When it comes to car accidents, you generally think about cars crashing into other cars. However, as of late, many car accidents have begun to involve buildings around the province, the most recent being at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Imagine shopping, eating at a restaurant, or spending the day at work or in your living room. Suddenly, you’re greeted by the large crash of a vehicle entering the building. Unfortunately, articles have been popping up almost daily involving cars driving into buildings across Canada. So, just how often do these types of accidents happen? More importantly, what steps should you take if a car crashes into your building? Let’s take a look below.
How often do cars crash into buildings?
So, just how often do cars crash into buildings? It is tough to say for sure, but we can say for certain that it is “too many.” From a 2022 article in The Hamilton Spectator, it was reported that from 2018-2022, roughly 176 vehicles crashed into a home, business or other building within the GTA. This accounts for an annual average of roughly 41 each year. For our American neighbours to the south, it is estimated roughly 100 cars crash into buildings every single day!
In Ontario, cars colliding with buildings has become an increasing issue. For example, just recently a car drove into a storefront in a plaza in Cambridge. Earlier this year, a 17-year-old was charged under the Highway Traffic Act after a Tesla crashed into a Toronto townhouse, injuring six people. Since the beginning of 2024, the amount of these collisions has increased drastically. Not only does this develop concerns around property damage, but a larger concern surrounding the risk of death.
What happens if a car crashes into my building?
So, if a car crashes into your building, what steps should you take? Generally, the steps will be very similar to those taken during other insurance situations. For example, your window gets broken. A car crashing into your building, however, is a much bigger scale and will involve a much lengthier insurance and recovery process. Let’s take a look at the steps you should take if a car crashes into your business.
1. Make sure everyone is safe
Your top priority is to make sure that everybody within the building is safe after the accident occurs. As you can imagine, a car bolting into your home or business is extremely dangerous and jarring. It is extremely important to make sure that everyone, including the driver, is safe and secure from such a horrific accident. Seeking medical attention for yourself or anyone at the site of the crash should always be your first step. Afterwards, make sure the building is in a safe condition. If it isn’t, remove yourself and others from the property onto safe grounds. Once everyone is deemed safe, continue following the steps provided.
2. Call any medical/emergency services and report the incident
Your first step after making sure everyone is safe is to immediately contact the police and report the accident. If you or someone at the scene requires medical attention, there is a chance the authorities are already aware of the accident. However, in the event nobody is hurt, you’re going to have to call the authorities yourself. With the authorities present, you will exchange as much information as possible with the driver. This includes details about their insurance provider, as well as their vehicle, model, and licence plate number. Before the officer leaves, make sure you acquire an accident report! This is equally important, whether it is your residence/business, or you were the driver behind the accident.
3. Contact your insurance agent
Generally. most collisions with a residential structure will be covered by the auto policy that the driver has. More specifically, this will be part of the property damage section. In bigger situations such as this, settlements can take weeks, or even months, to finalize. After the accident happens, you need to contact your homeowners or business insurance company and inform them of the details.
Even if the auto insurance policy of the driver provides you with a damage settlement, your insurance will generally assist you when it comes to communicating with them. With this as a tool, the process will go much more smoothly. On top of this, your homeowner’s or business insurance will assist you in covering the repairs in the event the driver’s auto policy does not cover all damages. When in contact with your insurance provider, it is important to ask for recommendations for contractors.
What happens if the driver is uninsured?
Well, this will depend specifically on the province you are in. Ontario is a province with a no-fault insurance system. This means that you will proceed with the insurance process through your insurance company. When drivers hit a building, they will typically be deemed at fault. This means you will be proceeding by filing what is known as an uninsured motorist claim. The coverage you have through your business or home insurance policy will provide you with the financial protection needed to move forward. Since you will be dealing with your isure broker or insurance company directly, you can also expect a quicker payout from your insurer.
4. Take photos and videos
As soon as the incident occurs, it is important to take as many photos and videos of the damage done to your building. Once the vehicle has been safely removed, continue to take more photographs. There is no such thing as having too much evidence, but may pose an issue if you don’t have enough!
5. Secure the building, if possible
Once the dust has settled and everybody is safe and contacted, you must secure your business. You can’t simply leave your home or business open to the elements. Due to this, it has to be boarded up quickly. This is why it is super important to ask for contractor recommendations from your insurance provider. A contractor or board-up company will make sure your home or business is protected safely. If you have local construction companies that you generally work with, ask if they have experience in insurance and restoration work.
6. Keep organized
From here on out, you must wait and trust the process of your insurance provider and the contractors. In the meantime, it is a good idea to begin a folder and track any communication you have with your insurance company and contractors. Writing down the names of those you speak to, as well as the dates of calls, is crucial in making sure you keep organized and on track with all parties involved. If you have to close your business down temporarily while repairs are being made, your Business Interruption coverage will likely protect you.
It is also important to keep all receipts, photos, medical records, police reports, estimates, and insurance documents handy. This will help mitigate an already stressful situation!
Car crashes into buildings: A conclusion
Let’s face it, having a vehicle crash into your home is extremely overwhelming. On top of this, it is traumatizing and simply terrifying. It can be difficult to stay patient while your insurance company finalizes a settlement for you. This is especially true if you are out of work or your home is unsafe. Even with the best insurance providers and contractors, patience is essential. Remember, no matter the complexities of your situation, having proper insurance is crucial. If you are in the market for insurance for your home, auto or business, contact us at isure or request a quote today!
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