Collisions, insurance and registration in Ontario

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the right steps after a collision with or without injuries.
• You can state when a collision must be reported to police.
• You can list the information you must exchange.
• You can explain Ontario's insurance and plate-to-owner registration rules.

What you need to know and understand

• Every driver involved in a collision must stay at or return to the scene and give all possible help.
• You must report to police if anyone is injured or total damage appears to exceed $5,000.
• Below that amount you still must exchange information with anyone whose vehicle was damaged.
• Insurance is compulsory for every vehicle registered in Ontario.
• You must hand over your licence, vehicle permit and insurance immediately when a police officer asks.
• Plates follow the owner, not the vehicle; remove them when you sell.

After a collision with no injuries

1. Stop safely and turn on your hazard lights.
2. If the vehicles can be driven, move them off the road (steer it, clear it), especially on busy or high-speed roads.
3. If you cannot move them, set up warning signals far enough back for traffic to slow.
4. Call police if damage appears to exceed $5,000.
5. Exchange names, addresses, the registered owner's details, plate and permit numbers and insurance information.
6. Collect witness names and numbers and take photos if it is safe.
7. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible if you plan to claim.

If someone is hurt

Call for help, or have someone else call, and report to police. Turn off engines, switch on hazard lights and warn traffic. Keep anyone from smoking near the vehicles in case of a fuel leak. If there is no danger of fire, leave injured people where they are and stay with them until trained help arrives.

Insurance, registration and fraud

You must show proof of insurance to register or renew a vehicle. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario regulates insurance. Registration gives you plates and a vehicle permit. New residents have 30 days to register a vehicle, bringing a safety standards certificate, proof of insurance, import forms if from another country and the old permit.

After a collision, be wary of tow operators who pressure you towards a particular body shop or clinic, and never sign blank forms. Our guide to Ontario vehicle registration and insurance for new drivers covers the costs.

Common mistakes

• Driving off after a minor bump without exchanging details. Failing to remain carries seven points.
• Leaving damaged cars in a live freeway lane when they could be moved safely.
• Assuming you have 24 hours to show your documents. You must produce them when the officer asks.
• Selling a car with your plates on it. Plates stay with you.

Test yourself: Collisions, insurance and registration in Ontario

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

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