Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, if the combined damage to all vehicles exceeds $2,000 CAD or there is property damage, you generally must report the accident to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. If anyone is injured or a criminal offence is suspected, you must call 911 immediately instead.
Getting into a car accident on the busy streets of Toronto or the Don Valley Parkway is an incredibly stressful experience. In the chaos of a fender bender, many drivers are unsure whether they need to call the police, go to a reporting centre, or just exchange insurance information and go home.
In Ontario, the law is very specific about your reporting duties. 👮 Failing to properly report a significant accident can result in serious fines, demerit points, and the total denial of your auto insurance claim. If you have been involved in a collision and are unsure of your legal rights, finding a trusted local lawyer in our directory can help protect you from liability.
Step-by-Step Process for Reporting an Accident in Toronto
Handling the immediate aftermath of a collision correctly is vital for your physical safety and your future legal claim. Here is how most drivers in Toronto are legally required to handle a crash scene.
Step 1: Assess for Injuries and Call 911 if Necessary
Your first priority is safety. 🏥 If anyone is injured, if the total damage clearly exceeds $2,000 CAD, if the other driver is uncooperative, or if you suspect the other driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, you must call 911 immediately. The Toronto Police Service will dispatch officers directly to the scene to conduct a full investigation and handle the reporting process for you.
Step 2: Move Vehicles and Exchange Information
If the collision is minor, there are no injuries, and the vehicles are safe to drive, the police will likely tell you to clear the intersection. Move your cars to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. You are legally required to exchange your name, address, driver’s licence number, and motor vehicle liability insurance policy information with the other driver. Be sure to take clear photos of all damages and the surrounding scene.
Step 3: Drive or Tow to a Collision Reporting Centre
If the police did not attend the scene, you must proceed to a local Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). 🚗 Toronto has two main locations: one in North York (Toryork Drive) and one in Scarborough (Howden Road). If your car is not drivable, you must arrange for a licensed tow truck to take your vehicle directly to the CRC facility. Do not let the tow truck driver take it to an auto body shop first.
Step 4: Take Photos and Submit the Official Report
Once you arrive at the reporting facility, the staff will take official photographs of the damage to your vehicle. You will then use a digital kiosk to complete a detailed collision report, providing your version of how the accident occurred. This official police report is immediately shared with your insurance company to help process your claim.
How Much Does it Cost in Toronto?
Reporting an accident to the police is a free public service, but the logistics of getting there can carry unexpected costs. 💵 Here is a general breakdown of what you might pay following a collision in Toronto.
| Reporting at the Collision Centre | $0 (Free service) |
| Licensed Towing to the CRC | $250 – $400+ (Usually covered by auto insurance) |
| Police Accident Report Copy (MVA Report) | $60 – $250 (If requested later by a lawyer) |
| Fines for Failing to Report (If caught) | Up to $1,000 + 3 Demerit Points |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Under the provincial Highway Traffic Act, you generally have exactly 24 hours from the time of the collision to report it to a local centre. ⏳ Once you arrive at the Toryork or Howden reporting facility, the actual administrative process usually takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending heavily on the weather and the number of other drivers waiting in line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to report the accident if the damage is less than $2,000?
If the combined damage to both vehicles is clearly less than $2,000 CAD and no one is injured, there is no strict legal requirement to report it to the police. However, many insurance policies still require you to report all accidents to them to maintain your coverage.
What if the other driver offers me cash to not report the accident?
Accepting cash to hide an accident is highly risky. If the damage secretly exceeds $2,000, you are breaking Ontario law by not reporting it. Furthermore, if the other driver later changes their mind or you develop hidden injuries (like whiplash), you will have no official police record to support your insurance claim.
Does the Collision Reporting Centre decide who is at fault?
No. The police officers at the reporting centre strictly document the physical damage and record your statements. Your auto insurance company will independently determine fault based on Ontario’s mandatory Fault Determination Rules.
What if I miss the 24-hour reporting deadline?
If you miss the strict 24-hour deadline, you should still report the accident as soon as physically possible. While you could technically face a fine under the Highway Traffic Act, police are often understanding if there was a medical emergency or a valid logistical delay.
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