What to do if you get in a car accident

Car accidents usually occur without warning. Although you may take every safety precaution possible, the unexpected can still happen. If you find yourself in a car accident, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Try to remain calm. Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is ok before checking on the other vehicle(s). Turn on your hazard lights and if possible, safely move your car to the side of the road. Always watch for approaching vehicles.

Call for help. If you are involved in a serious accident, call 911 and tell them what happened. Be sure to include your location and how many people are hurt and/or involved. If another driver is involved and they are aggressive, keep your distance and wait for the police to arrive.

Collect information from the other driver(s) including their name, license number, insurance company
and policy number. Also record the make, model, year, and plate number for each vehicle. If possible,
take pictures of the surrounding areas, close to the vehicle location and any vehicle damage. Once the
police arrive, retain the officers’ name and badge number as this could help your insurance company
with their investigation. If there are witnesses, gather their information as you may need them to verify
your story in the future.

Report the accident to the police if the damages are over $2,000. It is required by Ontario law that if the
damages exceed the provincial limit, the accident must be reported to the police. Always contact your
insurer as soon as possible and share all of the details about the accident including what other vehicle(s)
was involved. The agent will review your automobile policy details with you and start a claim.

The insurance company will determine who is at fault. If you are considered to be at fault, your
insurance premiums may increase. If you have accident forgiveness and this is your first at fault
accident, this coverage can prevent premiums from rising.

OTIP offers a variety of coverage add-ons, tailored to your needs. To learn more about adding accident
forgiveness coverage to your policy, contact an OTIP insurance broker at 1-833-494-0088. To get a car insurance quote, call 1-833-615-9328.