Many questions might race through your mind when you get into a car accident. Is anyone injured? What’s the damage? What’s the other driver’s licence plate number? What’s their insurance information? Is it necessary to call the police? Where’s the nearest Collision Reporting Centre? Once the initial shock has worn off, you may also ask yourself: how long do I have to make a claim with my insurance company? Here’s what you need to know.

How long do you have to report an accident to your insurance company?
According to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), you should report an accident to your insurance company within seven days or as soon as possible.¹ If you’re unsure whether making an auto insurance claim is worthwhile, you can consult your insurance broker first. It’s unlikely that you’ll be penalized just for asking that question. However, your claim could be denied if you fail to report the accident.

What happens if you take too long to report an accident to your insurance company?
If you fail to report an accident within a reasonable timeframe, you risk your insurance company not honouring your claim.¹

From an insurance company's perspective, timely reporting is crucial. Delays can make it difficult to verify whether your injuries or the damage to your vehicle were caused by this accident or a different one.

Ontario has a no-fault insurance system, meaning you deal directly with your insurance company, regardless of who's at fault. This system is designed to streamline the claims process and ensure you receive compensation for injuries and damage more quickly. However, if you don't report the accident right away, it can raise red flags about the validity of your claim. Insurance companies may view any delay as a potential attempt to mislead.

It's best to report an accident immediately to protect your interests and ensure a smooth claims process. This helps your insurance company accurately assess the situation and support you.

How long do you have to report an accident to the police?
The sooner you report an accident to the police, the better. You should call the police if there are injuries, the total damage to all vehicles involved appears to be more than $5,000, or if you suspect any drivers involved may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.²

If there are no injuries and the total damage to all vehicles involved appears to be less than $2,000, report your accident to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.²

How to report an accident to your insurance company
Call your insurance company to let them know what happened. They will guide you through the next steps and start your claim. If you’re insured with OTIP, our Curo Claims Services are available 24/7 to support you through the process.

You'll need to provide the following information when making your report:¹
 

1. The date, time, and location of the accident.
2. A description of the accident.
3. The name and driver's licence number of the other driver.
4. The make, model, and licence plate number of the other driver's vehicle.
5. The other driver's insurance company and auto insurance policy number.
6. The extent of any injuries.
7. A description of the damage to both vehicles.
8. The number of passengers involved in the accident.
9. The name and badge number of the attending police officer if the accident was reported to the police.

You can also download our accident worksheet and keep it handy to help you record valuable information at the scene.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen to anyone, but being prepared and acting fast can make a big difference in how your claim is handled. If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-615-9329 to review your existing auto insurance policy and discuss additional optional coverage, such as our Worry-free Bundle. If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for auto insurance, call us at 1-833-494-0085 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!
 

1. Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario – After an Accident: Understanding the Claims Process
2. Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario – What to do after an accident