In a move that could have significant implications for car accident reporting in Ontario, the provincial government is currently considering increasing the Ontario collision reporting threshold for car accidents. This potential change has sparked discussions and debates among various stakeholders, including insurance companies, legal professionals, and road safety advocates. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this proposed change, the potential impact it may have on accident reporting and insurance claims, and the concerns raised by different parties.

The Current Reporting Threshold

Currently, in Ontario, drivers are required to report any motor vehicle accident to the police if the total damage to all vehicles involved exceeds $2,000 or if there are any injuries or deaths resulting from the accident. This reporting threshold has been in place for several years and serves as a guideline for determining when a car accident should be reported to the authorities. Under the current rules, if a driver is involved in a collision that causes damage to public or private property but no bodily injury, and the damage is below the threshold, they are not required to inform the authorities or register the vehicle.

Proposed Increase in Reporting Threshold

The Ontario government is currently discussing raising the minimum property damage threshold for reporting car accidents. If approved, the new threshold would be set at $5,000, more than double the current amount of $2,000.

The proposed increase to $5,000 takes into account factors such as inflation and advancements in car technology. To ensure a fair decision, the government plans to engage law enforcement, insurance providers, and drivers in a two-week consultation that will conclude on March 5.

The Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, explained that the current threshold has not changed since 2015. He acknowledged that people have faced difficulties in reaching reporting centers and highlighted that the price of vehicles and advancements in car technology has increased since then.

This change could lead to a shift in the way accidents are handled, with more emphasis on resolving minor incidents through insurance claims rather than involving law enforcement.

Road safety advocates are divided on the issue. Some argue that increasing the reporting threshold could help prioritize police resources for more severe accidents, allowing them to respond more effectively to emergencies. However, others express concerns about the potential consequences of underreporting accidents, such as a lack of accurate data for identifying trends, assessing road safety measures, and implementing targeted interventions to prevent future accidents.