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. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to minimize the need for you to wait in our lobbies, we recommend that you report your collision via email, after you receive your report number. If you do not have access to email, no problem! Come and visit one of our three locations most convenient for you.

To report a collision WITHOUT injuries, email your information to one of Collision Reporting Centres.

211 Huntmar Drive, Kanata 474 Elgin Street, Ottawa 3343 St-Joseph Blvd, Orleans
FDSwest@ottawapolice.ca FDScentral@ottawapolice.ca FDSeast@ottawapolice.ca
613-236-1222, ext. 2000 613-236-1222, ext. 5337 613-236-1222, ext. 3400

WHAT TO BRING

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

 

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