Report a collision

We wanted to inform you of some new processes we are implementing in light of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) will maintain its core functions to ensure the safety of our neighbourhoods, but we are encouraging you to defer any in-person visits to our stations relating to vehicle accidents for the short-term.

As of March 13, 2020, any collision without injuries must be reported first by telephone.  You can do so by calling (613) 236-1222 to obtain a report number and the telephone extension number of your nearest police station.

You will be instructed to come into your nearest police station to take photos of the damage if it exceeds $2,000. You will be given a telephone extension number to call once you arrive.  Go directly to the Collision Reporting Centre’s photo booth located outside the Ottawa Police station nearest you.  You will not have to come into the actual police station to finalize your collision report.

We appreciate your cooperation during this time as we continue to serve and protect the city of Ottawa.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'VE BEEN IN A COLLISION

If there are injuries, call 911.

If there are NO injuries, call 613-236-1222.

  • The Communications Centre person on the phone will ask you questions, assess your situation and they will instruct you on how to file your report in person.

A collision will be referred to a Collision Reporting Centre when it meets the following criteria:

  • There are no injuries;
  • Two vehicles or less are involved;
  • No oversized vehicles are involved.
If you are referred to a Collision Reporting Centre, there are three locations to choose from: 

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)
    • 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 and name of insured)

    You can use this form to ensure you have all the information.

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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