What to do after a car accident

The priority steps

1. Get yourself and your passengers to safety.
2. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or there is danger.
3. Exchange information with the other people involved.
4. Take photos if it’s safe to do so.
5. Have the vehicle towed if it can no longer be driven.
6. Call your insurer and your body shop.

Each step is covered in detail below. And if the accident just happened, our I’ve been in an accident page walks you through it one step at a time.

Secure the scene

Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you can. If the vehicle still runs and it’s safe to do so, pull over onto the shoulder or somewhere out of the flow of traffic.

Get out on the side away from traffic when that’s the safer option, and move away from the lanes with your passengers. If you carry a warning triangle, set it up far enough back to give other drivers time to react. And avoid standing between two vehicles: that’s the riskiest spot if there’s a second impact.

When to call emergency services

Call 911 without hesitating in these situations:

• someone is injured, even if it looks minor;
• a vehicle is a hazard to traffic;
• the other driver leaves the scene without identifying themselves (hit and run);
• you suspect one of the vehicles involved is stolen;
• the situation feels unstable or unsafe.

For a fender-bender with no injuries, a police report may still be required depending on the situation: when in doubt, emergency services will point you to the right resource, and you can check with the SAAQ for the official steps.

Information to exchange

With the other people involved, write down:

• the drivers’ names and contact details;
• each driver’s licence number and each vehicle’s licence plate;
• each driver’s insurer and policy number;
• the make, model and colour of the vehicles;
• contact details for any witnesses.

The joint accident report form exists for exactly this: the Groupement des assureurs automobiles offers one, available through Infoassurance, and keeping a copy in the glove box is a good habit. Filling it out is not an admission of fault: it’s simply a way to record the facts while they’re fresh.

No paper copy on hand? The Groupement des assureurs automobiles also offers an online joint report: it gathers each driver’s information, lets you add photos of the damaged vehicles and sends a PDF report to both parties.

Photos and documentation

If you can do it without putting yourself at risk, photograph the damage on each vehicle, the position of the vehicles before they’re moved, the licence plates and the surroundings: road signs, the state of the road, skid marks.

Also note the time, the exact location and the weather. These details help your insurer process the claim, and help your body shop prepare the estimate.

Drivable or not

Before getting back on the road, watch for these signs:

• fluid is leaking under the vehicle;
• a wheel or the steering feels damaged;
• a critical warning light is on;
• a part is rubbing against a tire;
• the headlights or turn signals you need no longer work.

And if you’re simply not sure the vehicle is safe, treat it as if it isn’t: a car that looks fine can hide suspension or frame damage. When in doubt, leave it where it is and move on to the next step.

Towing

Vehicle not drivable? Don’t force it. Our 24-hour towing service in the Eastern Townships and Montérégie answers day and night, 7 days a week, and brings your vehicle straight to the shop.

Your vehicle is then somewhere safe, and the file can get moving as soon as it arrives: inspection, photos and preparing the estimate.

Talking to your insurer

Report the accident to your insurer as set out in your contract. Deadlines and obligations vary from one contract and one situation to another: your insurer will confirm what to declare, when, and with which documents.

Have your policy number, the information exchanged at the scene and your photos on hand. To understand how the process unfolds, read our guide How an auto insurance claim works and our insurance and claims page.

Talking to Beaucage Carrossier

No running around between the insurer, the shop and the rental counter: we coordinate the claim directly with your insurer and keep you posted. A courtesy vehicle can also be lent to you, based on availability and your claim’s eligibility, for as long as the repairs take.

Good to know: even if your insurer recommends a shop, you generally keep the choice of where your vehicle gets repaired. And for immediate help, head to our I’ve been in an accident page.

What happens next

Once the vehicle is at the shop, the path is simple:

1. Estimate: we inspect the damage and prepare the estimate.
2. Authorization: the estimate goes to your insurer, who authorizes the work.
3. Repair: body work, paint, glass, our teams put your vehicle back in shape.
4. Quality check: we inspect everything before handing back your keys.

Eligible body repairs are covered by the CarrXpert warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Do I call the insurer or the body shop first?

Either order works. If you call us first, we help you prepare your claim and then coordinate the file with your insurer.

The accident happened at night or on the weekend. What do I do?

Towing answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your vehicle is brought somewhere safe at our shop, and we call you back as soon as we open to plan the next steps.

The other driver won’t cooperate. Now what?

Stay calm, note their licence plate and take photos if it’s safe. If they leave the scene or the situation escalates, call 911. Your insurer will then guide you through the declaration.

Can I choose my own body shop?

Even if your insurer recommends a shop, you generally keep the choice of where your vehicle gets repaired.