Report a collision
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'VE BEEN IN A COLLISION
If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
If there are NO injuries, call 613-236-1222.
We will ask you a few questions, assess your situation and give you a report number.
The Highway Traffic Act requires that any collision with injuries and/or damages exceeding $2,000 must be reported to police.
You may report a collision WITHOUT injuries after being referred to a Collision Reporting Centre.
You may attend a Collision Reporting Centre in person after calling our Communications Centre.
If there are injuries, police will be sent to the scene when a report is made.
All collisions referred to the CRC must be reported in person at one of our 3 Collision Reporting Centres (CRC) which are open 7 days a week between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please call ahead to our Communications Centre first to ensure we have not reached capacity for the day.
Address | Phone Number | |
---|---|---|
211 Huntmar Drive, Kanata | CRC@ottawapolice.ca | 613-236-1222, ext. 2000 |
474 Elgin Street, Ottawa | CRC@ottawapolice.ca | 613-236-1222, ext. 5337 |
3343 St-Joseph Blvd, Orleans | CRC@ottawapolice.ca | 613-236-1222, ext. 3400 |
WHAT YOU NEED TO PROVIDE, IN PERSON, TO THE COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE:
- Completed Collision Report Statement R7C
- Photos or scanned copies of:
- Proof of insurance
- Driver's licence
- Ownership of vehicle
The Collision Reporting Centre will take photos of the damage to the vehicle(s) involved.
You can also download Steps to Follow If You Are In a Collision form, and keep it in your car, should you be involved in a collision.
BEFORE LEAVING THE SCENE OF A COLLISION
Ensure you have obtained the following information from the other driver(s):
- Driver contact information
- Phone numbers (home and cell, optional)
- Email address;
- Driver's licence (licence number, class and name on the licence)
- Vehicle ownership (licence plate, make, model, year and owner's name)
- Insurance (policy number, expiry date and name of insured)
IF YOU NEED A TOW TRUCK
Call the 1-800 number on your insurance documents to obtain assistance and instructions from your insurance company.
As per City of Ottawa Bylaw, it is illegal for a tow truck driver to approach a driver at a collision without having been called in by either police or the motorist. Tow trucks are not allowed within 100 meters of a collision unless they have been formally solicited by police, the driver or the driver's insurance company.
If requested by the owner or driver, a police officer may offer advice on the options available for towing but shall not recommend or act as agent for any particular towing service.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Never accept services from a tow truck driver arriving on the scene of your collision unless they have been called by yourself, your insurance company or by police.
- Do not allow a tow truck to hook up your vehicle until you specifically say so.
- Always ask "How much will this cost?" and better-yet, get a written estimate.
- Do not assume your insurance company will cover the tow unless you consult them.
- Do not accept any tow company's claim that they are under "police contract". Any such contracts only relate to impounded vehicles and not the public.
- If you are uncomfortable dealing with the towing firm - call someone else.
- Do not assume that "everything will be OK and taken care of." The concept of "Buyer Beware" still applies when dealing with tow trucks.
More information:
- About Collision Reporting Centres
- Automated Purchasing for Insurance Companies
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for collisions.
- Read our Road Safety tips for you and your family
Contact Us