In Edmonton, you must report a car accident to the Edmonton Police Service if the combined damage exceeds $5,000 CAD or if someone is injured. You can obtain a copy of your EPS collision report (MVA Report) for your insurance or legal claim for a standard fee of approximately $33 CAD.
Experiencing a motor vehicle collision during a harsh Edmonton winter is unfortunately a common occurrence for many local drivers. Whether it is a minor fender bender on the Yellowhead Trail or a severe intersection crash, knowing your legal reporting obligations is the first step toward protecting yourself.
Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, not all accidents require police involvement. 🚨 However, if the damage is substantial, if there are bodily injuries, or if a criminal offence like impaired driving is suspected, filing an official police report becomes a strict legal requirement. This document is also a crucial piece of evidence for your auto insurance claim.
If you are struggling to obtain your records or facing pushback from an insurance adjuster, you may want to contact a local law firm. A skilled personal injury lawyer can request these documents on your behalf, deal with the administrative red tape, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Step-by-Step Process for EPS Collision Reports in Edmonton
Getting your collision properly documented by the Edmonton Police Service involves visiting specific locations designated for accident reporting. 📍 Officers no longer attend minor accident scenes unless there are serious injuries or un-drivable vehicles blocking traffic.
Step 1: Assess the Damage and Injuries at the Scene
Immediately after the crash, check everyone for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, or if you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, call 911 right away. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicles out of the active traffic lanes to prevent further collisions.
Step 2: Visit an Edmonton Collision Reporting Centre
If the vehicles are drivable and there are no critical injuries, you must drive to one of the EPS Collision Reporting Centres located across the city. 🚗 Do not call 911 for minor property damage. You must bring your vehicle, your driver’s licence, your vehicle registration, and your proof of insurance to the centre.
Step 3: Complete the Official Police Report
At the reporting centre, you will fill out a detailed form describing how the accident happened. Be honest, stick to the facts, and avoid apologizing or admitting fault. The staff will take photos of the damage to your vehicle and provide you with a file number (often called an MVA number).
Step 4: Request a Copy of the Report
Your insurance company or your lawyer will need a copy of the finalized EPS collision report. 📄 You can request a copy through the Edmonton Police Service Information Management Branch or submit a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) request online.
How Much Does it Cost in Edmonton?
Obtaining official documents from municipal authorities always involves standard administrative fees. 💰 Here is what you can expect to pay when dealing with accident reporting in Edmonton:
- Reporting the Collision: Filing the report at a Collision Reporting Centre is completely free of charge.
- MVA Report Copy: Requesting a standard copy of the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) report from the Edmonton Police Service currently costs around $33 CAD.
- Driver Abstract: Your insurance may also request a copy of your driver abstract from an Alberta Registry Agent, which typically costs $25 to $30 CAD.
- Lawyer Services: If you hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis, their office will usually pay for the police report upfront as part of their disbursements, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
| Accident Condition | Do I Call 911? | Do I Go to a Reporting Centre? |
| Combined damage under $5,000, no injuries | No | No (Just exchange info with driver) |
| Combined damage over $5,000, no injuries | No | Yes (Within 24 hours ideally) |
| Serious injuries or suspected impaired driver | Yes | Police will attend the scene |
How Long Does the Process Take?
You should aim to report the collision to an EPS reporting centre as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the accident. Delaying the report can make your insurance company suspicious and complicate your claim process.
Once you have filed the report, it takes time for the police service to process the paperwork. 📅 Generally, it takes between 2 to 4 weeks to receive a copy of your official EPS collision report after submitting a formal request and paying the required administrative fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I report an auto accident online in Edmonton?
No, the Edmonton Police Service does not currently allow drivers to report motor vehicle collisions online. You must physically attend a Collision Reporting Centre with your vehicle so the damage can be inspected and documented by staff.
What happens if I don’t report an accident over $5,000?
Failing to report a collision that exceeds the $5,000 CAD damage threshold is a violation of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. You could face a fine, and your insurance company may have grounds to deny your property damage or personal injury claim.
What if the other driver refuses to give their insurance info?
If a driver refuses to exchange information or attempts to flee the scene, call 911 immediately. Note their license plate number, vehicle make and colour, and wait for the police to arrive. This is considered a hit-and-run offence.
Will the police report say who is at fault?
Not necessarily. The police report documents the physical evidence, statements, and conditions of the road. While officers may issue a traffic ticket to one driver, the final determination of fault for insurance purposes is typically made by the insurance adjusters using the Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) rules in Alberta.
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