Just had an accident?
You’ve just had a car accident in Nova Scotia — 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 Nova Scotia; 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?
Report the collision to the police where the damage to all property apparently exceeds $2,000; an injury or fatality is always reported, regardless of the damage.
This threshold comes from an older source — confirm the current rules with the police or the Registry of Motor Vehicles before relying on the figure.
If you’re injured: what the system provides
Nova Scotia is a private-insurer province; report the collision and contact your insurer.
- Your own insurer handles your claim — contact them as soon as possible.
Contact your own insurance company.
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.
Official sources
Common Questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Nova Scotia?
Report the collision to the police where the damage to all property apparently exceeds $2,000; an injury or fatality is always reported, regardless of the damage. This threshold comes from an older source — confirm the current rules with the police or the Registry of Motor Vehicles before relying on the figure.
Who pays if the accident wasn’t my fault in Nova Scotia?
Your own insurer handles your claim — contact them as soon as possible. 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.