Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Ontario?

Quick answer: Yes, if anyone is injured or the damage to property apparently exceeds $5,000, or if an open car door hit a cyclist. Section 199 of the Highway Traffic Act says to report it immediately to the nearest police officer; the officer may send you to a collision reporting centre instead. The threshold was raised from $2,000 to $5,000 (Ontario Regulation 596, s. 11, as amended by O. Reg. 160/24). Below $5,000 with no injuries you still have to exchange information with the other driver.

Last checked November 2, 2026 on official sources · General information, not legal advice.

The law

What the Highway Traffic Act requires

Report immediately to the nearest police officer if the accident causes personal injury, damage to property apparently exceeding the prescribed amount, or involves an open or opening car door hitting a cyclist, a bicycle or a moving vehicle (HTA s.199(1)).
The prescribed amount is $5,000 (Ontario Regulation 596, s. 11, last amended by O. Reg. 160/24). Many websites and some police pages still say $2,000.
The officer may direct you to report at another location, such as a collision reporting centre, and you must go there "forthwith" (s.199(1.1)).
If the driver cannot report, another occupant must (s.199(2)).
Below the threshold, with no injuries, no police report is needed, but you must still exchange information with the other vehicle's owner (Ontario Driver's Handbook).

Where to go

Collision reporting centres (examples)

Each police service runs its own reporting system. These are the centres listed on two police services' pages we could open; check your own local service for others.

Police service	Centre	Address	Time to report
Peel Regional Police	11 Division	3030 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga	48 hours if your vehicle is drivable
Peel Regional Police	Shoppers World	499 Main St. S, Unit 189A, Brampton
Peel Regional Police	Headquarters	7150 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga
Ottawa Police Service	Kanata	211 Huntmar Road, Kanata	Within 30 days; immediately if over $5,000
Ottawa Police Service	Elgin Street	474 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Ottawa Police Service	Orleans	3343 St-Joseph Boulevard, Orleans

Bring your driver's licence, vehicle ownership, insurance, the vehicle, and the other driver's details. Opening hours change: see peelpolice.ca and ottawapolice.ca (read November 2, 2026). Call 911 instead if anyone is hurt or a crime is involved.

Step by step

What to do after a car accident in Ontario

Stop safely, switch on hazard lights and, if the cars can be moved and no one is hurt, get them out of traffic.
Call 911 if anyone is injured or the road is blocked. Do not move injured people unless they are in danger.
Exchange names, addresses, registration numbers and insurance details, and note witnesses.
Take photos of the vehicles, the road and the damage if it is safe.
Report to police immediately (or at a collision reporting centre if directed) if anyone is hurt or damage looks to be over $5,000.
Tell your insurer promptly; most policies require it.

Questions

Reporting a car accident — FAQ

Do I have to report a car accident in Ontario if there is no damage?

No police report is needed if no one is hurt and the property damage does not apparently exceed $5,000 (and no open door hit a cyclist). You must still exchange information with the other vehicle's owner, which the Ontario Driver's Handbook says is required by law.

What is the damage threshold for reporting a collision in Ontario?

$5,000. Ontario Regulation 596, section 11, sets the amount for section 199(1) of the Highway Traffic Act at $5,000 (last amended by O. Reg. 160/24). Some older police pages still say $2,000.

How long do I have to report a collision in Ontario?

Section 199 says "immediately" to the nearest police officer when the duty applies. Police services set their own timing for collision reporting centres: Peel Regional Police say 48 hours if your vehicle is drivable, and Ottawa Police say within 30 days. Ask your local police service.

What is a collision reporting centre?

A police-run office where drivers report minor collisions (no injuries, no criminal activity) instead of having an officer attend the scene. Under s.199(1.1) of the Highway Traffic Act, an officer can direct you to report at a specified location. Bring your licence, ownership, insurance, the vehicle and the other driver's details.

Do I have to tell my insurance company?

If you plan to claim, the Ontario Driver's Handbook says to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy may also require notice of any accident.

Sources

Sources and limits

Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s.199 and Ontario Regulation 596 (General), s. 11, ontario.ca e-Laws (consolidated to October 2026). Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Dealing with emergencies. Collision reporting centres from Peel Regional Police and Ottawa Police Service pages.

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; the official text and your lawyer or insurer have the final word. Cities and counties can add their own rules.