What you need to know about reporting collisions

You've gotten into a collision—now what? Do you report it to the police—to your insurance company? And who do you call first?

There are a lot of questions that arise when a collision occurs. Depending on the extent of the damages and/or injuries, the protocol for reporting collisions varies. We've tried to simplify the reporting process below so you know exactly what to do if you're ever in this situation and who to report the collision to.

When to report a collision to the police:

Injuries: Any collision that results in an injury must be reported to the police immediately by phoning 911. This should be the very first call you make.

Damages: In Ontario, collisions resulting in combined damages to involved vehicles/property exceeding $2,000, must be reported to the police. Collisions with less than $2,000 in damages do not legally have to be reported to the police. However, when injuries occur you must phone the police immediately regardless of the extent of the damages. A police officer will fill out an accident report onsite.

If damages exceed $2,000 but there are no injuries, you can report the collision to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours as mandated by law. Collision Reporting Centres are partnerships between law enforcement, insurance companies and private enterprises that allow drivers to report the collision in a more convenient and efficient manner. They are located in most cities across Ontario.

When you take your vehicle to a Collision Reporting Centre, an officer will inspect your vehicle for damages and write a report. Insurance companies can be contacted onsite, helping to speed up the claims process.

When your vehicle needs to be towed: If your vehicle cannot be driven, you must have it towed to a Collision Reporting Centre. If you are injured and need to go to the hospital, your vehicle will likely be towed to a police car pound and a report will be written there.

When to report a collision to your insurance company:

Short answer: every time. Regardless of whether or not the collision meets the provincial damage threshold requiring it be reported to the police, Ontario auto insurance policies mandate that all collisions must be reported to the driver's insurance company as soon as possible.

You are legally required to exchange information with anyone involved in the collision whose vehicle or property was damaged. This means giving your name and insurance information to the other drivers, as well as getting theirs.

Some drivers think they can pay for another vehicle's damages out of pocket rather than by going through insurance, but this is actually in violation of your insurance policy and can potentially—and likely will—void your insurance contract.

All collisions must be reported to your car insurance company.

OTIP contact and claims reporting information

If you're involved in a collision where there are no injuries but you're not sure if you should report it to the police, call us. We can not only advise you as to what to do, but we can point you in the direction of the nearest Collision Reporting Centre and provide you with contact information for recommended towing companies that we work with. Remember, if there are injuries you must call the police first.

You can report your emergency claim or call us for advice at the time of collision by contacting our 24/7 claims partner, Curo Claims Services, at 1-866-952-2876.

If you were in a collision but it is not an emergency, you can begin the claims process online as soon as possible at https://www.otip.com/Claims/non-emergency-claim-form.