In London, Ontario, you must report a collision to the police or the Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if there are injuries or combined damages exceed $5,000 CAD. Furthermore, you have 7 days to notify your auto insurance company and exactly 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
The moments following a traffic accident on busy thoroughfares like Oxford Street or Wonderland Road are chaotic. In the confusion, drivers often exchange information but fail to follow the strict legal timelines required by the province.
Missing a reporting deadline can have disastrous consequences. Your insurance company could deny your claim, or you could be charged under the Highway Traffic Act. Knowing exactly who to call, and when, is the first step in protecting your health and your legal right to compensation. 📝
Step-by-Step Process in London, Ontario
Ontario law enforces rigid timelines to prevent fraud and ensure public safety. Here is the chronological order of actions you must take if you are involved in a crash.
Step 1: Immediate Emergency Reporting (911)
If anyone is injured, if a vehicle is blocking a busy intersection, or if you suspect the other driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 911 immediately. The London Police Service will dispatch officers to the scene to secure the area and draft an official motor vehicle collision report.
Step 2: The 24-Hour Police Rule
If the police do not attend the scene (usually because there are no serious injuries), but the total damage between both vehicles is over $5,000 CAD, you are legally required to report the accident within 24 hours. You must drive or tow your vehicle to the London Collision Reporting Centre located at 1001 Brydges Street (at the corner of Brydges Street and Egerton Street). 🚗
Step 3: The 7-Day Insurance Rule
Your insurance policy is a contract. Under Ontario regulations, you must notify your insurance broker or provider within 7 days of the accident. If you wait months to tell them about the crash, they may argue that your delay prejudiced their investigation and deny your coverage.
Step 4: The 30-Day SABS Deadline
If you need medical treatments like physiotherapy or income replacement, you must complete and submit your Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) application (OCF-1) within 30 days of receiving the forms from your insurer.
Step 5: The 2-Year Statute of Limitations
If you suffer serious and permanent injuries due to another driver’s negligence, you have exactly 2 years from the date of the accident to file a formal Statement of Claim at the Superior Court of Justice. Missing this deadline generally bars you from ever suing the at-fault party.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Reporting an accident is mostly a matter of time and administrative effort, though towing costs can catch drivers off guard.
- Reporting to Police/CRC: Free. There is no charge to file a report at the Brydges Street centre.
- Towing Fees: Towing your car to the collision centre can cost between $200 and $400 CAD, which your insurance will usually reimburse if you have collision coverage.
- Lawsuit Filing Fees: If you decide to sue before the 2-year deadline, the Superior Court filing fee is $243 CAD, usually covered by your law firm.
| Action Required | Legal Deadline in Ontario |
|---|---|
| Report to London Police / CRC | 24 Hours (If damage >$5,000 or injuries) |
| Notify Auto Insurance | 7 Days |
| Submit SABS Application (OCF-1) | 30 Days |
| File a Personal Injury Lawsuit | 2 Years (Statute of Limitations) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Filing a report at the London Collision Reporting Centre generally takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how busy they are. Once you report the crash to your insurance, it usually takes them 3 to 5 business days to assign an adjuster, assess the fault, and approve vehicle repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if the other driver begs me not to report it?
Never agree to bypass insurance or police reporting. If the other driver gives you fake information or later changes their story, you could be left paying thousands of dollars for car repairs and medical bills entirely out of pocket.
Do I have to go to the CRC if the damage is minor?
If there are absolutely no injuries and the combined damage to both vehicles is clearly under $5,000 CAD, you are not legally forced to report it to the police. However, you should still notify your insurance company to protect yourself against future claims.
What if I missed the 24-hour deadline because I was in the hospital?
The law provides exceptions for individuals who are physically incapable of reporting the crash due to severe injuries. In these cases, the police will investigate the scene directly or wait until you are medically cleared to provide a statement.
What happens in a hit-and-run?
If the other driver flees, you must report it to the London Police Service immediately. Failing to report a hit-and-run promptly can invalidate your ability to claim compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
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