What to do in the case of an automobile accident or theft
No one wants to be in an accident or have their vehicle stolen, but, as a driver, you know it’s impossible to avoid every risk. Knowing what to do if you ever witness or are involved in an accident can help you react appropriately should you find yourself in such a situation.
If someone has been injured
- Immediately call emergency services (such as 911).
- Check for any risks at the scene of the accident and take steps to avoid them.
If no one has been injured
- Complete a joint report. This document discribes the circumstances of the accident for your insurer. You can order a copy at any time by contacting the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) This link will open in a new window. If, for any reason, the police make a report, then you won’t need to complete a joint report.
- Write down the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident or theft.
- Take pictures.
Don't abandon your vehicle at the scene of the accident
Protect your vehicle from any further damage. If necessary, have it towed to a secure location where it will be protected. If your vehicle causes another accident, you may be held liable for it.
Collision with an animal: Whose fault is it?
You're driving along the highway when a deer suddenly appears out of nowhere, crosses in front of your vehicle and stops. You hit it head on...
Unfortunately, you’ll be considered at fault...
In Québec, when a vehicle is in a collision with an animal, the driver is automatically at fault. A claim for the damage to your vehicle will have to be filed with your insurer, which will compensate you if you’ve taken out coverage for this risk.
If you are covered for the damage to your vehicle, your insurer will compensate you in accordance with the provisions of your contract. However, because it was an at-fault accident, you will have to pay the applicable deductible.
Is the rule the same regardless of the type of animal involved? The short answer is yes. The long answer is a little more complicated.
Collision with a wild animal
Under the Highway Safety Code, accidents involving an animal weighing over 25 kg This link will open in a new window, must be reported to the police. You don’t need to report an accident involving a small animal like a squirrel or a groundhog to the police, but you do have to report a collision with a moose, for example.
In addition, some wild animals are on a list of animals that must be declared This link will open in a new window. If they are accidentally killed or wounded, then the incident must be reported to a wildlife protection officer.
Collision with a domestic animal
If the collision involves a domestic animal weighing over 25 kg This link will open in a new window is involved, then you must report it to the police.
Animals that are injured, in pain or in a state of shock can behave unpredictably, so be careful!
If you’re in an accident, contact your insurer as quickly as possible
Report the accident
You must report the accident to your insurer even if you don’t intend to submit a claim. It’s a requirement written into your insurance contract! You must tell the insurer:
- What caused the accident
- What damage occurred
- Where your damaged vehicle is
If, for no reason, you delay in reporting the accident to your insurer and the damage gets worse as a result, the insurer may not compensateA benefit is the amount of money the insurer pays to an insured as compensation for loss or damage. you.
Don’t say it’s your fault
You don’t have to determine who is at fault. Even if you believe you’re at fault, don’t say anything. Don’t enter into a settlement agreement with the other driver. Your insurer may refuse to compensate you if the other driver doesn’t execute their end of the agreement or your damage assessment turns out to be inaccurate. The impact may have caused more damage than you think (damage that’s invisible to the eye, for example). Your insurer will investigate and determine who is at fault.
If the accident occurred in Québec and involves at least two vehicles, liability will be apportioned in accordance with the Driver’s Fault Chart of the GAA’s Direct Compensation Agreement This link will open in a new window. Québec insurers have voluntarily subscribed to this agreement, which they rely on to determine liability for collisions between two vehicles on public roads.
Cooperate with your insurer
- You must allow your insurer to examine the vehicle and vehicle equipment and accessories.
- You must cooperate with your insurer in determining such things as how the accident occurred.
Wait for your insurer’s authorization before getting the vehicle repaired
If you intend to claim the cost of the vehicle repair from your insurer, you must wait for its authorization before:
- Getting your vehicle repaired.
- Paying for the repairs.
Compensation if there is a hit-and-run
A hit-and-run is when a person leaves the scene of an automobile accident for which they are at fault or partially at-fault. Unlike in the case of accidents between two vehicles where both drivers remain at the scene, the insurer cannot determine who’s at fault from a joint report This link will open in a new window or a police report. As the driver who fled is not known, the driver who remained will be compensated by their insurer as if they were entirely at fault.
The case of Louis
Louis was driving home after his yoga class, relaxed and focused on the road. When a traffic light turned yellow, he slowed down and stopped. However, the driver of the car behind him, who was staring to his cell phone, didn’t stop in time. He rear-ended Louis’ vehicle and then sped off.
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Who will pay for the damage the hit-and-run driver caused to Louis’ car? The answer can be found in the provisions of Louis’ automobile insurance contract.
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Does he have sufficient coverage for the damage to his vehicle?
- Yes: If the vehicle is covered under “two-way” insurance, the insurer will compensate him for the damage to the vehicle in accordance with his insurance coverage. However, he will have to pay the deductible indicated in the contract as if he were at fault for the accident.
- No: If the vehicle is not covered for damage caused to his vehicle—that is, he has “one-way” insurance—he will not be compensated for the damage by his insurer. However, subject to certain conditions, he may be able to claim compensation from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) This link will open in a new window.
Your vehicle was stolen?
The first thing you need to do is contact the police. A report will be prepared supporting your claim. If you are unable to obtain this report, contact your insurer to report the theft.
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 This link will open in a new window.
End of the insightReferences
Documentation and tools
Order a copy of the Joint Report This link will open in a new window