How to Make a Car Insurance Claim Canada

A clear step-by-step guide to filing an auto insurance claim in Canada — from the crash scene to settlement.

Step 1: At the Scene of the Accident

Your actions immediately after an accident significantly affect the claims process. Stay calm and:

• Check for injuries — call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt
• Move vehicles to safety if possible and if minor collision
• Call police if: injuries occurred, damage exceeds your province's reporting threshold (typically $2,000), or the other driver is impaired or uncooperative
• Exchange information: full name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate, insurance company name and policy number
• Photograph all vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Do not admit fault — even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you

Step 2: Report the Collision

In many provinces, collisions above a damage threshold must be reported to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours rather than at the scene, if no injuries occurred. Ontario has 30+ CRCs across the province. BC drivers report to ICBC directly. Check your province's specific reporting requirements.

Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible after the accident — ideally the same day. Most major insurers have 24/7 claims lines and apps for immediate reporting.

Step 3: File the Claim

When you call your insurer, be prepared to provide:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Description of what happened
• Other driver's information and insurer details
• Police report number (if applicable)
• Photos and witness information
• Your vehicle's VIN and current mileage

Step 4: Fault Determination

In provinces using Fault Determination Rules (Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic Canada), your insurer assigns fault based on standardized rules. Fault is expressed as a percentage — 0% (not at fault), 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% at fault. This affects whether your collision or DCPD coverage applies and whether your premium will be surcharged.

In BC, ICBC determines fault under the Enhanced Care model. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, public insurers handle the determination.

Step 5: Vehicle Assessment and Repair

Your insurer will arrange for a damage appraisal — either through their own appraiser or a designated repair shop. You may use your preferred repair shop in most provinces, though insurer-approved shops often have direct billing arrangements. If your vehicle is a total loss (repair cost exceeds ~70–80% of vehicle value), the insurer will pay you the actual cash value (or agreed value on a specialty policy) rather than repair it.

How Claims Affect Future Premiums

Claim Type	At-Fault?	Premium Impact	Duration
Collision (at fault)	Yes	+25–50%	3–6 years
Collision (not at fault)	No	Usually none	N/A
Comprehensive (theft, weather)	No	Usually none or minor	N/A
Multiple not-at-fault claims	No	Possible small increase	Varies

When NOT to File a Claim

For minor at-fault incidents, calculate whether filing is financially worthwhile. Add up the expected premium increase over 3–6 years versus the payout you'd receive (repair cost minus deductible). If the premium impact exceeds the net payout, pay the repair out of pocket and protect your record. This is particularly relevant for small parking lot incidents or low-speed fender benders.