Do I need to call the police to come to the site of a fender bender? Do I admit liability in an accident if I fill in a Joint Report? Here are the answers to some of those frequent questions.
Is it better to call the police?
Unless someone’s injured, there’s no need to call the police for a fender bender. Simply complete the Joint Report, the document that’s used to enter the information about the two drivers involved in the accident and to report the accident to one’s insurer.
Even if the police come to the scene to fill in an accident report, they never establish the liability of the parties involved in the accident.
Even if the police come to the scene to fill in an accident report, they never establish the liability of the parties involved in the accident. It’s always your insurer that does that when the claim is settled.
Be prepared! Always keep a copy of the Joint Report in your glove compartment.
What should I do if a driver involved in the accident refuses to cooperate?
It’s important to stay calm. Drivers are under no obligation to fill out a Joint Report. If you can, write down the licence plate number of the other driver’s vehicle and take photos of the accident scene. If need be, call the police. Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
Is there a deadline for completing a Joint Report after an accident?
There is no deadline for completing a Joint Report. However, it is strongly recommended that you fill out and send the Joint Report to your insurer as soon as possible after the accident without, however, risking your safety.
If I fill out a Joint Report, am I admitting liability?
The Joint Report doesn’t constitute an admission of liability.
Absolutely not. The Joint Report is simply a document that serves to report an accident. It doesn’t constitute an admission of liability. It only serves to identify the parties involved in the accident and to speed up the claims settlement process with your insurer.
Establishing the liability of each driver is not an arbitrary process and is covered by the accident scenarios described in the Direct Compensation Agreement.
How long does one have to keep a copy of the Joint Report?
We recommend you keep a copy of the Joint Report for six years.