Just had an accident?
You’ve just had a car accident in Newfoundland and Labrador — what to do
First, check for injuries — if anyone is hurt, call 911. Second, move to safety if you can and exchange details with everyone involved. Third, contact your own insurer as soon as possible. This page walks through each step for Newfoundland and Labrador; it is general information, not legal advice.
If anyone is hurt, call 911
That is true everywhere in Canada. Get people safe and get medical help first — everything else (reporting, insurance, documentation) comes after.
At the scene: what to gather
- Exchange your name and address, the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle, the vehicle plate and permit number, and the liability insurance card.
- Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
- If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicles, the scene, and any damage.
Do you have to call the police?
If anyone is hurt, call 911. No dollar reporting threshold was verified — when in doubt, call the police non-emergency line; the RNC also offers online collision reporting.
If you’re injured: what the system provides
Newfoundland and Labrador is a private-insurer province with Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD).
- Not-at-fault property-damage claims go to your own insurer under Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD).
- Injured people are required to apply for accident-benefits coverage where those benefits are available.
- A $5,000 deductible applies to pain-and-suffering claims.
Contact your own insurer; the RNC offers online collision reporting.
Notify your insurer
Tell your own insurer as soon as possible — policy-specific deadlines apply, so check your policy or call your insurer.
Deadlines and legal claims
Strict legal deadlines apply to injury claims — some are very short, and some notice requirements (for example, claims involving governments) can be a matter of days. Confirm your situation with a lawyer promptly.
One published deadline to be aware of for Newfoundland and Labrador: Injured persons will be required to notify the insurer of their intention to commence an action within 120 days. Even so, don’t rely on a single figure — confirm your own deadlines with a lawyer promptly.
Official sources
Common Questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Newfoundland and Labrador?
If anyone is hurt, call 911. No dollar reporting threshold was verified — when in doubt, call the police non-emergency line; the RNC also offers online collision reporting.
Who pays if the accident wasn’t my fault in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Not-at-fault property-damage claims go to your own insurer under Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD). Tell your own insurer as soon as possible — policy-specific deadlines apply, so check your policy or call your insurer.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information about the process — it does not cover fault, settlements, or whether to bring a claim. For advice on your situation, speak with a lawyer. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.