Just had an accident?
You’ve just had a car accident in Quebec — 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 Quebec; 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 injured, call the police and the SAAQ. For damage only, complete the joint report (constat amiable) with the other driver and give it to your insurer.
If you’re injured: what the system provides
Quebec has a public plan: the SAAQ covers all Quebecers injured in a traffic accident, regardless of fault.
- All Quebecers are covered in the event of a traffic accident in Québec or anywhere else in the world, regardless of whether they were responsible.
- See a physician for the initial medical report, then phone the SAAQ to open your claim.
- Vehicle damage is handled by your private insurer; the joint report (constat amiable) serves as supporting documentation between the drivers.
Phone the SAAQ to open your injury claim; your private insurer handles vehicle damage.
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 Quebec: The SAAQ states you have a maximum of 3 years from the date of the accident to file a compensation claim. 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 Quebec?
If anyone is injured, call the police and the SAAQ. For damage only, complete the joint report (constat amiable) with the other driver and give it to your insurer.
Who pays if the accident wasn’t my fault in Quebec?
All Quebecers are covered in the event of a traffic accident in Québec or anywhere else in the world, regardless of whether they were responsible. 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.