How to Report a Car Accident in Toronto
Toronto traffic is famously unpredictable. Whether you are navigating the stop-and-go crawl of the DVP or dealing with a sudden stop on a busy Scarborough street, fender benders are a daily reality.
In the immediate aftermath of a collision, adrenaline is high, and many drivers are unsure of their legal obligations. Do you call 911? Do you wait for the police? Or do you just exchange information?
Understanding the Toronto Police Service’s reporting rules and Ontario’s collision-reporting requirements can help you respond properly after a crash and protect your rights if injuries or disputes arise later.
When Police Will Attend a Collision
Toronto Police says officers will attend certain collisions, including those involving a fatality, a serious injury requiring hospital transport, criminal activity, the transporting of dangerous goods, a person who is uninsured or is a suspended driver, damage to private, municipal, or highway property, injured cyclists or pedestrians, or overnight collisions between midnight and 8:00 a.m. where a vehicle is not drivable. Use 9-1-1 for emergencies, especially where someone needs immediate medical help or criminality is involved. Other reportable collisions in Toronto should be reported as soon as possible to a Collision Reporting Centre.
The $5,000 Rule and Collision Reporting Centres
If your collision does not require emergency response, but it is still reportable, including where the combined damage to all involved vehicles exceeds $5,000, you must report the accident as soon as possible to a Collision Reporting Centre.
(Note: If the damage is minor and the collision does not otherwise fall into a reportable category, you may not need to report it to police. You should still exchange information and notify your insurance company.)
Steps for Using a CRC in Toronto:
Clear the Road: If safe, move the vehicles out of traffic.
Exchange Information: Record the other driver's license, insurance policy, name, address, phone number, and vehicle details (year, make, model, color, license plate).
Take Photos: Photograph the scene, the damage to all vehicles, and quickly snap pictures of the other driver's documents.
Report Promptly: Bring your vehicle, driver’s license, ownership, and insurance to a CRC as soon as possible.
Toronto CRC Locations: The East (Scarborough) and North (North York) Collision Reporting Centres are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Additionally, there is a dedicated Cyclist & Pedestrian Collision Reporting Centre at 14 Division on Dovercourt Road, open Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., for collisions involving injuries that do not require ambulance transport.
Important Towing Rules: Know Your Rights
If your vehicle is not drivable, predatory towing can be a major issue in Toronto. The city has strict regulations to protect you:
Direct to CRC: All vehicles being towed from a collision scene must go directly to a Collision Reporting Centre. Do not let a tow operator take your car to a body shop first.
Flat Fee: The towing company can only charge a flat fee of $310.44 plus tax from any street or highway to the CRC.
No Out-of-Pocket Payment: This initial fee is paid directly by the Collision Reporting Centre. You do not need to pay the tow truck driver at the scene.
No Referrals: Tow operators are strictly forbidden from recommending a body shop to you.
Why You Should Never Rely on a "Handshake Agreement"
Drivers involved in a minor scrape often suggest settling the matter privately with cash to avoid insurance. This is incredibly risky.
Without an official report or insurance record, you have no paper trail. If the other driver later changes their story, or if you wake up the next morning with severe whiplash, you will have no official documentation to support a personal injury claim. Always document the incident to protect your legal and financial interests.
Finding Legal Support at Nazari-Pruden Law
If an accident has resulted in unexpected pain, missed time from work, or mounting physical therapy bills, you do not have to navigate the insurance claims process alone.
Our team offers services in English and Farsi to ensure Toronto and GTA residents have accessible, clear, and compassionate legal support. Contact us today for a free consultation to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please consult a qualified personal injury lawyer regarding your specific circumstances.