If you’re here, chances are you’ve been in a minor collision.  However minor, a car accident can be a stressful experience, especially if it’s your first time in this situation.

But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do after a minor car accident in Quebec, along with some key answers to questions about reporting the accident, insurance coverage, and how it might affect your premiums. 

Key takeaways

Follow these steps if you’ve been in a minor car accident in Quebec:

• Check for injuries
• Assess your surroundings 
• Move your vehicle, if it’s safe 
• Evaluate the damage 
• Notify the police, if necessary
• Exchange information 
• Speak to witnesses 
• Take photos and videos of the scene 
• Fill out a joint accident report
• Contact your insurance company

What to do after a minor car accident in Quebec

If you’ve just been in a minor car accident in Quebec, the first thing to do is stay calm. Your main priorities should be ensuring everyone’s safety, collecting the correct information, and reporting the incident properly – including to your car insurance provider.  In fact, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to do: 

Step 1: Check for injuries

Start by making sure you’re okay. If you are uninjured, check on your passengers, then the other driver(s), and any pedestrians or witnesses nearby. Call 911 right away if anyone needs medical attention.   

Step 2: Assess your surroundings

Look around for anything that could make the situation more dangerous, like leaking fluids, downed wires, or oncoming traffic. If there’s risk of further harm, take steps to stay safe and prevent additional incidents.   

Step 3: Move your vehicle, if it’s safe to do so

If your surroundings are clear and your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. If you can’t move it, turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or cones around your car.   

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Step 4: Evaluate the damage

Take a few deep breaths before stepping out of your car, then do a quick damage check. Ask yourself: 

• Are there any visible signs of damage to your vehicle and the others involved? 
• Has any part of the vehicle been structurally damaged? 
• Are there any safety hazards or leaks?
• Are critical systems still working (ex. engine, brakes, steering, seatbelts)? 
• Have any safety features been deployed (ex. the airbag)?
• Is the car safe to drive in its current condition?
• How much would it cost to repair your vehicle (ex. more or less than $2,000)? 

Step 5: Notify the police, if necessary

In Quebec, you must call the police after a car accident if:

• Someone is injured
• The driver seems impaired
• A criminal offence (ex. hit-and-run) has been suspected 
• There’s major property damage

For minor accidents without injuries or significant damage, the police may not need to be called. In which case, it’s still best to check local laws for confirmation.   

Step 6: Exchange information

Collect the necessary information at the time of the incident to make filing your car insurance claim a lot easier down the line. The information you need to exchange with the other driver(s) includes the: 

• Name, driver’s license number, and address of the driver(s) involved
• Name and address of each car owner, as shown on their vehicle registration certificate
• Make, model, and license plate of each vehicle 
• Car insurance provider and policy number  

Even if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, you still need to collect their information. 

Step 7: Speak to witnesses

If any bystanders witnessed the incident, ask for their names and contact details. Their account could be helpful later, especially for insurance purposes or legal follow-ups.   

Step 8: Take photos and videos of the scene

Document the scene carefully. Write down the time, location, and weather conditions, then capture photos and videos of:

• Vehicle damage from multiple angles
• Skid marks and debris 
• The vehicles involved in the accident 

Step 9: Fill out a joint accident report

If the police weren’t called and the damage is minor, your next step is to complete a joint accident report. You can do this online through the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) website, or download and fill out the PDF version of the form.   

Step 10: Contact your insurance company

In Quebec, you’re required to report all accidents to your insurer, even if the damage is minor or you intend to pay out of pocket. So, the final step is to contact the private insurance company you bought your car insurance from as soon as it’s safe to do so.  

FAQs about car accidents in Quebec

Do you have to report a minor car accident in Quebec?

In Quebec, you generally don’t have to report a minor car accident to the police, unless it’s a hit-and-run or there are injuries. All you need to do is complete a joint accident report with the other driver(s) involved, then contact your insurance company.  However, you do need to report a car accident to the police in Quebec if:

• Anyone is injured, even slightly
• The other driver leaves the scene without exchanging information, as this is considered a hit-and-run
• The accident involves an unoccupied car or a fixed object, and the owner can’t be contacted
• The other driver is uncooperative or refuses to provide their information

How long do you have to report an accident to insurance in Quebec?

Unlike Ontario, there is no strict timeline for reporting an accident in Quebec. However, the SAAQ strongly recommends you notify your insurer as soon as reasonably possible.  Even for a minor fender bender, it’s best to report the accident to your insurance company within a few days. This helps preserve your coverage and ensures all claim obligations are met.

Does a minor accident affect insurance in Quebec?

At renewal time, your driving history and claims record are among the factors your insurer uses to calculate your premium, even if the claim was for a small amount. So, it’s possible that even a minor accident can affect the price you pay for private car insurance in Quebec.rnrnThat said, if the damage is minor and below your deductible, you can opt not to file a claim and instead pay out of pocket, which can help you reduce the chances of a potential increase to your premium. Just be sure to notify your insurer about the accident anyway, even if you ultimately decide to go forward with filing a claim.