What to do after a car accident in Ontario

A collision is stressful, and it's easy to forget what to do in the moment. Keep this checklist handy — it will help you stay safe, stay on the right side of the law, and make your insurance claim and repair go far more smoothly.

1. Stop, breathe and check for injuries

Never leave the scene of a collision. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. In Ontario you must call police if there are injuries or if total damage appears to exceed $2,000 (which today is almost any collision).

2. Move to safety if you can

If the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so, move them out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. If they can't be moved, keep your hazards on and stay well clear of moving traffic while you wait for help.

3. Exchange and record information

Calmly exchange details with the other driver. Collect the following:

• Name, address and phone number of every driver
• Driver's licence and plate numbers
• Insurance company and policy number
• Make, model and colour of each vehicle
• Names and contact details of any witnesses

Avoid admitting fault or arguing about who caused the crash — that's for the insurers to determine.

4. Document the scene

Your phone is your best tool. Photograph the damage to all vehicles, the position of the cars, the road and any skid marks, traffic signs and signals, and the overall scene from a few angles. These photos protect you and speed up your claim. (They're also exactly what a good body shop wants to see for an accurate estimate.)

5. Report the collision

If police don't attend the scene, Ontario drivers are generally required to report the collision at a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. Then notify your insurance company as soon as possible — even if you don't think you were at fault.

Tip: You don't have to accept the first tow or the first shop you're sent to. In Ontario, choosing who repairs your vehicle is your right.

6. Choose your own repair shop

Your insurer may suggest a shop, but the decision is yours. Pick a shop you trust to restore your vehicle properly and stand behind the work. Look for strong reviews, a warranty on repairs, and clear communication. (More on this in our guide to choosing the right auto body shop and your right to choose.)

7. Get your car repaired properly

Modern vehicles are full of safety structures and sensors that must be repaired to manufacturer standards. A proper collision repair restores not just the look of the car but its safety. At AutoStyle Collision we handle the insurance paperwork, repair your vehicle to factory specification, colour-match the paint, and back most repairs with a lifetime warranty.

If you've been in an accident in Scarborough or anywhere in the GTA, send us a few photos through our estimate form or call 416-298-6886. We'll walk you through the next steps.