How Long After an Accident Can You Make a Claim?
In Ontario, you should notify your insurance company within seven days of the accident, or as soon as reasonably possible.
Things You Should Do When Making a Claim
Making a car accident claim involves several steps. Check out our guide to learn more about what to do immediately after a car accident.
Review the Damage and Document It
If safe, take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved and other physical evidence, such as skid marks or street signs.
Report the Accident Immediately
In Ontario, you must report collisions to police if someone is injured or if total damage exceeds $5,000. Provide factual information when reporting the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Traumatic car accidents can result in broken bones, bruises and other injuries.
Work With a Claims Adjuster
Provide your claims adjuster with as much information as possible. The more accurate information you gather, the easier it is to determine what your insurance policy can cover.
Information Needed for an Auto Insurance Claim
When making an accident claim, you’ll have to provide the following information:
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Date, time and location of the accident
- Make, model, year and VIN of your vehicle
- Accident details
- Injury details
- Property damage details
- Names, contact details and driver’s licence numbers of everyone involved
- Names of the insurance companies and automobile policies of everyone involved
- Name, contact details and badge number of the investigating officer
How Fault Is Determined
Ontario insurers establish responsibility through the Insurance Act and Fault Determination Rules.
The rules apply regardless of road conditions, pedestrian involvement or weather.
Once insurers review the accident details, they determine fault on a scale of zero to 100. If the insurance company determines that you are at fault, this will be recorded on your insurance record.
If you don’t believe you were at fault, you can contact your insurance company’s complaint officer.
What Is Covered in Case of Injury?
Ontario auto insurance policies include mandatory Accident Benefits coverage, which provides compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation and attendant care regardless of fault.
What Your Insurance Company Pays
Insurance companies pay the lower of two amounts:
- The cost to repair damage to your vehicle
- The actual cash value of your car at the time of the accident
Actual cash value refers to the cost of replacing your vehicle with another car in similar condition. Your insurance company will review your car’s mileage, age and overall condition to determine this amount.
How Claims Affect Your Insurance Rates
Drivers making a car accident claim for the first time who are not at fault won’t typically see an increase in their insurance premiums. In other situations, you might be subject to an increase depending on the damage sustained, any injuries, the claim type and the fault determined.
According to MyChoice internal data, drivers in Ontario see a median premium increase of about 26.6% after an at-fault collision.
If an insurance company finds you at fault for an accident, it can stay on your record for several years and affect your rates.
Where to Get Your Vehicle Repaired
When you receive compensation, you can repair your vehicle at any shop. However, your insurance company might recommend a body shop that fits the estimated budget.