What to Do If You're In a Collision

Try to remain calm. Keep in mind that this is a stressful situation for everyone involved. 

1. Establish if anyone is hurt: If anyone is hurt or there is any evidence of crime (impaired driving, distracted driving, etc.) Call 9-1-1 right away. 

   If the vehicle(s) is not drivable, call 613-236-1222 so police can assess what needs to happen next.

   If there are NO injuries, and the vehicle(s) is drivable, please follow the next steps to file a police report.

2. Clear the road: If it is safe to do so and the vehicles can be moved, move all involved vehicles to an area of safety, clearing the road for other drivers.
3. Assess damage: If the involved vehicles have over $5,000 combined damage you must report the collision to police immediately to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). If damage is very minor, please contact your insurance company to talk about your options.
4. Exchange information: Record where the collision occurred, the licence plate number(s), as well as the year, make, model(s) and colour(s) of the other involved vehicle(s). Exchange driver licence and insurance policy and company information, ask for and record the driver's licence information to confirm the driver’s full name and address and also obtain a phone number from the other involved individual(s).
5. Take photos: Taking a picture of each other’s information on your cell phone is a quick and accurate way to exchange information during a stressful situation. Take photos of the collision scene and damage to your vehicle too.
6. Talk to witnesses: Exchange information with any witnesses so police can contact them if necessary.
7. Report the Collision: As soon as possible, bring your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) most convenient to you along with your driver’s licence, vehicle ownership and insurance information. You can start your report online, before you arrive.

The driver(s) at the time of the collision must attend the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). 

You do not have to attend the same Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) as the other driver(s). 

What to bring to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC):

1. The vehicle involved in the collision
2. Vehicle Ownership
3. Proof of Insurance
4. Driver's Licence
5. Information exchanged with the other driver(s)
6. Witness information (if applicable)
7. Passenger(s) information (if applicable)

When Police Will Attend a Collision

• The collision involves a fatality
• The collision involves a serious personal injury where a person is transported to a hospital
• Criminal activity is involved in the collision (e.g. impaired driving, stolen vehicle, assault)
• Collisions involved with the transporting of dangerous goods
• The collision involves a person who is uninsured or is a suspended driver (Simply not having an insurance card does not necessarily mean the vehicle is not insured, these collisions can be referred to the CRC)
• The collision involves damage to private, municipal or highway property
• The collision involves cyclists or pedestrian who have been injured. In the event the cyclist or pedestrian do not remain at the scene of the collision, it can subsequently be reported at a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC).
• Collisions that occur between Midnight and 8:00 a.m., where any vehicle is not drivable

If the collision you are involved in does not meet the above criteria, but does meet the minimum requirements as set out by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to report the collision to police, you MUST report your collision to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC).

Our Collision Reporting Centres are operated by Accident Support Services International Ltd (ASSI). For feedback about service, contact ASSI at 1-877-895-9111 or email info@accsupport.com. 

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Know your tow

IF YOU NEED A TOW TRUCK, call the 1-800 number on your insurance documents. Your insurance company will then give you instructions.

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.

Know your rights when getting a tow

Ontario has specific requirements for tow trucks and tow truck operators.

A tow truck driver must have your consent documented and provide you with their maximum fee before towing your vehicle.

Visit Ontario.ca to learn about your rights when dealing with towing services or if your vehicle gets towed to a storage lot.

Copies of collision reports

Find out how to obtain a copy of a collision report on our Freedom of Information page.