What to Do (and Not Do!) in a Fender Bender

Fender benders can happen to the most careful drivers. Even if you have years of driving experience, situations like slow-moving traffic, tight parking lots, or a quick stop at an intersection can lead to a minor collision. These low-speed accidents are common and happen when you least expect them. 

If you’ve just been in a fender bender, you’re probably unsure about what to do next. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after a fender bender, some common mistakes to avoid, and when you should report the accident to your insurance company. 

Key takeaways

If you’ve been involved in a fender bender, stay calm and follow these steps:

• Check for injuries
• Check your surroundings
• Move your vehicle to the side of the road 
• Assess the damage
• Call the police (if necessary) 
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Speak to witnesses
• Document the scene and any damage 
• Contact your insurance company 

What is a fender bender? 

A fender bender is a minor collision between two vehicles at low speeds that doesn’t result in serious injuries or damage. These types of collisions often happen in situations like slow-moving traffic, parking lots, or at intersections. Because the impact is usually light, the damage is often limited to minor dents, scratches, or bumper damage. 

Some common examples include being bumped while backing out of a parking spot or lightly hitting another car at a stop sign. You can typically drive away after a fender bender, but only after you’ve made sure everyone is safe and you’ve exchanged information with the other driver. 

What to do after a fender bender 

While it can feel stressful in the moment, stay calm and follow these steps to properly handle a fender bender, so that you protect yourself if you need to file an insurance claim: 

• Check for injuries
• Check your surroundings
• Move your vehicle to the side of the road 
• Assess the damage
• Call the police (if necessary) 
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Speak to witnesses
• Document the scene and any damage 
• Contact your insurance company 

Step 1: Check for injuries

Your first priority should always be safety. Check yourself, the other driver, and any passengers or pedestrians involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even in low-speed collisions, injuries like whiplash can occur. 

Step 2: Check your surroundings

Next, take a moment to assess your surroundings. Look for oncoming traffic, fluid leaks, or any other hazards that can make the situation unsafe. If the vehicles are blocking traffic, turn on your hazard lights to make sure other drivers can see you. 

Step 3: Move your vehicle to the side of the road 

If the surroundings are clear and your vehicle is still drivable, move it to the shoulder of the road to help prevent further accidents and keep traffic moving. If it’s not possible, turn on your hazard lights and place warning triangles or cones around your car and stay in a safe location nearby. 

Step 4: Assess the damage

Take a quick look at the vehicles involved and assess the damage. Common (minor) damage from fender benders can include:

• Dents and scratches
• Leaks under the car
• Headlight or taillight damage 
• Misaligned panels or bumpers 

Make sure your vehicle still appears to be in a safe, driveable condition, and note whether the damage appears minor or significant. 

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Step 5: Call the police (if necessary) 

In many minor accidents, the police don’t need to be involved. However, you should call them if someone is injured, there is significant damage, or if the other driver is acting suspiciously or is uncooperative. 

That said, rules can vary by province. For example, in Ontario, you need to call the police if: 

• The damage to all vehicles appears to be more than $5,000,
• You suspect that any drivers involved are under the influence, or 
• There are injuries. 

Step 6: Exchange information with the other driver

Exchanging information with the driver at the time of the accident will make things much easier if you need to file a car insurance claim later. Exchange the following details:

• Full name, driver’s license number, and contact information of each driver involved
• The registered owner’s name and address for each vehicle, as listed on the vehicle registration document 
• The make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in the accident 
• The insurance company name and policy number for each driver’s auto insurance policy

Step 7: Speak to witnesses

If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. They can help clarify what happened if there’s a disagreement later about how the collision occurred. Even a brief statement can be helpful if you decide to submit an insurance claim for the damage caused in the fender bender. 

Step 8: Document the scene and any damage 

Document what happened, as long as it’s safe to do so. Take photos and videos of any damage, the vehicles involved, license plates, and the surrounding area. Note the time, date, location, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. It can also help to use an accident worksheet to record all the key details while they’re still fresh.

Step 9: Contact your insurance company 

Once you’ve left the scene, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Even if the other driver was at fault or the damage seems minor, notifying your insurer ensures the incident is properly documented. They’ll guide you through the next steps if a claim needs to be filed. 

What not to do in a fender bender 

After a minor accident, it’s just as important to know what not to do. Avoiding these few common mistakes can help prevent further consequences: 

• Drive away: Leaving the scene of the accident, even a minor one, can lead to legal consequences. You should stop, make sure everyone is safe, and exchange information with the other driver before driving away. 
• Leave your car in the middle of traffic: If your vehicle is drivable, don’t leave it blocking traffic. Move it to the side of the road, a nearby parking lot, or another safe location to reduce the risk of another accident. 
• Skip exchanging information: Even if the damage looks small, you should still exchange details with the other driver. Having the proper details ensures you can file an insurance claim later if hidden damage or injuries appear. 

FAQs about fender benders in Canada

Do you have to report a fender bender to the police?

Not every fender bender needs to be reported to the police, but the rules depend on the situation and the province you’re in. In general, across Canada, you should call the police if:

• There are injuries
• There is significant damage
• The accident involves a hit-and-run or unsafe behaviour

However, for minor accidents where no one is hurt, and the vehicles are still drivable, you only need to exchange information and report the accident to your insurer. 

In Ontario, accidents must be reported if the combined damage appears to exceed $5,000 or if someone is injured, and in Quebec, you generally don’t need to report a minor car accident to the police if there are no injuries and both drivers cooperate; instead, you should complete a joint accident report and provide it to your insurance company. 

Should you report a fender bender to your insurance?

If you’re unsure whether to report a fender bender, it’s generally best to err on the side of caution. While most minor accidents don’t require a police report, you should almost always notify your insurance company so the incident is properly documented. 

As for filing a claim,  it’s worth comparing the cost of repairs to your deductible. If the damage is minor, paying out of pocket might make more sense.”

Does a fender bender affect your auto insurance?

Yes, a fender bender can affect your insurance if you file a claim. Insurance companies consider your claim history when calculating your premium, so any accident can potentially impact your rate. 

One thing that can almost certainly cause problems is not reporting the accident. If you fail to notify your insurer and the other driver later files a claim or reports injuries or damage, your insurer may question why the incident wasn’t disclosed earlier. This can complicate the claims process and potentially affect your coverage.