You’ve just had a car accident in Nova Scotia: what to do
This page is the free Nova Scotia guide. No sign-in. Read on.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
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.
1
At the scene: what to gather
Open this section ↓- 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.
2
Do you have to call the police?
Open this section ↓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.
↑ Close this section3
If you’re injured: what the system provides
Nova Scotia is a private-insurer province; report the collision and contact your insurer.Open this section ↓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.
4
Notify your insurer
Tell your own insurer as soon as possible, policy-specific deadlines apply, so check your policy or call your insurer.Open this section ↓Tell your own insurer as soon as possible, policy-specific deadlines apply, so check your policy or call your insurer.
5
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.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionStrict 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.
6
Official sources
Open this section ↓7
Common Questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Nova Scotia?Open this section ↓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
↑ Close this sectionGuidepost 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. Facts checked October 2026.
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.