A minor fender bender can happen to anyone, even the most careful driver. Whether it occurs in a parking lot on Princess Street or at a busy intersection near Highway 401, knowing exactly what to do in the moments following a collision can protect your legal rights, your insurance claim, and your vehicle’s long-term condition.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even in a minor collision, adrenaline can mask pain, so it is wise to be cautious. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, such as a parking lot or the shoulder of the road, to avoid obstructing traffic.
Step 2: Call the Police If Required
In Ontario, you are legally required to report a collision to police if the total damage to all vehicles and property appears to exceed $2,000. If you are unsure, it is always safer to report. For minor collisions under that threshold, you can exchange information with the other driver without police involvement, but you must still report the accident to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Collect the following from the other driver: full name and contact information, driver’s licence number, licence plate number, insurance company name and policy number, and vehicle make, model, and year. Do not admit fault or apologize, as this can be used against you in an insurance claim.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to photograph all vehicles involved, the damage, the surrounding area, road conditions, and any relevant signage or traffic signals. These photos can be invaluable when filing your insurance claim.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer as soon as possible. Ontario law requires you to report a collision within seven days. Prompt reporting helps ensure your claim is processed smoothly and that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
Step 6: Bring Your Vehicle to ID Collision for a Professional Assessment
Even if the damage appears minor, hidden structural or mechanical issues can develop over time if left unaddressed. At Insurance Direct Collision Centres in Kingston, our certified estimators provide same-day, no-appointment-needed assessments. We will give you an honest evaluation of the damage and walk you through your repair options.
A fender bender does not have to derail your day. With the right steps and the right repair team, you can get back on the road quickly and confidently. Contact us at (613) 389-9888 or visit us at 755 Burnett St, Kingston, ON K7M 5W2.