On January 1, 2025, some of the criteria for reporting a collision in Ontario changed to allow more access to Collision Reporting Centres (CRC). The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has three Collision Reporting Centres in the Niagara Region (St. Catharines / Niagara Falls / Welland).
Reporting criteria to use a CRC include:
Property damage up to $5000. No fatalities, or where only minor injuries are sustained (including but not limited to sore neck/back, concussions, minor scrapes or similar). No criminal activity, such as impaired driving, stolen vehicle or dangerous driving is suspected. Any vehicle (except an emergency vehicle) including commercial vehicles (except a dangerous goods hauler). Not a government federal or provincial vehicle. Municipal vehicles where there are only minor injuries (see above) are to report to the CRC. This includes, but is not limited to, buses, plows, trucks etc. No damage to private property and/or highway. If there is damage to private property and/or highway, an officer will attend, provide an incident number, and then refer to the CRC. All “Fail to Remain” or “Fail to Report” incidents. If the complainant has valid suspect information an officer will become involved to have the other party report in.
Drivers involved in a collision that fit the criteria for using a CRC should report within 48hrs. Under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario persons involved in collision are required to share contact information and insurance details before leaving the scene. The use of a personnel phone camera can make the collection of the details easier and faster. Consider taking pictures of the involved vehicle and the licence plate, driver, and insurance details.
Further technological advances now mean you can start your report from your own device or at home and finish the report at the CRC. For more information about the CRC in Niagara CLICK HERE.