How do new collision reporting laws affect you?

New collision reporting rules when into effect Jan., 1, 2025. (Huron OPP)

When you turned the page on your calendar to 2025, you drove smack dab into an increase in reportable car collisions.

As of January 1, the province introduced changes to the collision reporting regulations.

Previously, drivers were required to report any collision to the police if the total damage to a vehicle exceeded $2,000.

This has now been raised to $5,000.

The adjustment was introduced in an effort to reduce administrative costs on both drivers and police, while acknowledging the rising costs associated with vehicle repairs and the inflation of property values.

Ontario’s New Collision Reporting Threshold

When to report a collision to police

You must report a collision to the police if the total damage exceeds $5,000, if there are injuries, if public property is damaged, or if a criminal act like impaired driving is suspected.

Even if the damage falls below the $5,000 mark, exchange information with all parties involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers, and insurance details.

Immediate Actions After an Accident

The general process after an accident hasn’t changed, but it’s critical to keep the procedure in mind:

Stay Safe: Ensure everyone’s safety first. If safe, move the vehicles out of traffic, turn on hazard lights, and if possible, set up flares or other warning signals.

Exchange Information: Regardless of the damage amount, exchanging information with the other party(ies) is essential. This includes insurance, vehicle information, and personal details.

Police Notification: You must involve the police to investigate if the collision involves personal injury, death, involves a pedestrian/cyclist, any criminal activity, a vehicle transporting dangerous goods, damage to public property, an uncooperative driver, or a train/light rail vehicle. For less severe incidents, you have 24 hours to report to a Collision Reporting Centre.

Visit a Collision Reporting Centre: If the damage appears above the new $5,000 threshold, visit a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours rather than calling the police to the scene, or go to the OPP website and Report Online.