Being involved in a car accident is stressful and often unexpected. Whether it’s a minor fender‑bender on your way home or a more serious crash, knowing the right steps to take can help protect your safety, your rights, and your vehicle. This guide walks you through what to do right after an accident in British Columbia, including how to deal with ICBC and start the repair process.
1. Stay Safe and Check for Injuries
The first priority after any accident is safety. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away and get medical help. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to make sure everyone is okay. If you can safely move your vehicle out of traffic or to the side of the road, do so to reduce the risk of another crash.
2. Call the Police When Needed
For serious collisions, if someone is injured, if there’s significant damage, or if there’s a hit and run, call the police. A police report can be important later when filing your ICBC claim, especially for hit-and-run cases.
3. Exchange Information
Once it’s safe, exchange details with the other driver(s) involved. Ask for each person’s name, driver’s licence number, contact information, licence plate number, and insurance details. If any vehicles are from outside B.C., make sure you get their insurance information too. You’ll need this information when filing your ICBC claim.
4. Document the Scene
Your phone is one of your best tools after a crash. Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, including damage and licence plates, as well as the location of the crash, traffic signs, and road conditions. If there were any witnesses, jot down their names and contact information. These details can help support your claim and give you peace of mind later.
5. Report the Accident to ICBC
In British Columbia, you must report all motor vehicle accidents to ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia), even if you aren’t planning to make a claim or if you think you’re not at fault. You can report your claim online at icbc.com or by phone at 604‑520‑8222 if you’re in the Lower Mainland or 1‑800‑910‑4222 elsewhere in BC.
When you call or report online, have your details ready — things like your driver’s licence number, policy information, location and time of the crash, and details about the other vehicles involved will help speed things along.
6. Follow Through With Your ICBC Claim
Once the crash is reported, ICBC will assign a claims representative who will review the details and help guide you through what happens next. They’ll usually arrange for an estimate of the damage and may determine who is responsible for the crash. You can choose the repair shop you want to work with, and it’s often easier if you return to a shop that works closely with ICBC.
7. Get Your Vehicle Assessed and Repaired
An ICBC estimator will inspect your vehicle and prepare a damage estimate. After that, you can book a repair appointment with your chosen shop. Choosing an ICBC‑accredited repair facility means your repairs come with a guarantee for as long as you own the vehicle.
If your vehicle isn’t drivable, ICBC may offer rental coverage depending on your policy. Ask your claims rep about rental or loss‑of‑use coverage so you’re not without a vehicle while repairs are underway.
8. Keep Records and Stay Involved
Keep copies of all paperwork related to the accident and your claim: photos, repair estimates, medical records if there were injuries, rental car receipts, and any correspondence with ICBC. Organized notes and records help make sure nothing gets lost in the process, and you stay in control of your claim and repairs.
Need Help With Your Collision Claim and Repairs?
At Broadway Collision, we understand how overwhelming an accident can be. With two convenient locations in the Tri-Cities, in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. From dealing with ICBC and filing your claim to restoring your vehicle to its pre‑accident condition, we make the process as smooth as possible. We’re experienced in working with ICBC and ensuring your car gets fixed quickly and returned to you looking like new. Reach out today to get personalized help with your claim and repairs.