In Saskatchewan, you should report a collision to SGI immediately, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. However, under provincial law, you have a strict maximum limitation period of exactly 2 years from the date of the accident to file a formal injury or property damage claim.
Getting into a car crash at a busy Regina intersection like Albert Street and Victoria Avenue is stressful and disorienting. In the chaotic aftermath of exchanging information with the other driver and arranging a tow truck, it is incredibly easy to delay the formal reporting process. Many drivers make the mistake of waiting to see if their neck pain resolves or trying to settle the damage privately.
Failing to report your collision to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and the local police in a timely manner can severely jeopardize your ability to claim vehicle repairs and medical benefits. If you are facing pushback from SGI because of a delayed report, we highly recommend utilizing our directory to find an experienced Regina motor vehicle accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Step-by-Step Process for Reporting an Accident in Regina
Reporting a collision in Saskatchewan is a multi-step process. Depending on the severity of the crash, you may need to deal with both law enforcement and the provincial insurer.
Step 1: Contacting the Regina Police Service
You do not need to call the police for minor fender benders. However, you are legally required to report the crash to the Regina Police Service or RCMP immediately if there are injuries, if a driver appears intoxicated, if a vehicle must be towed, or if it is a hit-and-run.
Step 2: Filing your SGI Auto eClaim
You can report the collision to SGI online using the Auto eClaim system or by calling their toll-free claims line. 💻 You must provide the date, time, and location of the crash, your driver’s licence number, and the license plate details of the other vehicles involved. Doing this within the first 48 hours is highly recommended to avoid any suspicion of fraud.
Step 3: Attending the SGI Claims Centre
Once your claim is filed, SGI will schedule an appointment at one of the Regina Claims Centres (such as the East Claims Centre on Fleet Street). An adjustor will physically inspect the damage to your vehicle, finalize the liability decision, and authorize the necessary body shop repairs.
How Much Does it Cost to Process a Claim?
Reporting the accident to SGI is free, but progressing with the repairs involves standard deductibles based on your vehicle registration.
| Standard SGI Deductible | $700 CAD (unless reduced by Auto Pak) |
| Police Accident Report Copy | $15 – $30 CAD |
| Towing Fees (If required) | Typically covered by SGI if valid claim |
| Lawyer Consultation for Injury | Free Initial Consultation |
If the SGI adjustor determines that the other driver was 100% at fault for the collision, your deductible will be completely waived, and you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for your vehicle repairs.
How Long Does the Process Take?
While SGI expects you to report the crash as soon as practically possible, The Limitations Act of Saskatchewan enforces a strict 2-year statute of limitations. This means you must formally file your claim or commence a lawsuit within exactly two years of the collision date. If you miss this 2-year deadline, you permanently lose your right to claim any vehicle damage, income replacement, or injury benefits. Once reported, getting a vehicle appraised takes about 1 to 2 weeks, while injury claims remain open as long as you are actively receiving medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if the other driver wants to settle privately?
Settling privately without reporting to SGI is extremely risky. If the other driver changes their mind, denies the crash happened, or if you discover underlying structural damage to your car weeks later, SGI may refuse to cover your losses due to the lack of a timely report.
Will reporting the accident raise my SGI premiums?
Your SGI safety rating and premiums will only be negatively affected if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the collision. If the other driver is entirely to blame, your rates remain completely unaffected.
What if I didn’t feel any pain until three days later?
It is very common for whiplash and soft tissue injuries to appear days after the adrenaline wears off. You should immediately visit a doctor to document the injuries and then update your existing SGI claim with the new medical information.
Do I have to use an SGI-accredited auto body shop?
Yes. Once SGI appraises the damage, you must select a certified autobody repair shop from their approved list in Regina to ensure the repairs are guaranteed and billed correctly under provincial standards.
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