Step-by-step: what to do after an Ontario collision
In the minutes and hours after an accident, most people don't remember what to do. Save this list or take a screenshot:
1. Immediately
- ·Move to safety if the vehicle is drivable and you're blocking traffic
- ·Turn on hazards
- ·Check for injuries — yours, passengers', and the other driver's
2. At the scene
- ·Exchange info: name, phone, license, plate, insurance company/policy, make/model
- ·Take photos: all angles of damage, license plates, scene, skid marks
- ·Call police if: anyone injured, combined damage over $2,000, impaired/uninsured driver, or hit-and-run
- ·Do not admit fault — Ontario uses no-fault system based on rules, not statements
3. Within 24 hours
- ·Call your insurance company to open a claim and get a claim number
- ·Call us at 416-259-6565 — we walk you through next steps and coordinate with your insurer
You choose the shop — not your insurer
This is the most important thing you need to know: in Ontario, you have the legal right to choose your collision repair shop. Your insurance company cannot force you to use their "preferred" shop.
Some insurers will try to steer you toward their DRP (Direct Repair Program) shops. They have contracts with those shops to repair at fixed rates, which sometimes means cutting corners on parts (used instead of new, aftermarket instead of OEM) or labour hours. You are not obligated to use them.
We work with all major Ontario insurers through direct billing: Aviva, Intact, belairdirect, Economical, TD, Travelers, CAA, Desjardins, Allstate, Wawanesa, Gore Mutual, Pembridge, and more.
What gets repaired — and to what standard
For body panels with structural or safety-related function (bumper reinforcements, airbag sensors, front rails, crumple zones), we insist on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Some insurers try to save money with aftermarket or used parts — we push back when safety or proper fitment is at stake.
All paint work is done in our downdraft spray booth with spectrophotometer colour matching, PPG/Axalta/BASF automotive-grade refinish systems, and blending into adjacent panels where needed.
If the impact bent the vehicle's frame or unibody, we pull it back to factory dimensions on our frame bench with measuring equipment. Structural repairs are signed off by a licensed technician and documented.
Pricing & timing
You pay only your deductible at pickup. Everything above is invoiced directly to your insurer. We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash, and e-Transfer for the deductible.
Frequently asked questions
My insurer says I have to use their preferred shop. Do I?
No. In Ontario, you have the legal right to choose your repair shop. Your insurer can recommend, but cannot require. If pressured, say: "I'd like to use AllCars Service in Etobicoke. Please open the claim and advise on the process."
Will using a non-preferred shop void my warranty or cost more?
No. Your insurance coverage and any manufacturer warranty are unaffected by your choice of shop. Your insurer pays the same approved estimate amount whether you go to a DRP shop or to us.
The estimate from my insurer is lower than your estimate. What happens?
This is common. We submit a supplement — a revised estimate with additional items discovered during disassembly. Insurers routinely approve supplements. We document everything with photos.
Can I see my car during the repair?
Absolutely. Call ahead and we'll set up a time. We also send photo updates for major jobs.
What if I was at fault?
You still have the right to choose your shop. Your deductible applies as normal, and your repair is covered by your collision coverage (assuming you have it — collision coverage is optional in Ontario).
What if my car is a total loss?
If repair cost exceeds 70–80% of the vehicle's actual cash value, your insurer may declare it a total loss. We can give you an independent assessment before writing the estimate if you ask.