What happens if you don't report a car accident?

Car accidents are common—there's no denying that. Transport Canada reported that in 2022, there was a rise in fatalities, serious injuries, and overall injuries from car accidents. With 1,931 fatalities that year (up 6% from 2021), it was the second-highest count in the last decade. And believe it or not, statistics also show that one in three Canadians will be in a car accident at some point in their life.

If you’re ever in a collision, one of the first things you should do is report it to your car insurance company. Depending on the severity of the damage, you might also need to notify the police. Skipping this step could lead to serious consequences. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major accident, being informed can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Consequences of failing to report a car accident to the police

You don’t need to report every accident to the police. For example, a small fender bender in a parking lot generally doesn’t require police attendance. However, each province has rules that will guide you when police are necessary, so there may be different rules for reporting an accident in Ontario than in Alberta. That being said, not reporting a car accident when it is necessary can have some serious consequences, including:

• Fines
• Demerit points
• License suspension
• Jail time

For example, in Ontario, you could be fined between $400 and $2,000, and your licence could be suspended for up to two years. In the worst-case scenario, you could be also charged with leaving the scene of an accident—which is actually a criminal offence in Canada. That means you could end up with a criminal record and even face jail time. Keep in mind that you could face this charge if you decide not to report the accident, but the other driver involved does report it.

If you’re ever unsure about whether you need to report an accident, it’s always better to play it safe. Give your local police station a call just to be sure.

When do I have to report a car accident to the police?

As we mentioned, you don't necessarily need to report every car accident, and the rules around when you do need to can vary by province. However, generally speaking, there are some situations when you must immediately report a car accident to the police, no matter what province or territory you live in, such as:

• Someone is injured
• If a pedestrian is involved
• Government vehicles were involved
• There is significant property damage
• There was a criminal offence committed, such as driving under the influence
• One of the drivers was uninsured

If it’s just a minor fender bender, you generally don’t need to call emergency services to the scene. But if the damage is significant—like over $2,000—you’ll likely have to report it to the police or a local accident reporting centre, depending on where you live.

For example, if the damage is over $5,000 in Ontario (as of January 2025), you must report it to the police, and in British Columbia, it must be over $10,000, but in Manitoba, even minor car accidents causing minimal damage must be reported.

As we said, the rules vary by province, so it’s a good idea to check online to see where you need to report a minor accident in your area. For example, in Ontario, you’re required to file a collision report within 24 hours at the nearest collision reporting centre.

Is it a crime not to report a car accident in Canada?

It can be, depending on what happened. If the accident involves any of the situations listed above and you fail to report it, you could be charged with a crime for not reporting the accident. You could even be charged with leaving the scene, which is a criminal code offence.

How long do I have to report a car accident to the police?

Getting into an accident is stressful, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, in most places, you need to report the accident to the police or a collision reporting centre within 24 hours. However, the time limit can vary depending on where you live. So, even if it feels like a lot to deal with, it’s best to go through the accident reporting process as soon as possible.

If more than 24 hours have passed, don’t wait any longer—head to your local accident reporting centre and file the report as soon as possible.

When do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company?

Your first priority after an accident is making sure everyone involved is okay and getting any necessary help. Once that’s taken care of, the next step is reporting the collision to the police if required. After that, it’s time to loop in your insurance company.

If there’s serious damage or injuries, you’ll want to contact your insurer as soon as possible. They might have specific steps you need to follow, like getting a medical exam within a certain timeframe. Plus, they can help you arrange repairs and set up alternative transportation—things that are easier to handle sooner rather than later.

Even if you don’t plan on filing a car accident claim right away, it’s still a good idea to notify your insurance provider. Sometimes injuries or hidden damage show up weeks or even months after an accident, and having everything documented can help protect you.

Deadline for reporting a car accident to your insurance company

The deadlines for reporting an accident to your insurer, filing a claim, or taking legal action vary by province, so make sure you know what applies where you live. The most common deadline across Canada is 30 days; however, in Ontario and Manitoba, you have seven days, and in Quebec, drivers involved must notify the SSQ as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that the timelines in your car insurance policy might be different from what’s mentioned here. To be absolutely sure about your responsibilities, take a look at your policy or give your BrokerLink broker a quick call.

What happens if I don't report a car accident to my insurance company?

Insurance companies require all drivers involved in an accident to report it, no matter how big or small the damage is. It says so right in your insurance policy. Some people think they can just pay for repairs out of pocket and skip telling their insurer, but that’s not a good idea—you need to report it. If you don’t, you could face serious consequences like:

• Higher premiums
• Policy cancellation
• Having your claim denied if injuries or damages come up later

Plus, if the other driver reports the accident, their insurance company will likely contact yours, and that’s when your insurer will find out you never told them. That could make things even more complicated for you.

Also, keep in mind that even if you cover the costs yourself, your insurance rates can still go up if you’re found partially or fully at fault for the accident. It’s always better to be upfront and get everything properly documented.

How do I report a car accident to the police?

If the police are called to the scene of an accident, the police officer will gather all the necessary details from everyone involved and give you a police report number for insurance purposes. You may also be required to go to your local police station and fill out a police accident report form.

However, if the police don’t come to the scene, it’s up to you to head to the closest collision reporting centre. If the car is undrivable, have it towed to the nearest centre. If an accident happens outside normal business hours, you can take your car the following morning. Keep in mind that you have to use the centre closest to where the accident happened. If you’re not sure which one to use, reach out to your insurance broker or local police department for guidance.

Once there, you’ll need to fill out a collision report form to document what happened. An officer will then inspect the damage to make sure it matches up with what you reported. Make sure you have the following information on hand before you head to the collision reporting centre:

• Driver’s licence number
• Contact information, including your name, address and phone number
• Car insurance information, including your policy number
• Vehicle information, including the make and model of your vehicle and the licence plate number
• Details of the accident

How do I report a car accident to my insurance company?

To report an accident to your insurance company, all you need to do is call them and give them the necessary information. When reporting car accidents, you’ll usually need to provide:

• Your insurance policy number
• The date, time, and location of the accident
• A description of what happened
• A police report number (if one was filed)
• Photos of the accident scene and all vehicles involved
• Details about the other vehicle(s) involved, including make, model, year, license plate number, and insurance information
• Contact information for any witnesses

How does reporting a car accident affect your insurance premium?

Any time you're in an auto accident, there’s a chance your insurance premiums could go up. That's because a car accident will remain on your record for several years, and insurance companies use your driving record when determining your rates.

If other drivers are involved, your insurance adjuster will determine who’s at fault, which plays a big role in how the accident impacts your premiums. Even a single-car accident can affect your insurance rates because you'll likely be held fully liable for it.

The only way an accident won’t affect your rates is if you have accident forgiveness. This is a one-time perk for responsible drivers that prevents your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident. But keep in mind—once you use it, it won’t apply again in the future.

Does filing a police report affect your insurance premium?

Despite what many people think, a police report won’t affect how your insurance company assesses the accident. It’s actually your insurer who determines who’s at fault and whether your rates will go up. This process helps keep your premiums fair when it’s time to renew your policy.

What happens after you report an accident to your insurance company?

Once you've given all the necessary information to your insurance company about the car accident, it's time to decide whether to file a claim through your car insurance policy. Remember, most car accident claims are subject to a deductible, and you'll need to determine whether the damage is more or less than your deductible. Here's what you need to know:

Filing a car insurance claim

If the damage to your car is significantly more than your car insurance deductible, you may decide to file a car insurance claim. If so, you've already gotten a head start in the claims process by giving your insurance provider all the information about the accident. Next, you'll work with the insurance company's claims adjuster to help them examine all your information and determine how much you'll receive for your claim.

Getting an estimate for your vehicle damage

Since your car is damaged, your insurance company will likely ask you to get a repair estimate. Most of the time, they’ll want you to go to a repair shop they’ve approved. But it’s always a good idea to get a few quotes from different shops to make sure you’re getting the best deal. You'll give these quotes to the claims adjuster to help them with your claim.

Scheduling your car repairs

After picking a repair estimate, you can go ahead and get your car fixed. Your insurance company will reimburse you later, but keep in mind that you might have to pay a deductible first, depending on the damage and your policy.

Receiving compensation

Once your claim is finalized, you’ll get paid for any vehicle damage and injuries covered by your policy. Most insurance companies will send the payment through direct deposit or a verified cheque, usually within seven days after you sign the claim release.

Protect your vehicle with high-quality car insurance

If you're ever in an accident and need to file a car insurance claim, having the right coverage can make all the difference in getting fairly compensated for any damage or loss. Plus, car insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s mandatory for all drivers in Canada. The specific coverage you’re required to have depends on the rules in your province or territory. To make sure you’re properly protected, it’s worth understanding the different types of auto insurance available. Here are some key coverages to consider:

• Third-party liability insurance
• Accident benefits coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage
• Collision car coverage
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation-property damage insurance
• Accident forgiveness

Learn more with BrokerLink

Looking for affordable coverage but aren't sure which car insurance company to work with? Need help navigating your auto insurance claim? BrokerLink is here to help! Our car insurance experts are ready to answer any questions you may have about car insurance, including how to file a claim and what type of coverage is best for your needs.

You can reach us by phone, by email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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