What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario: Step-by-Step Guide
Last updated: 2026 | Legal guide for Ontario drivers | Posted by Ontario Towing
⚠️ EMERGENCY FIRST: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If there is a fire or heavy smoke coming from any vehicle, evacuate everyone and move to a safe location before calling 911.
A car accident is stressful, but knowing what to do immediately afterward protects you legally, saves money on repairs, and gets your vehicle back faster. Ontario has specific requirements for accident reporting, insurance claims, and vehicle recovery. This guide walks you through every step from the moment of impact to getting your car repaired.
Quick Answer: After ensuring everyone is safe, contact your insurance company and a professional towing service immediately. Move the vehicle to a collision reporting centre as quickly as possible. Direct insurance billing through your towing company avoids delays. In Ontario, you must report accidents over $2,000 in damage within 24 hours.
Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene
1
Check for injuries and call 911 if neededDo not move injured people unless there is immediate danger like fire or oncoming traffic. Ontario requires police reports for accidents with injuries or damage over $2,000.
2
Move vehicles to safety if possibleIf vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder or a parking lot. Staying in traffic puts everyone at risk of secondary accidents.
3
Turn on hazard lights and set up warningActivate hazard lights immediately. Place warning triangles or flares 100+ metres behind your vehicle if you have them.
4
Document the scene with photosPhotograph all vehicles from multiple angles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, street signs, and the other driver's licence plate.
5
Gather information from other partiesGet names, phone numbers, insurance company, policy number, vehicle details, licence plate, and driver's licence number. Collect witness contact information as well.
6
Contact your insurance company immediatelyReport the accident and ask about next steps. Have your policy number ready. Do not admit fault at the scene.
7
Call professional towing if your vehicle is not drivableAsk your towing company if they bill insurance directly. This streamlines the entire process and avoids out-of-pocket costs.
What NOT to Do After an Accident
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not admit fault at the sceneEven saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Let insurance companies determine fault based on evidence.
Do not leave the sceneLeaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence in Ontario. Stay until police release you or all information is exchanged.
Do not skip the collision reporting centreUnless police explicitly told you not to, you must visit a CRC within 24 to 48 hours for accidents over $2,000.
Do not sign anything you do not understandSome towing companies use confusing paperwork. Read everything carefully before signing.
Do not delay contacting insuranceReport the accident the same day. Delayed reporting can complicate your claim and slow down repairs.
Ontario Collision Reporting Requirements
✔ You Must Visit a Collision Reporting Centre If:
Damage exceeds $2,000This threshold applies to combined damage across all vehicles involved.
Anyone was injuredEven minor injuries require official reporting for insurance and legal purposes.
Your vehicle is not drivableThe CRC will coordinate with insurance to assess damage and begin the repair process.
Police did not attend the sceneIf police were not present, the CRC visit serves as your official accident report.
⚠️ Important: Even if police gave you a case number at the scene, that does not always mean you can skip the CRC. Only skip the CRC if police explicitly told you that you do not need to attend. When in doubt, go to the CRC.
Insurance Billing and Why It Matters
Choosing the right towing company after an accident can save you weeks of delays and hundreds of dollars. Some towing companies in Ontario create long delays by charging excessive storage fees or refusing to release vehicles without cash payment upfront.
Pro Tip: Choose a towing company that bills your insurance directly. This means no out-of-pocket cost for towing, no storage fee surprises, and faster vehicle release to the body shop. Reputable companies are paid by insurance and release vehicles immediately.
After the Collision Reporting Centre
1
Get your claim number from insuranceYour adjuster will provide a claim number. Share this with the body shop and towing company.
2
Choose a body shopYou have the right to choose your own body shop. Insurance may recommend one, but the decision is yours.
3
Arrange rental vehicle if neededCheck your policy for rental coverage. Many Ontario policies include $30 to $40 per day for a rental during repairs.
4
Follow up on repairsStay in contact with the body shop and insurance adjuster. Hidden damage discovered during repairs requires a supplemental estimate.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Ontario
For accidents over $2,000 in damage or with injuries, you must file a report within 24 hours. For minor accidents under $2,000 with no injuries, a police report is not required but is still recommended. It provides an official record if disputes arise later.
Call 911 if there are injuries or if vehicles are blocking traffic. For fender benders with no injuries, exchange information and visit a collision reporting centre instead. When in doubt, call the non-emergency police line for guidance.
If repair costs exceed roughly 80 percent of your vehicle's value, insurance may declare it a total loss. They will offer a settlement based on the pre-accident value. You can appeal if you believe the valuation is inaccurate.
Many Ontario insurance policies include rental coverage during repairs. Coverage is typically $30 to $40 per day. Check your policy or ask your adjuster about rental options immediately after the accident.
Your Uninsured Motorist coverage handles this. File a claim with your own insurance company as you normally would. Ontario requires this coverage on all policies. Your rates typically do not increase since you are not at fault.
Look for companies that bill insurance directly and have established relationships with local insurers. Check reviews mentioning fast vehicle release and insurance coordination. Avoid companies that charge storage fees or demand cash upfront.
Hidden damage discovered during repairs must be approved by insurance before work continues. The body shop contacts your adjuster with photos and a supplemental estimate. This is normal and does not delay the process when handled by a reputable shop.
You should report to a collision reporting centre within 24 to 48 hours. Contact your insurance company the same day as the accident. Delayed reporting can complicate claims and reduce your coverage options.