First, safety
- If anyone is hurt enough to be taken to hospital, or there is any sign of a crime such as impaired driving or a stolen vehicle, call 911 right away
- If it is safe and the vehicles can be moved, move them out of the road
- Stay calm. Everyone involved is stressed, and a calm exchange of information makes the claim easier
Document everything at the scene
- Write down where it happened, plus each vehicle's plate number and its year, make, model and colour
- Exchange driver's licence, insurance company and policy details, and a phone number with the other driver. A photo of each other's documents on your phone is quick and accurate
- Photograph the scene and the damage to every vehicle
- Get the names and contact details of any witnesses
When you must report to police
- The Toronto Police Service says the Highway Traffic Act requires you to report any collision where someone is injured, or where the combined damage to vehicles or property is more than $5,000, as soon as possible
- If police do not attend the scene, you report at a Collision Reporting Centre. Toronto has two, both open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight: East at 39 Howden Road in Scarborough, and North at 113 Toryork Drive in North York. You can start the report online first, and bring your licence, vehicle ownership and insurance papers
- A vehicle that is towed from the scene must go directly to a Collision Reporting Centre
- If the damage is very minor, the Toronto Police Service suggests contacting your insurance company to talk about your options
Tell your insurer within seven days
- Ontario's insurance regulator, FSRA, says you must report the accident to your broker, agent or insurance company within seven days, or as quickly as possible after that. Waiting too long may mean your insurer does not honour your claim
- Have your policy number, the details of the other drivers and their insurers, the date, time and place, and a description of what happened. If police were involved, include the officer's name and badge number
- A claims adjuster will contact you and guide you through the claim
You choose the repair shop
- FSRA lists the right to choose a repair shop, tow operator or rental company among your rights as an auto insurance consumer. The Toronto Police Service says the same: you can choose the body shop of your choice, and if in doubt, contact your insurance company for instructions
- FSRA also notes that as long as your insurer approves the estimate, you may have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice
- You also choose the tow truck. You can use the one at the scene or call another, and you can ask to see the tow company's schedule of rates before agreeing to anything
How fault and repairs are decided
- Your insurer decides fault using Ontario's Fault Determination Rules, not the police report or any ticket. You can be found anywhere from 0 to 100 percent at fault, and at 50 percent or more there is a good chance your premium goes up at renewal
- In Ontario your coverage includes Direct Compensation, Property Damage unless you opt out in writing. Depending on fault and your coverage, it can pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle, a temporary rental and damaged contents. FSRA says opting out may not be the best option, so speak to your insurer or broker first
- Your insurer pays the lower of the cost to repair and the actual cash value of the vehicle, so a heavily damaged older car can be written off. You may owe a deductible unless the collision was not your fault
Get the damage inspected and estimated in writing
- Collision damage can go beyond what you can see. After a hit, ask for the wheels, tires, alignment and suspension to be checked as well as the body
- At our shop we inspect first, show you what we find and give you a written estimate before any work starts. We do body and collision repair; call for a quote. We can't say what your insurer will pay, and your insurer must approve the estimate
Sources
Good to know
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. It reflects the Toronto Police Service and FSRA websites in October 2026. Reporting thresholds and policy rules can change, so check those pages and your own policy before you act.