Should You Call the Police for a Minor Accident?

Not sure if your fender-bender needs reporting? Here's when Ontario law requires police involvement—and what to do if you’ve already left the scene.

In the moments following a minor accident, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. Should you call the police? What if there are no injuries, and the cars are barely scratched? Is a phone call overkill—or necessary?

These are common questions, especially among Toronto drivers navigating Ontario’s rules for minor collisions. While some accidents clearly demand immediate police presence, others fall into a grey area. What you do next could influence how smoothly your insurance claim goes—or whether you face penalties later.

This guide breaks down when calling the police is required, what to do if you’ve already left the scene, and how to report minor accidents properly using Toronto’s Collision Reporting Centres.

Understanding Ontario's Reporting Requirements

Ontario drivers are required to call police immediately in certain situations. These rules are rooted in the Highway Traffic Act, and knowing them helps protect you from fines or insurance complications.

You must call the police right away if:

• Anyone is injured or requires medical attention

• There’s a fatality

• The other driver appears impaired

• The accident involves a pedestrian, cyclist, or government vehicle

• One party leaves the scene (hit-and-run)

• Public property is damaged, such as traffic lights or guardrails

In these cases, police should be called to the scene—or at least through the non-emergency line (Toronto Police: 416‑808‑2222).

What Qualifies as a Minor Accident?

A minor accident is generally one where:

• There are no injuries

• All vehicles are drivable

• Property damage appears limited to under $5,000

• Both parties remain at the scene and cooperate
  

If your situation meets these criteria, you likely don’t need to call the police directly. But that doesn’t mean there’s no need to file a report.

In Toronto, these types of collisions are handled through Collision Reporting Centres, where drivers are required to file an incident report within 24 hours of the crash—assuming the damage exceeds the $5,000 threshold.

The $5,000 Rule: What It Actually Means

As of January 1, 2025, Ontario’s updated minimum threshold for collision reporting is $5,000 in total combined damage.

This means that if the visible damage to all involved vehicles exceeds this amount, you must file a report at a Collision Reporting Centre. If you’re unsure, it’s best to visit the CRC, where staff can help assess the damage and determine whether a report is required.

Important: Some outdated sources may still reference the old $2,000 figure. As of 2025, that threshold is no longer in effect.

How to Report a Minor Accident in Toronto

If no one is injured and your vehicle is drivable, you’re expected to go to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours of the accident.

Toronto CRC Locations

North Collision Reporting Centre

113 Toryork Drive

Toronto, ON M9L 1X9

East Collision Reporting Centre

39 Howden Road

Toronto, ON M1R 3C7

Before you go, make sure to bring:

• Your driver’s licence

• Vehicle registration

• Proof of insurance

• Your vehicle, if it’s safe to drive

• Any photos or witness statements
  

Once at the centre, you’ll complete a Motor Vehicle Collision Report, and an officer may inspect your vehicle to verify the extent of the damage.

What If You Didn’t Report the Accident Right Away?

If you’ve already left the scene and didn’t call the police—or didn’t realize you needed to file anything—you’re not alone. Many drivers delay reporting because:

• The damage seemed minor

• They were in shock or overwhelmed

• The other driver convinced them not to report

• They didn’t know where to go or what to do
  

Fortunately, a late report is still valid in most cases. The key is to act quickly once you realize it’s necessary. If it’s been more than 24 hours, call the CRC directly and explain the situation. In many cases, they’ll still accept your report, especially if you have supporting evidence like photos or repair estimates.

Why Proper Reporting Still Matters

Even if the accident seemed insignificant, reporting it creates an official, third-party record of what happened. That report could make a huge difference if:

• The other driver files a claim against you

• You develop physical symptoms days later

• Your insurer needs verification for your claim

• Disputes about fault arise

Without a police or CRC report, your case becomes a matter of one person’s word against another. Proper reporting gives your version of events weight and credibility.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Want to Report?

One driver might suggest “handling it privately,” or ask you not to file a report at all. While cooperation is helpful, you are not legally bound to go along with someone else’s plan—especially if it puts you at risk.

If the damage exceeds $5,000, you are required to report it, regardless of the other party’s position. Failing to do so could jeopardize your ability to:

• File a claim

• Recover repair costs

• Dispute fault
  

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Report?

Reporting an accident does not automatically increase your premium. If you're not at fault, your insurer may simply record the report and take no further action.

However, not reporting when you're legally required to can:

• Lead to claim denial

• Be seen as a policy breach

• Compromise your ability to defend your position
  

In short: when in doubt, file the report. Let your insurer handle the assessment.

When Should You Speak with a Lawyer?

You might want legal advice if:

• You’ve developed symptoms or injuries after the accident

• The other driver is disputing fault

• You're unclear on the reporting process or legal risks

• You feel pressured to settle or avoid filing

At Misir & Company, we provide free consultations for drivers across Toronto, helping ensure your accident is properly documented, your rights are protected, and your next steps are clear.

Contact Misir & Company Lawyers

Not sure whether your minor accident needs to be reported—or what to do if it wasn’t?

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Misir & Company Lawyers

880 St Clair Ave West

Toronto, ON, Canada

Phone: 416‑865‑6274

Email: info@misirandcompany.ca

Website: www.misirandcompany.ca