Tips from The Personal

What to do if you have an automobile accident

With the slippery days of winter driving just ahead, it’s good to review common practices should you be in a fender bender.

• Drivers involved in a minor collision in Ontario where damage to vehicles or property is more than $1,000 and there are no police at the scene, must report the collision to a Collision Reporting Centre.
• Be sure to exchange information with the other involved parties, including independent witnesses.
  If your vehicle needs to be towed:

You have the right to choose the tow truck;

• Verify the cost of towing before allowing your car to be hooked up;
• Without exception, towed vehicles must go directly to a Collision Reporting Centre;
• You do not have to agree to go to any shop recommended by the tow operator and you should not sign anything.

Above all, call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. You can even call from the scene and they will start to get you the help you need right away.