What to do after a car accident in Ontario

Getting into a car accident can be extremely stressful. Not only do you have to assess whether you’ve been injured or your car has been damaged, but you may also need to report the car accident and file a claim with your insurance provider, making sure to keep all necessary documentation . Knowing what to do after getting into a collision can make the process a little bit easier. Keep reading for a breakdown of what to do after a car accident in Ontario.

Steps to take after getting into a car accident in Ontario

Follow this step-by-step guide on what to do after getting into a car crash in Ontario, including contacting emergency services if necessary:

1. Stop your vehicle and assess yourself for injuries

Many drivers and passengers are injured in car accidents. In fact, according to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, more than 36,000 people were injured in a collision in Ontario in 2023. Auto accident injuries can range from whiplash and concussions to broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and more. Thankfully, even if you are injured, your accident benefits coverage can protect you, especially if legal issues arise.

2. Call 9-1-1

According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, you are legally required to report the accident in Ontario within 24 hours if:

• Anyone can be injured, including pedestrians
• The total damage to all vehicles involved appears to exceed $5,000
• The accident involved a criminal act, such as impaired driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The accident involved an uninsured or underinsured driver
• The accident damaged private or municipal property
• The accident involved a government vehicle

You can either report the accident by calling 9-1-1 or the nearest collision reporting centre. For example, Ottawa, Ontario, saw 19,777 collisions in 2024, according to Ottawa police. Most (16,788) were reported through the collision reporting centre, while 2,989 were serious enough to need a patrol response.

Collision reporting centre

If the damage is under $5,000, no one’s hurt, and there’s no sign of intoxication or illegal activity, it’s considered a minor car accident. In that case, you can report the accident to an Ontario collision reporting centre by calling 416-745-3301.

No matter who is at fault for the accident or even if there aren't any obvious injuries, it may still be best to call 9-1-1. This way, a paramedic can assess all possible injuries and transport anyone injured to the nearest hospital. A 9-1-1 operator will tell you if you need a patrol response. And no matter what, do not leave the accident scene.

3. Take photos and videos of the scene

The next step is to start gathering evidence for your insurance. Take lots of videos and photos of the accident scene itself, including road and weather conditions, as well as detailed photos of any property damage or injuries sustained.

You should also gather any relevant witness statements and write down your own notes detailing what happened during the accident and what you think the cause of it was. You can find a list of the most common causes of collisions here.

4. Move your car out of the way

When it is safe to do so or once a police officer says you can, carefully move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. If your car isn’t drivable, turn on your hazard lights and set up road flares if you have them. Popping the hood is also a good way to signal that your car needs help.

If you are unable to drive your car home after, then you might need to call a tow truck, as well as a friend to pick you up. A BrokerLink insurance advisor can check if your insurance covers towing.

5. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s)

Although Ontario has a no-fault insurance system, which means that regardless of who is found to be at fault for the accident, both parties will file claims independently with their own insurance companies, you still need to exchange information with the other driver(s). Specifically, you should ask for the following information from any other drivers involved:

• Name, address, and phone number
• Driver’s licence number
• Vehicle plate number
• Vehicle make and colour
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• The registered owner of the vehicle (it could be different than the driver if someone has an accident in your car)
• Their insurance company
• Their insurance policy number
• Number of passengers, their names, and where they were sitting in the vehicle

6. Call your car insurance company and file a claim

Next, you'll need to call your insurance company to file an auto insurance claim. You should call your insurance company after a minor car accident, as well as a major one. Ultimately, they will need to know about the accident. You should call your insurer as soon as possible, but you typically have up to seven days to let them know about the accident.

When you do, they will explain the claims process to you, as well as help you identify what type of claim to file. For example, if someone hits you without insurance, then the type of claim you would file might be an uninsured automobile claim.

7. File your insurance claim

The claims process can vary slightly between providers, but usually involves similar steps. You will need to fill out an insurance claims form and submit the evidence you gathered. Make sure you have the following documents and pieces of information ready:

• Your insurance policy number
• The make, model, trim and year of your vehicle
• Your vehicle registration and licence plate number
• The date, time, and location of the collision
• A general description of the collision
• The names and driver’s licence numbers of all drivers involved
• The names of the insurance companies of all drivers involved
• The total number of people involved
• A description of the damage to your vehicle
• A description of the injuries suffered by those involved, including pedestrians and cyclists, if applicable
• The name and badge number of the police officer(s) who arrived on the scene, if applicable
• The police report, if applicable

If you're feeling overwhelmed, contact BrokerLink today to let us help walk you through the claims process.

How insurance companies handle car accident claims in Ontario

If you’ve been in an accident, you might be wondering how your insurance company decides who’s at fault and what happens next. First, they'll determine fault for the accident, and then they'll start processing your claim. We’ll cover each aspect in detail below:

Determining fault

In Ontario, insurers follow the Fault Determination Rules, a set of guidelines that help them assess responsibility based on different accident scenarios. These rules apply no matter the weather, road conditions, or what the drivers say happened.

Even if the police don’t lay charges, your insurer will still assign either full or shared fault, anywhere from 0% to 100%, which can impact your coverage and future premiums.

Working toward a decision

Once you file a claim, the process typically starts with your insurance provider reviewing the accident details, including accident reports, photos, and any witness statements. For minor claims, you may get a decision within a few days, while more complex cases can take longer. Most insurers aim to respond promptly, often within a few business days, to confirm coverage and next steps.

Depending on your policy, your claim may cover vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and even rental car costs while your car is in the shop. If another driver is at fault, their insurance should cover your losses, but if you have collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, your insurer may handle the repairs first and seek reimbursement later. Throughout the process, expect updates from your claims adjuster, who will guide you through what’s covered and any out-of-pocket costs.

Common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Ontario

A car accident can be overwhelming, and in the chaos, it’s easy to make mistakes that could impact your safety, insurance claim, or legal rights. If you find yourself in a car accident in Ontario, make sure you avoid making these common mistakes:

1. Not seeking medical attention

Some people avoid seeing a doctor after a car accident, thinking it’s unnecessary or inconvenient. But skipping medical care can be a big mistake. Here's why:

• Some injuries, like whiplash, don’t show up right away. A doctor can diagnose issues before they get worse.
• While some injuries heal with time, others need proper treatment, and delaying it could make things significantly worse.
• Medical records help support your claim if you need to prove your injuries to an insurer or in court.

2. Forgetting to collect important evidence

After an accident, the scene holds important evidence that can help prove fault and refresh your memory later. But immediately after something as jarring as a car accident, some people forget to collect the important details they need for an insurance claim. Make sure you get the other driver’s ID and insurance info—don’t just take their word for it, ask to see their licence and insurance card.

Also, take photos of the scene before moving the vehicle(s), including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any signs or signals. And if there are witnesses, make sure you get their contact information in case you need their statements later.

3. Admitting fault

It’s natural to want to apologize or take the blame after an accident, even if you’re unsure who’s at fault. But don’t do it. While it might seem like a way to ease tension, it can come back to haunt you.

Your words could be used against you if someone files a legal claim. Plus, initial impressions aren’t always accurate—evidence later might tell a different story. Stay calm, exchange info, and let the experts determine fault.

Learn more from BrokerLink

Find out more about how to respond to a car accident in Ontario by reaching out to BrokerLink. One of our expert insurance advisors can help walk you through how to file an insurance claim and explain how accidents impact car insurance policies.

At BrokerLink, we can also review your car insurance in Toronto or anywhere else in Ontario to ensure you have the right type of coverage for your needs, such as accident forgiveness to help prevent your insurance from going up after your first at-fault accident. You can reach us by phone, by email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes. Contact BrokerLink for a free insurance quote today.