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 by simply contacting crc@ottawapolice.ca and an agent will be assigned to take your report.

If there are injuries, police will be sent to the scene when a report is made. 

Please enter the case number in the subject line when contacting us by email.  If you have not yet been provided with a case number, one will be assigned when you report the collision to us. 

You also have the option to report the collision in person at one of our 3 Collision Reporting Centres (CRC) which are open 7 days a week between 8am and 6pm.  You may wish to call ahead to check on the approximate wait time.

Address and contact information of Collision Reporting Centres
AddressEmailPhone Number
211 Huntmar Drive, Kanata CRC@ottawapolice.ca 613-236-1222, ext. 2000
474 Elgin Street, OttawaCRC@ottawapolice.ca613-236-1222, ext. 5337
3343 St-Joseph Blvd, Orleans CRC@ottawapolice.ca 613-236-1222, ext. 3400

WHAT YOU NEED TO PROVIDE THE COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE BY EMAIL OR IN PERSON:

  1. A case number if one has been assigned.
  2. Completed Collision Report Statement R7C
  3. Photos or scanned copies of:
    1. Proof of insurance
    2. Driver's licence
    3. Ownership of vehicle
  4. Photos of the damage from the collision if available. Please provide post collision photos of all four (4)sides of your involved vehicle and at least one (1) photo of your licence plate. A close-up photo of the damage is required if it is not clearly visible in the other photos.

If you do not have the ability to photograph your own vehicle, you may attend a CRC where the damage can be photographed for you. 

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

  1. 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.
  2. Do not allow a tow truck to hook up your vehicle until you specifically say so.
  3. Always ask "How much will this cost?" and better-yet, get a written estimate.
  4. Do not assume your insurance company will cover the tow unless you consult them.
  5. 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.
  6. If you are uncomfortable dealing with the towing firm - call someone else.
  7. 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:Collision Reporting Centres logo

crc@ottawapolice.ca