No matter how careful you are behind the wheel of your car, accidents can still (and do) happen. Collisions across Ontario come in many forms and sizes, each as a result of different things. With every collision varying in seriousness and size, many people are unaware of whether minor collisions need to be reported. In short, the truth is: every collision should be reported. Luckily, isure is here to help you figure out what you need to do in any type of scenario, minor or not.
When should I report a minor collision in Ontario?
When it comes to a serious car accident, most are generally aware of the steps you must take when it comes to proceeding. However, many people are stuck scratching their heads when it comes to minor collisions. When it comes to whether or not a police report should be filed during an accident, there are a few circumstances that must be followed. The circumstances that deem an accident major are as follows:
- The accident ahs resulted in over $2,000 worth of damage between both vehicles
- The accident has caused damage to municipal or third-party property
- A bystander was involved in the incident
- An injury or death occurs
- A government vehicle was involved
- A criminal act has taken place. (ex: one of the drivers was under the influence or one of the involved drivers does not have a valid car licence or insurance.)
If your collision does not meet any of the criteria above, your collision was minor. The truth is, regardless of the severity of the collision, proper steps need to be taken. Your first step when being part of a minor collision is to visit and report to a Collision Reporting Centre in Ontario. This should always be your first step when nobody is injured and the damage to your vehicle appears to be less than $2,000. This should be done within 24 hours of the collision.
What happens at a Collision Reporting Centre?
Visiting a Collision Reporting Centre immediately after an accident is crucial! When you arrive, an officer will help you complete a police report (if necessary) and take note of any important information regarding the collision. This may include taking photographs of damage. You will also receive a “Damage Reported to Police” sticker to put on any vehicle damage. This way, you will avoid any fines until you get your vehicle fixed. It is important to keep in mind that $2,000 worth of damage can be surprisingly small on a modern vehicle.
What happens if I don’t report a minor collision in Ontario?
Not reporting a collision in Ontario is a serious offense that should not be taken lightly. Often, people believe that if damage is minor, they can get away with not informing proper authorities of the collision. This can be risky considering you never know how the other person will proceed afterwards. Failing to report a collision in Ontario is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act.
More often than not, many people believe that if their accident is deemed minor, they don’t need to take any steps afterward. However, this is very rarely the case. Though there is the slim chance you would walk away without consequences, doing this would put a lot of reliance on the other person involved. This is due to the fact that it is quite common for people to say they will not file insurance claim, but change their minds soon after. If they decide to do so for whatever reason, it would result in a bad look on your end. This could result in having to pay more as well as show your insurance broker that you aren’t trustworthy.
If you are convicted of failing to report a collision in Ontario, you can be hit with some serious consequences. You’ll face a fine between $60 – $1,000, plus a victim surcharge. Additionally, you’ll get three demerit points on your record. As a result of this, you can see a major increase in your car insurance rate in Ontario.
What should I do if I get into a serious car accident?
Whether someone is injured or not, your first steps should always be to call 911. Once that is taken care of, safely take photographs of any damage and exchange information with the other driver. Again, it is very important to make sure that it is safe enough to take these necessary steps! It is important to stay calm until the police arrive to the scene. After an accident, be on the lookout for any unusual pain or feelings. This is because not all injuries will be apparent right away. If you have any concerns about your wellbeing after a collision, seek medical attention as soon as possible. For information regarding more serious accidents and the necessary steps, check out our article here.
Remember, whether it’s a minor collision or not, it can sometimes have an impact on your car insurance, depending on a no-fault claim. If you’re looking for a new auto insurance policy or to submit a claim, contact isure today. We are always here to help you, no matter the severity of your accident. Request a quote today!
