Ontario Driver Protocol • 2026 Edition
What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario
Stay calm. Stay safe. Keep this official step-by-step checklist inside your vehicle's glove box.
24/7 Collision Hotline: (905) 842-8131
01 First 5 Minutes — Immediate Scene Protocol
Immediate Action1. STOP & SECURE YOUR VEHICLE
LEGAL DUTYNever leave the scene of a collision. Stop immediately and turn on hazard lights. Turn off the engine. If your vehicle is driveable on busy highways (QEW/403/401), Ontario's MTO recommends "Steer It, Clear It" — moving safely as far off the road as possible. Don't put yourself in danger to move a vehicle.
2. CHECK FOR INJURIES — CALL 911
EMERGENCYCheck yourself, your passengers, and others. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, trapped, or if there is fire, smoke, or fuel leaks. Do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger. For non-urgent health advice, dial 811 (Health811) to speak 24/7 with a registered nurse.
3. MAKE THE SCENE SAFE
Keep hazard flashers on. If safe, deploy warning triangles, cones, or flares. Stay out of active traffic lanes and keep passengers behind guardrails or far off the roadway. Never smoke near a damaged vehicle.
4. CALL POLICE WHEN REQUIRED ($5,000+ DAMAGE)
MTO RULEOntario law requires police reporting when there are injuries, suspected impaired driving, government property damage, or combined vehicle damage exceeding $5,000. Minor collisions without injuries are directed to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours.
5. REMAIN CALM & NEVER ADMIT FAULT
Remain polite. Do not apologize, argue, or admit fault at the scene. Do not agree to private cash settlements or sign unread documents. Exchange information and let police and insurance adjusters determine liability under Ontario rules.
Accident Information & Evidence Worksheet
Fill out this physical form directly at the scene, or use your phone camera to capture every document:
1. Other Driver & Vehicle Check Licence
Full Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
Driver's Licence #:
Licence Plate #:
Make / Model / Year:
Vehicle Owner Name:
2. Insurance & Scene Details Pink Slip Info
Insurance Company:
Policy Number:
Pink Slip Expiry:
Exact Location / Cross St:
Date & Exact Time:
Weather & Road State:
Police Officer / Badge #:
3. Witnesses & Nearby Security Cameras
Witness 1 (Name & Tel):
Witness 2 (Name & Tel):
• Check nearby gas stations, storefronts, or intersections for security cameras.
Step 6 & 7 — Document Everything With Photos
CRUCIAL• Overall Scene: Wide angles showing all vehicle positions, skid marks, road conditions & traffic signs.
• Damage & Plates: 4 corner damage close-ups, detached car parts, licence plates & pink slips.
Dashcam: Immediately lock memory cards to prevent loop recording overwrite.
Towing Consumer Rights & Highway Regulations
BE CAREFUL WITH ROADSIDE TOW TRUCKS (STEP 09)
YOUR RIGHTSDon't feel pressured to choose a repair facility simply because a tow driver suggests one at the scene. Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, you have the legal right to choose your towing company, repair facility, and rental provider.
• Where is my vehicle going?
• What are exact tow & storage rates?
• Which towing company are you with?
• Demand written, itemized invoice.
DRIVING ON THE QEW, 401, 403 OR 407? (RESTRICTED TOW ZONES)
CALL 511In Oakville, Burlington, and GTA highway corridors, strict provincial regulations prohibit unauthorized tow trucks from operating. Only authorized tow operators dispatched through Ontario 511 may remove vehicles from active lanes or shoulders.
• In active traffic / emergency: Call 911
• Safely parked on shoulder: Call 511 (Tow Zone)
Direct Tow Destination Instruction INSTRUCT TOW DRIVER
Instruct your tow operator to transport your vehicle directly to our certified collision reconstruction facility:
COMPLETE AUTO BODY & COLLISION
1149 Speers Road, Oakville, ON L6L 2X5
WHAT IF IT'S A HIT-AND-RUN?
1. Stay safe, do not pursue the vehicle. 2. Call police immediately (911). 3. Record licence plate, make, model, colour, and driver description. 4. Collect witness contact info and report to your insurer.
Insurance, Legal Rights & Emergency Directory
STEP 10: NOTIFY YOUR INSURER WITHIN 7 DAYS
ONTARIO LAWOntario auto policies stipulate notifying your broker or insurer within 7 days of a collision (or as soon as practicable). Have your CRC report, photos, and other driver info ready. Don't wait until fault is determined — claims are processed under Ontario's Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) rules.
YOUR LEGAL RIGHT TO CHOOSE COMPLETE AUTO BODY
LIFETIME WARRANTYInsurers may suggest preferred shops, but by Ontario law, you have 100% legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. We work with all major insurers, offer lifetime repair warranty, and coordinate replacement rentals.
Ontario Emergency Phone Directory:
911
Police / Fire / EMS
Life emergencies
811
Health811
24/7 Nurse Advice
511
Ontario 511
Highway Tow Zones
1-888-310-1122
OPP Non-Emergency
Provincial Police
Vehicle Glove Box & Trunk Kit Checklist:
☐ This printed guide
☐ Pink slip & ownership
☐ Pen & notepad
☐ Phone power bank
☐ Flashlight
☐ Warning triangle
☐ First-aid kit
☐ Gloves & blanket
☐ Bottled water
COMPLETE AUTO BODY & COLLISION
1149 Speers Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 2X5
[email protected] • completeabc.com
Legal & Regulatory Notice: The Complete Accident Guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal, medical, insurance, or professional advice. Ontario laws, insurance policies, and collision-reporting procedures may vary. Always follow instructions from emergency responders, police, and your insurer.
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