Automobile Claims

What Should I Do After an Automobile Accident?

1. Assess the Scene

  • Do not leave the scene of an accident
  • If safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way, to the side of the road if possible. Be careful when exiting your vehicle so that you do not get hit.
  • You must call the police if:
    • The damages exceed $1,000
    • There are injuries
    • If you suspect the other drivers are guilty of a criminal offense (impaired driving)
    • If there is damage to any property (trees, shrubs, pole or other property on a highway)
  • If you are not sure of the extent of the damages, contact your local police for guidance.

2. Assess the injuries

  • If anyone is injured in the accident, check their welfare, and make them comfortable prior to emergency services arriving.
  • Do not move anyone who is injured as this may aggravate their injuries.

3. Gather Information

  • Take notes at the scene that include details of the accident, identification of the vehicles involved and names, addresses, and phone numbers of all people involved (including passengers and witnesses).
  • Write down the insurance companies and policy numbers for all vehicles involved.
  • Take the names and badge numbers of police and any other emergency personnel involved.
  • If possible take photos of the damaged vehicles and of the scene (if safe to do so).
  • Do not discuss responsibility for the accident with anyone except the police.

4. Arrange towing

  • If your car is not drivable and a tow is required, it is YOUR choice as to who tows your car. It is suggested that you do not sign any document relating to repairs until a Unica Insurance representative has inspected your car. If you feel pressured, have your vehicle towed to a Collision Reporting Centre or your driveway until you can talk to your broker or Unica Claims representative.

5. Report your claim

  • Contact your broker as soon as possible after the accident to report the claim. Your broker will forward your claim to Unica and it will be assigned to one of our claim representatives.
  • If your claim is an emergency, contact our Enhanced 24/7 Emergency Claims Service Line at 1-866-864-1113 to report your claim. A claims representative will provide you with any assistance you may need.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Claims Process

What to expect when your claim is reported to Unica Insurance:

  1. Your claim will be assigned to one of our claims representatives, who will contact you within 4 hours of receiving your claim from your broker.
  2. Our claim representative will obtain details of your loss to determine who is at fault, if a deductible applies and if anyone was injured. Fault is determined by the government regulated "Fault Determination Rules" (view in detail at ServiceOntario e-Laws).
  3. We will provide assistance with a repair facility and car rental (eligibility required). This will take approximately 20 minutes of your time.
  4. If you, other passengers in your vehicle or parties in another vehicle are injured, we will take your information and forward that portion of your claim to another Unica claim representative who will provide assistance to you.
  5. Once we obtain your initial information, your vehicle will be inspected at your chosen repair facility. It is not necessary to obtain vehicle estimates as most body shops can provide an estimate and digital photos that can be reviewed by a Unica appraiser.
  6. Once the estimate is authorized by a Unica representative, you will be required to provide authorization to the body shop which allows them to start the repairs. If a deductible is owed based on the facts of your loss, it is paid to the body shop after the repairs are completed.
  7. Unica will make payment directly to the body shop if you choose one of our "Direct Repair Program" (DRP) facilities. If you choose a facility that is not on our DRP list, we will issue a co-payable cheque to you and the body shop. You will be required to sign the cheque once the repairs are completed and you are satisfied with the repairs.