The Insurance Lab
    Ontario Driver Guide

    After an Accident: What to Do

    If you've been in a car accident in Ontario, here's everything you need to know, step by step, from the first response to the insurance process, appraisal, and payout.

    Quick Checklist

    • Ensure safety, move the vehicle to a safe spot
    • Take photos and video of the accident scene
    • Get the other party's license, registration, and insurance info
    • If police did not attend, go to a Collision Reporting Centre
    • You can call your insurer 24/7
    • If your car was towed, note down the tow location
    1

    First Things to Do

    • Ensure safety: For minor accidents, move your vehicle to a safe location.
    • Collect evidence: Take detailed photos of the scene from all angles, and record video if possible.
    • Exchange information: Get the other party's driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance details.
    2

    Deciding Whether to Report to Insurance

    • In Ontario, fault is calculated out of 100%. If you are found more than 25% at fault, your premium will increase regardless of the percentage.
    • If the damage is CAD 3,000 or less and you can afford it, settling privately without involving insurance may prevent a premium increase.
    • Whether the insurer pays CAD 100 or CAD 100,000, the premium increase is the same if you are at fault.
    3

    Reporting the Accident

    • If police did not attend, go to a Collision Reporting Centre with all documents and photos.
    • If your insurance company is connected with the centre, the process continues from there; if not, you will need to call the company.
    • The broker's role: Your broker advises you, but the insurance company is responsible for the claims process.
    • Reporting deadlines: 1 year for property damage claims, 2 years for bodily injury claims.
    4

    Rental Car

    • Your rental car entitlement is limited to the duration in your policy; it is not directly linked to the actual repair time.
    • Most insurers work with Enterprise. You may be asked to pay upfront, but if you have coverage, the insurer will reimburse you.
    • Caution: Stay away from rental companies recommended by tow truck operators; they may be acting in bad faith.
    5

    Towing and Appraisal

    • If your car is not driveable: Tow companies will take it to their partner facilities. When notifying your insurer, share the exact address where the car was towed. The insurer will move it to a partner shop for appraisal.
    • If your car is driveable: Coordinate with your insurer and visit the shop they direct you to for damage assessment.
    • The appraisal result is generally final. However, if the interior was not inspected or you believe the damage is greater, you can object.
    • Total loss criteria: If repair costs exceed 75% of the vehicle's market value, it is generally declared a total loss.
    6

    Repair or Cash Settlement

    • If you use the insurer's partner shop, you receive a repair guarantee.
    • You may also use a shop of your choice, but in that case the responsibility is entirely yours.
    • Some companies, such as Pembridge and Travelers, may offer a cash settlement (you keep the vehicle and handle the repair yourself).
    • If you accept a cash settlement, you must take photos after the repair and send them to the insurer.
    7

    Total Loss

    • If declared a total loss, the insurer offers an amount close to market average.
    • If you do not accept: You can negotiate by sending listings of comparable vehicles (from official sites such as CarGurus, AutoTrader). Document recent expenses (winter tires, maintenance, parts) to be added.
    • Facebook listings are not accepted.
    • If the price gap is significant, you can hire an independent appraiser (at your own cost).
    8

    Depreciation Protection on New Vehicles

    • If the vehicle was purchased within the last 3 years and your policy includes depreciation protection, the insurer pays out at the original new price.
    • If there were periods without insurance, this coverage may not apply.
    • Add-ons such as extended warranty or rust protection packages are not covered.
    • Physical add-ons (rims, accessories) can be reimbursed with an invoice.
    9

    Payment Process

    • Total loss payouts are usually completed within 5 days.
    • If the vehicle is financed or leased, payment goes first to the finance company, and the remainder is sent to you.
    • Even if the vehicle is a total loss, while you are using a rental car the policy continues and the premium keeps running.
    10

    After-Hours Accidents

    • Safety first: First ensure your own and others' safety, and move your vehicle to a safe location.
    • Don't rush: You have up to 1 year for property damage claims and up to 2 years for bodily injury claims to file a report.
    • No obligation to reach the broker: It can be hard to reach a broker outside business hours. If you must report immediately, you can call your insurance company directly.
    • Immediate notification is not mandatory: If you are confident in your policy coverages and your vehicle is not driveable, you can rent from a known company like Enterprise and notify the insurer afterwards.
    • Caution: If you are a high-risk driver or your policy does not include collision coverage, renting a car without consulting your broker is not recommended, even if you believe you were not at fault.

    Need help?

    We're with you after an accident. Our brokers will guide you through the right next steps.