Accident Preparedness

For light crashes (damage under $2,000 and/or vehicle can be driven away)

• Exchange id and insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle.
• Take pictures of the damages with your phone (video is better). Make sure to capture the license plate of the other vehicle.
• Take contact information from any witnesses.
• Call your insurance provider when you get home.
• Report the accident with your local police district office.

For more severe crashes, call 9-1-1 immediately

• Exchange id and insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle.
• Take pictures of the damages with your phone (video is better). Make sure to capture the license plate of the other vehicle.
• Take contact information from any witnesses.
• Call your insurance provider when you get home.
• If you weren't given a copy of the police report from the officer on scene, you must report the accident with your local police district office. You will need the following:
  • The person who was driving the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Registration.
  • Vehicle Insurance.
  • Any information you have about the other vehicle involved in the accident.

What if someone refuses to give you their details after an accident?

Advise them that they are required by law to provide information regardless of fault. If they still refuse contact the Calgary Police Service. For non-emergency cases, call 403-266-1234, in case of an emergency (impaired, belligerent or life-threatening) dial 9-1-1.

What if you are the victim of a hit and run?

Try to obtain a description of the driver. If you don't have paper to write on, try the recording feature on your phone or video yourself describing the other driver. Accidents are very stressful and sometimes audio recordings reveal more details than a written account of the events.