Introduction
On January 1, 2025, Ontario implemented a key change in its vehicle collision reporting requirements: the damage threshold for mandatory police notification in property damage-only accidents was raised from $2,000 to $5,000. This regulatory update marks the first time in over 30 years that the collision reporting threshold has been adjusted to reflect rising vehicle repair costs, inflation, and advancements in automotive technology2. The amendment, designed to streamline processes for both motorists and law enforcement, is accompanied by clear guidance from the Ontario government and police services on how to responsibly respond to and report traffic incidents.
This blog will explore the policy change, its rationale, official statements, step-by-step reporting guidance, impacts on drivers and insurers, and real-world considerations to help Ontarians navigate the new landscape.
What Changed? The New $5,000 Collision Reporting Threshold
Until January 1, 2025, the Highway Traffic Act required drivers to report property-damage-only collisions to police if the total damage to all vehicles and property involved was $2,000 or more. The amended rule now requires reporting only when total damage equals or exceeds $5,000.
Official Statement
In a statement reported widely in the media, Ontario officials summarized:
“In effect since New Year’s Day, the damage-dollar threshold for contacting police after a crash is now at least $5,000 — up from $2,000. The higher dollar figure is a move by the province to ‘reduce the administrative burden’ on both drivers and police.”1
This threshold refers exclusively to property damage-only collisions, meaning accidents where no one is injured and no public property (such as road signs or light standards) is damaged. The change does not affect cases involving injuries, fatalities, suspected criminal activity, or damage to public property, which must still be reported to the police immediately, regardless of the dollar value.
Why Did Ontario Raise the Collision Reporting Threshold?
Several factors prompted the government’s decision:
- Inflation and increased vehicle repair costs: The rising complexity and technology involved in modern cars have driven up the cost of repairs, making the previous $2,000 threshold outdated.
- Efficiency for drivers and police: The change is expected to reduce the administrative burden on police services and drivers for minor incidents, enabling authorities to concentrate resources on emergencies and serious cases.
- Relevancy and modernization: The new threshold ensures the reporting system keeps pace with the current automotive and insurance environment.
As ThinkInsure, an Ontario insurance and road safety resource, explains:
“Inflation is significantly affecting the economy, particularly through the increasing costs of repairs, which is putting additional financial pressure on both consumers and insurers. Moreover, advancements in automotive technology and the growing complexity of modern vehicles have resulted in higher claims and payout costs.”
When Do You Have to Report a Collision to Police in Ontario (2025)?
You must report a collision to the police if any of the following applies:
- Anyone is injured or killed.
- There appears to be criminal activity (e.g., impaired driving, stolen vehicle).
- Damage to public property (such as road signs, light standards, hydro poles, or guardrails).
- The combined property damage to all vehicles or property exceeds $5,000.
If damage is less than $5,000, no injury, and no public property is involved, a police report is not required by law. However, you must exchange information with all drivers involved and should still notify your insurer.
How to Report a Collision: Step-by-Step (2025 Update)
1. Assess the Situation
- Check if anyone is injured; call 911 immediately in case of injury.
2. Determine Property Damage
- Estimate total damage across all involved vehicles and property.
- If it appears to exceed $5,000, you must report.
3. Exchange Required Information
- Record names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s licence numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information for all parties involved.
4. Police Notification/Reporting Procedures
- If damage is more than $5,000 (no injury): Contact police, who will direct you to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours to file an official accident report.
- If less than $5,000, no injury, no public property damaged: No police report is required. Report the accident to your insurer and keep personal records.
5. Always Report Special Circumstances
Regardless of the dollar value, call police immediately if:
- Someone is injured or killed.
- Public property is damaged.
- There is a suspicion of a criminal offense.
- A driver is uninsured or has a suspended licence.
6. Timeframe
- Accidents with mandatory reporting requirements must be reported within 24 hours.
What Documents and Information to Bring to a Collision Reporting Centre
If directed to a CRC, bring:
- All vehicles involved (if safe to drive)
- Valid driver’s licence
- Ownership and insurance documents
- All exchanged information and your notes/photos if available
What If I Don’t Report a Collision?
Failing to report a reportable accident (where damages exceed $5,000, or injuries/public property/criminal activity are involved) breaches Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Penalties may include:
- Fines
- Demerit points
- Risk of being charged with “Failing to Remain at the Scene” if you leave without reporting, which is a criminal offense.
Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs): What Are They and What Do They Do?
CRCs were established in Ontario to handle the reporting of minor vehicle collisions, reducing burdens on front-line police officers. After an accident that meets the reporting criteria, you bring your vehicle (if safe) to the nearest CRC, where:
- Police may take statements and photographs.
- Insurance companies are notified electronically.
- You receive documentation for your records and insurer.
CRCs are not for major collisions or those involving criminal activity or injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New $5,000 Threshold
Q: Do I have to report even minor parking lot accidents to police now?
A: Only if the combined damage from all involved vehicles or property is $5,000 or more, someone is injured, or there’s criminal/public property involvement457.
Q: I want to pay for damage out of pocket. Do I avoid reporting?
A: Legally, if the accident exceeds $5,000 damage, involves injury, or criminal/public property elements, you must report to police—even if both parties agree to resolve privately. For damage under $5,000, you must still inform your insurance company as part of your policy.
Q: What if the other driver does not want to exchange information?
A: Failing to provide information or leave the scene can result in serious charges under the Highway Traffic Act.
The Impact of the New Threshold: For Drivers, Police, and Insurers
For Drivers
- Reduction in red tape: Motorists involved in minor fender benders with limited damage no longer need to navigate the police reporting process12.
- Clarity and compliance: The updated threshold aligns with realistic repair costs, making compliance clearer.
For Police
- Resource optimization: Lower reporting volume lets law enforcement devote more resources to emergencies and major incidents1.
For Insurance Companies
- Minimal impact on insurance rates: While not expected to directly change premiums, the threshold adjustment aids in keeping reporting systems modern and efficient.
- Attention to policy terms: Regardless of the reporting threshold, drivers should report all accidents to their insurance company as required by their policy.
Official Government and Police Guidance
From the Province of Ontario:
“Ontario is simplifying motor vehicle sales contracts … report a collision that involves property damage to police from $2,000 to $5,000.”
From the Toronto Police Service:
“The Ontario Highway Traffic Act requires that all collisions where persons are injured, or a combined damage valued at more than $5,000 to vehicles or property, or damage to any private, municipal or highway property, be reported to police as soon as possible.”
From the media:
“Officials across the province are reminding drivers that rules around reporting collisions have changed as of Jan. 1, and the dollar amount to contact police, in regard to crash damages, has gone up. In effect since New Year’s Day, the damage-dollar threshold for contacting police after a crash is now at least $5,000 — up from $2,000.”
Practical Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Minor Parking Lot Bump
- Two cars back into each other, causing scratches and a dent. Each gets an estimate: $1,200 per car. Combined damage = $2,400.
- Action: No police report required. Exchange information, report to insurers, and arrange repairs.
Scenario 2: Multi-Vehicle Fender Bender
- Three cars rear-end. Damage estimates: Car 1 ($2,000), Car 2 ($1,800), Car 3 ($1,500). Total: $5,300.
- Action: Report to police via CRC within 24 hours and notify insurers.
Scenario 3: Property Damage Only
- You hit a light pole causing damage to your car and the pole. Regardless of dollar value, damage to public infrastructure requires immediate police notification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating repair costs: Modern bumpers and sensors can be pricey; if in doubt, err on the side of reporting.
- Not notifying your insurance: Most policies require ALL accidents be reported even if not required by law.
- Not getting all info: Collect names, contacts, insurance details, and take photos.
- Leaving the scene: Even with minor accidents, this is a serious offense if legally required to report.
What Will Not Change
- All injuries or fatalities still require immediate police presence.
- All accidents involving criminal activity or public property require reporting, regardless of repair cost.
- Drivers must still inform their insurance company about all accidents as per policy rules.
- Timeframe for reporting remains 24 hours for all reportable incidents.
Looking Forward
This threshold adjustment reflects Ontario’s efforts to modernize and optimize both the driver and law enforcement experience. Drivers should continue to practice safe driving habits and, when in doubt, err on the side of documenting everything and following both legal and insurance obligations.
Further Reading & Resources
- Toronto Police Service: Collision Reporting
- Ontario Collision Reporting Centres
- ThinkInsure: Collision Reporting Thresholds
Always check the Ontario government and your local police service website for the latest updates on reporting requirements and procedures.
Stay safe, stay informed, and drive responsibly!
