No one wants to have an accident. However, if it does happen, you could take steps to minimize problems.
- If there are injuries
- Immediately call emergency services (such as 911).
- Check for any potential risks at the accident scene and take steps to avoid them.
- If there are no injuries
- Complete a joint report. This document explains the circumstances of the accident to your insurer. You can order a copy at any time by contacting the Groupement des assureurs automobiles This link will open in a new window (GAA). If the police complete a report (because there were injuries, for example), then you don’t need to fill out a joint report.
- Jot down the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
- Don’t hesitate to take pictures.
Notify your insurer as soon as possible
If you delay in doing so without a valid reason and this leads to more serious losses, you may not be compensated.
- Do not admit any responsibility
- You don’t have to determine who is responsible for the accident. Even if you believe you are responsible, don’t say anything.
- Do not 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 could be held liable for it.
- Contact your insurer as quickly as possible
- You must explain what happened to your insurer, even if you don’t intend to submit a claim. This obligation is mentioned in your insurance contract! You must specify:
- The probable cause of the accident
- The nature and extent of damages
- The location of your damaged vehicle
- You must explain what happened to your insurer, even if you don’t intend to submit a claim. This obligation is mentioned in your insurance contract! You must specify:
- Co-operate with your insurer
- You must allow your insurer to examine the vehicle, its equipment and accessories.
- You must co-operate with your insurer to establish how the accident occurred and other details.
- Wait for your insurer’s approval before repairing the vehicle
- If you intend to claim the cost of the vehicle repair from your insurer, you must wait for its authorization before:
- Having your vehicle repaired;
- Paying for the repairs.
- If you intend to claim the cost of the vehicle repair from your insurer, you must wait for its authorization before:
Insight
For more information
To find out what to do in the event of an accident, read the “Reporting a loss and submitting a claim” section on page 20 of the Quebec Automobile Insurance Policy Form.
End of the insightReferences
Videos - Available in French only
Documentation and tools
- Choosing Auto Insurance (pdf - 382 KB)This link will open in a new window Updated on 25 February 2013
- My First Car Insurance Policy (pdf - 1 MB)This link will open in a new window Updated on 18 July 2012
- Insurance sold by Lenders and merchants (pdf - 972 KB)This link will open in a new window Updated on 29 September 2017
Order a copy of the Joint Report This link will open in a new window (free)