traffic Act (HTA) states that if you are in control of a motor vehicle and are in an accident, you must report it to a police officer if:
- It causes a personal injury, or;
- It causes significant property damage, or;
- Any door of your vehicle makes contact with a cyclist, bicycle, or vehicle, regardless of whether it’s in motion or stationary
For minor accidents that do not meet these criteria, you will still need to report it, you will just do so at a collision reporting center after the accident instead.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident to Insurance in Ontario?
You have one week to report an accident to your insurance company or broker after a car accident in Ontario, according to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). However, the sooner the better, as delaying reporting the accident could potentially lead to complications or delays in receiving assistance or compensation.
Does a Minor Accident Affect Insurance in Ontario?
Yes, even a minor accident can affect the cost of your car insurance in Ontario. As per the FSRA, “If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, there is a good chance your premium will go up the next time you renew your policy.” Granted, the extent to which it affects your insurance will depend on everything from who is at fault to the severity of the accident and your insurance company’s policies.
However, one thing is almost certain to raise your premiums – failing to report the accident. This can lead to a range of complications for you. If convicted, you may incur fines, license suspension, or demerit point deductions under The Highway Traffic Act. Meanwhile, your insurance company may see it as non-disclosure or misrepresentation, meaning they have grounds to deny your claim, raise your rates, or potentially cancel your policy altogether. So, always report an accident if you’ve been in one.