Car Accident & Insurance ClaimUncategorizedApril 5, 2018When you get into a car accident, it’s can be an emotional and traumatizing event that can blindside you if you are unprepared. The physical and mental stress you can experience may be overwhelming if you don’t know what to do. But it does not have to be this way. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), which oversees insurance in the province, has an easy step by step instruction guide on what you should do when you get into an auto accident. If your vehicle is involved in an accident and you don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. Call the police if anyone is injured, if the total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be more than $2,000, or you suspect that any of the other drivers involved are guilty of a Criminal Code offence (such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol). Follow the instructions given to you by the emergency operator. Police will arrive as soon as possible. Do not try to move anyone injured in the accident — you may aggravate their injuries. If no one is injured and total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be less than $2,000, call a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. These centres are police facilities created to assist motorists in reporting motor vehicle accidents. At the reporting centre you will complete a police report, and damage to the vehicle will be photographed. If it is safe to do so, get out of your car. If you have access to a digital camera or a cell phone, you should use it to take pictures of the scene. When it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights or use cones, warning triangles or flares, as appropriate. Record information. Fill in the printable Accident Worksheet to help you remember what information is required. You can download the Automobile Loss Form here . You may also use your cell phone to audio record as much information as possible. Call your insurance broker as soon as possible after the accident. Inform them what happened and ask for next steps. For more information on filing an insurance claim with your insurance company, visit our Claims Services. We advise contacting your trusted insurance broker representative to go over any questions and procedures when making a claim. Their knowledge and advise is invaluable to your claims experience. To contact one of our trusted insurance brokers, feel free to call (416)494-1268. Safe driving, everyone!