Car Accident in London? Step-by-Step Towing & Recovery Guide
You have just been in a car accident in London, Ontario. Your hands are shaking, your heart is racing, and you have a dozen questions: Do I call the police? Can I move my car? Where is the collision reporting centre in London? Who tows my vehicle? Will my insurance pay? This guide walks you through everything — step by step — from the moment of impact to the moment your vehicle is repaired and back on the road. Bookmark it now, because you will not be thinking clearly when you need it most.
Injuries? Call 911 immediately.
No injuries, damage over $5,000? Exchange info → drive to the Collision Reporting Centre at 1001 Brydges Street, London.
Vehicle not driveable? Call (519) 914-3677 for immediate accident towing.
CRC Hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM – 8 PM | Sat 9 AM – 5 PM | Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident (At the Scene)
The first 10 minutes after a collision are critical. Follow these steps in order — they protect your safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim.
Stop and Stay at the Scene
Ontario law requires you to remain at the scene of any accident. Leaving is a criminal offence (hit and run). Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself, your passengers, and occupants of the other vehicle. If anyone is injured — even slightly — call 911 immediately. Do not move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger like fire.
Move Vehicles Off the Road (If Safe)
If the vehicles are driveable and blocking traffic, Ontario law requires you to move them to the nearest safe location — shoulder, parking lot, or side street. Leaving disabled vehicles in a traffic lane creates secondary accident risk.
Exchange Information
Collect from every driver involved: full name, driver’s licence number, vehicle registration (ownership), insurance company name, policy number, licence plate number, and phone number. Photograph each other’s documents — it is faster and more accurate than writing everything down.
Document Everything
Use your phone to photograph: all vehicle damage from multiple angles, the position of vehicles on the road, the intersection or road signs, road conditions (wet, icy, potholes), and any visible skid marks. Take photos of the other driver’s licence plate and insurance slip. Get contact details from any witnesses.
Call for a Tow (If Vehicle Is Not Driveable)
If your vehicle cannot be driven safely, call London Towing at (519) 914-3677. We handle accident recovery and can tow your vehicle directly to the collision reporting centre during business hours, or to your home or preferred location after hours. We also offer direct insurance billing — so your out-of-pocket cost may be zero.
Do NOT Admit Fault
Do not apologize or say “it was my fault” — even if you think it was. Fault is determined by insurance adjusters and police, not at the scene. Anything you say can be used against you in the claims process. Stick to exchanging information.
London’s Collision Reporting Centre: What You Need to Know
After a car accident in London where combined damage exceeds $5,000 and there are no injuries, you are required by Ontario law to report the collision at the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). Here is everything you need to know about the London CRC.
London Collision Reporting Centre
📍 Address: 1001 Brydges Street, London, Ontario
📞 Phone: 519-661-5670
🕐 Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📋 Operated by: Accident Support Services International (ASSI) in partnership with London Police Service
💰 Cost: Free — there is no charge to file a collision report
When You Must Report to the CRC
You must report to the collision reporting centre in London when the combined property damage across all vehicles exceeds $5,000 and there are no injuries, criminal activity, or damage to public property (road signs, guardrails, etc.). If any of those exceptions apply, call 911 — police will attend the scene.
What to Bring
✅ Your vehicle (drive it there or have it towed)
✅ Driver’s licence
✅ Vehicle registration (ownership)
✅ Insurance slip
✅ Other driver’s information (exchanged at scene)
✅ Photos from the accident scene
The Towing Rules for the CRC
This is where towing and the collision reporting centre intersect — and where many London drivers get confused.
During CRC Business Hours
If your vehicle is not driveable and the accident happens during CRC hours, the tow company must take your vehicle directly to the Collision Reporting Centre at 1001 Brydges Street. You ride with the tow truck to the CRC, complete your report, and then arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a body shop or your home.
After CRC Business Hours
If the accident happens outside CRC hours (evenings, overnight, early morning), you can have your vehicle towed to the location of your choice — your home, a body shop, or a secure lot. You then have 48 hours to attend the CRC with your vehicle during the next business day.
London Towing knows these rules and follows them on every accident call. During CRC hours, we tow directly to 1001 Brydges Street. After hours, we tow to your preferred location and remind you to visit the CRC within 48 hours. Either way, call (519) 914-3677 and we handle the logistics.
Who Pays for Towing After an Accident?
This is one of the most common questions after a collision — and the answer is usually good news for you.
Your auto insurance typically covers towing after a collision. Under Ontario’s standard auto insurance framework, accident-related towing and recovery costs are generally covered under your policy — either through your own coverage (first-party) or through the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) regulates auto insurance and requires basic towing coverage in most policies.
London Towing handles insurance billing directly. For accident-related tows, we can bill your insurance company on your behalf — meaning your out-of-pocket cost may be zero. We provide the documentation your insurer needs, including the tow location, destination, distance, and service details.
What to do: When you call London Towing after an accident, tell the dispatcher it was a collision. We will ask for your insurance information and handle the billing process. If your insurer requires you to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement, we provide a detailed invoice with all the information your insurer needs for a smooth claim. For full details on our accident services, visit our insurance billing towing page.
Accident Recovery · Insurance Billing · 24/7
Been in an Accident? We Handle Everything.
Towing to the CRC, to your mechanic, or to your home. Direct insurance billing available.
(519) 914-3677
What Happens at the Collision Reporting Centre
If you have never been to a collision reporting centre before, here is what to expect when you arrive at 1001 Brydges Street.
Vehicle Photos
Staff photograph all damage to your vehicle. Coloured stickers are placed on the damaged areas for documentation purposes.
Check-In With a Police Officer
You present your driver’s licence, vehicle registration, and insurance slip. The officer reviews the situation and confirms a report is required.
Verbal Account and Written Report
You describe what happened verbally and fill out a Motor Vehicle Collision Report form, which includes a diagram of the accident scene. Staff assist you with the form if needed.
Report Number Issued
You receive a collision report number that you will need for your insurance claim. Keep this number — your insurer will ask for it.
Drive Away or Arrange Next Steps
If the vehicle is driveable, you leave. If not, you arrange a tow from the CRC to your preferred body shop or home. You choose the destination — not the CRC, not the tow operator, and not an insurance company representative on site.
Wait times: Depending on how busy the CRC is, expect 30 minutes to 2+ hours. Bring your phone charger. You can start the reporting process online through the ASSI website before arriving to speed things up.
When to Call 911 vs. Go to the CRC
Not every accident requires police at the scene. The London Police Service uses the CRC to handle most property-damage collisions so officers can focus on emergencies. Here is how to decide.
🚨 Call 911
Anyone is injured (even minor)
Vehicle is blocking a travel lane
Suspected impaired driving
Criminal activity (road rage, assault)
Hazardous materials spill
Damage to city/highway property
📋 Go to the CRC
No injuries
Combined damage over $5,000
Vehicles can be moved off the road
No criminal element involved
Hit-and-run with no suspect info
Damage under $5,000 (optional but advised)
5 Things to Know About Towing After an Accident
Accident towing is different from a regular breakdown tow. Here are the key things London drivers need to understand.
1. You choose the tow company. Under Ontario’s TSSEA regulations, you have the right to call your own tow truck — do not let anyone at the scene pressure you otherwise. If a tow truck arrives uninvited, you can refuse them. Read our Ontario towing rules guide for the full details.
2. You choose the destination. Ontario law gives you the right to choose where your vehicle goes — your mechanic, your body shop, your home. During CRC hours, a non-driveable vehicle must go to the CRC first. After that, you choose the next destination.
3. Flatbed is recommended for accident vehicles. After a collision, hidden structural damage may affect the axles, suspension, or steering. Flatbed towing keeps all four wheels off the ground, eliminating the risk of further damage during transport. London Towing uses flatbed by default for accident recovery.
4. Insurance usually covers the tow. London Towing offers direct insurance billing for accident tows. We bill your insurer directly, which can reduce your out-of-pocket cost to zero.
5. Do not sign anything from an unsolicited tow truck. “Chaser” tow trucks still show up at accident scenes in London. They may pressure you to sign consent forms, steer you to a specific body shop, or charge inflated rates. You are not obligated to use them. Call your own towing company.
Collision Reporting Centres Near London
If your accident happens outside London city limits, you must report to the CRC in the jurisdiction where the collision occurred. Here are the nearest options.
London Towing provides accident towing throughout London and all surrounding jurisdictions. We know the CRC rules for each area and tow your vehicle to the correct reporting centre based on where the collision occurred.
5 Common Mistakes London Drivers Make After an Accident
Mistake 1: Not taking photos. Memories fade fast. Without photos of the damage, vehicle positions, and road conditions, your insurance claim relies entirely on your word versus the other driver’s. Always photograph everything before moving the vehicles.
Mistake 2: Using the first tow truck that shows up. Uninvited tow operators may charge inflated rates or steer you to a body shop that pays them referral fees. Call your own towing company — you have that legal right under the TSSEA.
Mistake 3: Skipping the CRC. Failing to report a collision where damage exceeds $5,000 is a legal offence. It also creates problems with your insurance claim — your insurer needs the police report to process your file. Always attend the CRC.
Mistake 4: Not calling your insurer promptly. Ontario insurers require timely notification of claims. Call your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours of the accident — even before attending the CRC if possible.
Mistake 5: Letting someone else choose the body shop. Under Ontario law, you choose where your vehicle is repaired. Do not let a tow operator, insurer, or anyone else force you into a specific shop. Get your own quotes and choose a shop you trust.
Accident Towing Across London & Surrounding Areas
London Towing provides 24/7 accident recovery and towing to the collision reporting centre across all London neighbourhoods — Downtown, Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, White Oaks, Old East Village, Westmount, and Lambeth.
We also respond to accident calls in St. Thomas, Woodstock, Dorchester, Strathroy, and the Highway 401/402 corridors. Beyond accident recovery, we provide battery boosts, tire changes, car unlocking, fuel delivery, and roadside assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in London
Where is the collision reporting centre in London, Ontario?
The London Collision Reporting Centre is located at 1001 Brydges Street, London, Ontario. It is operated by Accident Support Services International (ASSI) in partnership with London Police Service. Hours: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM. Phone: 519-661-5670.
Do I have to report every car accident to police in London?
You must report if combined damage exceeds $5,000, if there are injuries, if there is damage to city or highway property, or if criminal activity is involved. Minor damage under $5,000 with no injuries does not legally require a police report, but it is still advisable for insurance purposes.
How long do I have to report an accident in London, Ontario?
Ontario law requires you to report “forthwith” — meaning as soon as reasonably possible. If your vehicle is driveable, you have 48 hours to attend the CRC. If your vehicle was towed from the scene, the tow company should deliver it to the CRC during business hours or the next business day.
Does insurance cover towing after an accident?
In most cases, yes. Ontario auto insurance typically covers towing and recovery costs after a collision. London Towing handles direct insurance billing for accident tows — meaning your out-of-pocket cost may be zero. Contact your insurer to confirm your specific coverage limits.
Can I choose which tow company takes my car after an accident?
Yes. Under Ontario’s TSSEA regulations, you choose the tow company and the destination for your vehicle. If a tow truck arrives at the scene unrequested, you can refuse them and call your own company. The only exception is if police direct a specific tow for immediate safety purposes.
What if my accident happens after the CRC closes?
If the accident occurs outside CRC business hours, have your vehicle towed to your home or preferred location. You then have 48 hours to attend the CRC during the next business day with your vehicle and documentation. London Towing handles after-hours accident tows 24/7.
Is there a cost to file a report at the collision reporting centre?
No. Filing a collision report at the CRC is free. You may later need to purchase a copy of the Motor Vehicle Collision Report (MVCR) from the Ministry of Transportation for insurance purposes — that costs approximately $60 and can be ordered online from the MTO website.
Should I admit fault at the accident scene?
No. Do not apologize or say “it was my fault” at the scene. Fault is determined by insurance adjusters based on the Ontario Fault Determination Rules, not by statements at the scene. Anything you say can be used against you in the claims process. Exchange information only.
What if the other driver leaves the scene (hit and run)?
Get as much information as possible — most importantly the licence plate number. Call 911 if you are injured or there is a traffic hazard. Otherwise, call London Police at 519-661-5670. Attend the CRC to file a hit-and-run report. Your own insurance coverage (specifically uninsured motorist coverage) typically covers hit-and-run damage.
How much does accident towing cost in London, Ontario?
Accident towing in London typically costs $150 to $300 depending on the vehicle size, distance, and recovery complexity. However, most auto insurance policies cover this cost. London Towing offers direct insurance billing for accident tows, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket cost to zero. Call (519) 914-3677 for a quote.
Accident Recovery · CRC Towing · Insurance Billing · 24/7
Car Accident? London Towing Handles Everything.
From the scene to the CRC to the body shop — one call covers it all. Direct insurance billing available.
(519) 914-3677