Automobile accidents Be well informed so you know what to do

No matter how serious the automobile accident, no one is truly prepared to deal with one. The stress and confusion can quickly get the better of you, so it’s essential to be well informed so you know what to do and how to protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could complicate your claim.

First, make sure everyone is okay

Decorative image: call from a driver

In an automobile accident, the people involved should always come first. Injuries, shock, animals on the road… here’s how to protect everyone before thinking about insurance and repairs.

If anyone is injured

  • Immediately call emergency services (such as 911).
  • Stay calm and remember that even if the injuries don’t seem serious, shock can mask pain.
  • Stay on the scene until emergency services arrive.

It’s also important to check for any hazards at the scene and take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

If the accident involves an animal

Collision with a wild animal:

Collision with a domestic animal:

  • If a dog, cat or other pet is injured, use caution. An animal in pain or in a state of shock can react unpredictably.
  • If the animal weighs over 25 kg, you must report the accident to the police.

Next, protect the vehicles and gather the necessary information

Avoid a second accident

  • Turn on your hazard lights.
  • Move your vehicle off the road. If that’s not possible, move away from the vehicle and stay safe.

Gather the right information

Decorative image: Take photos of the vehicle

If no one is injured, you need to:

  1. Complete a joint reportThe joint report of automobile accident is a report completed by the parties involved in an automobile accident where no injuries have been sustained. This speeds up claims processing. A copy of the joint report can be obtained from the Groupement des assureurs automobiles.:
  2. Write down the names and telephone numbers of witnesses and other drivers.
  3. Take photos of the vehicles, licence plates and scene.

Don’t leave your vehicle at the scene of the accident

If it’s unusable, have it towed to prevent further damage. An abandoned vehicle may cause other accidents and you may be deemed at fault.

What if the other driver flees the scene?

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, report the incident to the police immediately.

Will you be compensated?

  • If you have coverage for vehicle damage and civil liability (“two-way insurance”): your insurer will compensate you, but you will have to pay the deductible.
  • If you only have civil liability coverage (“one-way insurance”): you won’t be compensated unless you’re eligible for compensation from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
Decorative image: Automobile accident, hit-and-run

Louis’ case

Louis stops at a yellow light, but the driver behind him, distracted by his cell phone, fails to brake in time. He rear-ends Louis’ vehicle and then speeds off.

  • If Louis has insurance covering property damage, he will be compensated, but he will have to pay his deductible.

  • If he doesn’t have this coverage, he won’t receive any compensation unless he can be compensated by the SAAQ.

What if your vehicle has been stolen?

  • Call the police immediately. An official report is required for your claim.
  • Contact your insurer to report the theft.
  • If you’re unable to obtain the police report, inform your insurer.

Managing insurance

Contact your insurer quickly

Even if you don’t intend to file a claim, you must report the accident to your insurer. It’s a requirement that is written into your insurance contract! Tell the insurer:

  • what caused the accident
  • the extent of the damage
  • where your vehicle is

Don’t wait to file your claim! If your vehicle suffers further damage after the accident, your insurer may refuse to compensate you.

Before getting your vehicle repaired

If you want to claim the cost of the vehicle repair:

  • Cooperate with your insurer: Answer questions about the accident and let them inspect your vehicle before any repairs are made.
  • Wait for your insurer’s authorization: Don’t have your vehicle repaired or pay anything until you have received approval.
Insight

Never claim responsibility

Even if you believe you’re at fault, don’t say anything.

  • It’s up to your insurer to determine liability. If the accident occurred in Québec, between two or more vehicles, the insurer will apportion liability in accordance with the Driver’s Fault Chart of the GAA’s Direct Compensation Agreement This link will open in a new window.
  • Don’t make any financial arrangements with the other driver, otherwise you may not be compensated later.
End of the insight

The claims adjuster will assist you with your claim

The insurer usually assigns a claims adjusterClaims adjusters are authorized to investigate the circumstances surrounding a loss in personal-lines and commercial-lines damage insurance. They assess the damage and negotiate an indemnity amount that is satisfactory to the insurer and the insured. They act for individuals and businesses. to your claim. The claims adjuster works for the insurer. You can choose to hire an independent adjuster at your own expense to assist you. Before signing any agreement, make sure the adjuster is listed in the Register of firms and individuals authorized to practise and that you understand the terms of the contract.

Your insurer may also assign your claim to a person who doesn’t hold a certificate issued by the AMF. However, the person must be supervised by a claims adjuster registered with the AMF.

This may occur for:

However, if you prefer, you can request that your file be processed by the claims adjuster.

If you disagree with your insurer

If you’re not satisfied with how your claim has been handled, you can:

Find out more

For more information

To find out what to do in the event of an accident, read the information under the heading “Reporting a loss and submitting a claim” (page 20 onward) of the Quebec Automobile Insurance Policy Form (pdf - 460 KB)This link will open in a new windowIn force.