What to Do After a Car Accident in Montreal (Step-by-Step Guide)
A car accident in Montreal can happen to anyone — a fender bender on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, a rear-end collision on Autoroute 40, or a sideswipe in a Plateau-Mont-Royal intersection. In those first chaotic minutes, knowing exactly what to do protects your safety, your insurance claim, and your legal rights under Quebec law. This step-by-step guide covers everything Montreal drivers need to know after a collision, from scene safety to accident towing and getting your vehicle recovered.
⚡ Quick Answer
After a car accident in Montreal: 1) Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. 2) Move to safety if possible. 3) Exchange info and fill out a Joint Report (constat amiable). 4) Call your insurer within 24 hours. 5) Call (514) 483-6944 for immediate accident towing — we bill your insurance directly with no upfront cost.
Key numbers: Emergencies → 911 | Expressway breakdown → *4141 | Montreal Towing → (514) 483-6944
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The first seconds after a car accident in Montreal feel like a blur. Your adrenaline is pumping and your mind is racing. But the most critical thing you can do right now is take a breath and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If anyone is hurt — even slightly — call 911 immediately. In Quebec, you are legally required to help anyone in danger at the scene. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger (like a fire).
⚠️ Legal Warning: Under Quebec’s Highway Safety Code, leaving the scene of a car accident is a criminal offence — even for a minor fender bender. You must remain at the scene, provide your identity, and offer assistance. Penalties can include fines, licence suspension, and criminal charges.
If it is safe to do so, turn off your engine and activate your hazard lights. If you have reflective triangles or road flares, set them up behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic — especially on busy roads like Boulevard Décarie or Autoroute 15.
2. Secure the Scene and Move to Safety
If the collision is minor and your vehicle can still be driven, Quebec law recommends moving it to the side of the road or a safe location to prevent blocking traffic and causing secondary accidents. This is especially important on high-speed roads like the Metropolitan Expressway.
If your car cannot move, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives. Stepping out onto a highway shoulder puts you at serious risk of being hit, particularly during Montreal’s winter months when visibility and road conditions are poor. Our guide to staying safe while waiting for a tow truck has detailed tips for roadside safety.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a winter emergency kit in your car year-round. It should include reflective triangles, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a copy of the blank Joint Report form (constat amiable).
3. Do You Need to Call 911? When Police Are Required
Not every car accident in Montreal requires a police response. Here is when you must call 911:
Someone is injured or killed — Call 911 immediately. Police will create an official accident report and forward it to SAAQ.
A driver appears impaired — If you suspect alcohol or drugs are involved, call police immediately.
A hit-and-run occurred — The other driver fled the scene. Report it to police as soon as possible.
Your vehicle blocks traffic or is dangerous — In Montreal’s exclusive towing zones, you must call 911 and the operator will connect you to the designated towing company for your area.
Government or municipal property is damaged — Guardrails, traffic signs, fire hydrants, etc.
For minor accidents with no injuries, you do not need to call police. Instead, you and the other driver should fill out a Joint Report (constat amiable) on the spot.
4. Fill Out the Joint Report (Constat Amiable)
The Joint Report is Quebec’s standard accident documentation form. It is not an admission of fault — it simply records the facts for both insurance companies to review. Here is what to include:
You can get a free blank Joint Report form from the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) or fill one out directly on your phone. Keep a paper copy in your glove box — phones die, but paper does not.
⚠️ Important: If the other driver refuses to fill out the Joint Report, write down their licence plate number and take photos of their vehicle and the scene. Report the incident to your insurer immediately.
5. Montreal’s Exclusive Towing Zones: What You Need to Know
Since July 2021, the SPVM has enforced 10 exclusive towing zones across the Island of Montreal. If your vehicle blocks traffic or is dangerous after a car accident in Montreal, you are required by law to use the designated towing company for your zone.
Here is how the system works:
🛣️ On Montreal Streets
If your vehicle blocks traffic, call 911. The operator connects you to the exclusive towing company for your zone. Rates are set by Montreal bylaw.
You can choose your own garage destination — but you must use their tow truck.
🚗 On Expressways (Autoroutes)
Call *4141 from your cell phone or 310-4141 from any other phone. Exclusive towing fees are set by the Ministère des Transports.
Do NOT exit your vehicle on a highway — stay inside until the tow truck arrives.
When you CAN choose your own tow company: If your vehicle is not blocking traffic — for example, it is parked safely in a lot or on a residential side street — the exclusive towing rules do not apply. You are free to call any towing company you trust, like Montreal Towing’s 24/7 emergency service.
6. Getting Your Vehicle Towed After an Accident
Once the scene is documented and safe, your next concern is getting your damaged vehicle off the road. There are several things to keep in mind when arranging accident towing in Montreal:
You choose the destination. Whether it is your preferred mechanic, your dealership, or a secure storage yard — the tow driver cannot force you to go to a specific shop. If you are unsure, your towing company can recommend a trusted garage.
Don’t sign blank paperwork. Read every document before you sign. Some towing companies may include authorization for repairs or storage fees that you didn’t agree to. Only sign for the tow itself.
Damaged vehicles often need flatbed towing. If your car has frame damage, a broken axle, or fluid leaks, a flatbed tow truck is the safest option. It lifts all four wheels off the ground, preventing further damage during transport.
💡 Pro Tip: Before the tow truck leaves, take photos of your vehicle’s condition. This documents any pre-existing vs. collision damage and protects you during the insurance claim process.
7. Filing Your Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in Montreal
Quebec operates under a no-fault insurance system managed by the SAAQ for bodily injuries. This means the SAAQ compensates injury victims regardless of who was at fault. However, vehicle damage is handled by your private auto insurance under the Direct Compensation Agreement.
Here is your insurance checklist after a collision:
Notify your insurer within 24 hours — Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Quick reporting ensures accurate documentation.
Submit your Joint Report or police report — This is the primary document your insurer uses to determine fault using the GAA Driver’s Fault Chart.
Wait for authorization before repairing — Your insurer needs to inspect the vehicle first. Getting repairs done without approval can void your coverage.
Keep all receipts — Towing, storage, rental car, and medical costs may be reimbursable. Save every document.
Report injuries to SAAQ — Visit saaq.gouv.qc.ca or call them to begin your bodily injury claim. See a doctor promptly and list all symptoms.
Most accident towing in Montreal is fully covered by your insurance. At Montreal Towing, we work directly with your insurance provider — we handle the paperwork, provide certified receipts, and bill your insurer directly so you pay nothing out of pocket. Learn more about our insurance towing service.
Been in an Accident? We’re On Our Way.
24/7 accident towing with direct insurance billing — no upfront payment.
(514) 483-6944
8. How Much Does Accident Towing Cost in Montreal?
Accident towing costs in Montreal depend on the situation — whether you are in an exclusive towing zone, the type of vehicle, and the distance to your destination. Here is a general breakdown:
For a detailed breakdown of towing rates across all service types, check our complete guide to towing costs in Montreal (2026). You may also find our earlier article on what you are actually paying for when hiring a tow truck helpful.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Montreal
When emotions are running high, it is easy to make mistakes that can hurt your insurance claim or safety. Here are the biggest ones Montreal drivers make:
❌ Admitting fault at the scene. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you. Let your insurer and the GAA Fault Chart determine responsibility.
❌ Failing to document the scene. Photos, witness contacts, and the Joint Report are essential. Memory fades fast — evidence does not.
❌ Accepting a tow from an unsolicited truck. Tow trucks that arrive without being called may overcharge or take your vehicle to a repair shop where they earn commissions. Only use a service you called or one dispatched through 911. Read our guide on insurance-approved accident towing to avoid this.
❌ Delaying medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, do not show symptoms immediately. See a doctor within 24 hours and ensure every symptom is recorded on the medical report for your SAAQ claim.
❌ Getting repairs without insurer approval. Your insurance company must inspect the vehicle and authorize repairs before work begins. Skipping this step can result in denied claims.
10. Complete Post-Accident Checklist for Montreal Drivers
Print this checklist or save it on your phone. Having it ready means you will not forget any critical steps when a car accident in Montreal happens:
📋 Your Post-Accident Checklist
☐ Check for injuries — call 911 if anyone is hurt
☐ Turn off engine, activate hazard lights
☐ Move vehicle to safety if possible
☐ Call police if required (injuries, impairment, hit-and-run, blocked traffic)
☐ On an expressway? Call *4141
☐ Exchange info with the other driver
☐ Fill out Joint Report (constat amiable)
☐ Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road, and signs
☐ Get witness names and phone numbers
☐ Call your insurance company within 24 hours
☐ Visit a doctor — document all symptoms
☐ Report bodily injuries to SAAQ
☐ Call (514) 483-6944 for accident towing — insurance billed directly
☐ Save all receipts (towing, storage, medical, rental car)
11. Other Services You May Need After a Collision
Depending on your situation, you may need more than just a tow truck. Montreal Towing provides a full range of towing and roadside services that can help after an accident:
Winching and recovery — If your vehicle rolled, slid off-road, or is stuck in a ditch, our winching service safely recovers it before towing.
Roadside assistance — Minor collision but your car is drivable? You might just need a battery boost, tire change, or fuel delivery to get moving again.
Heavy-duty towing — Accidents involving trucks, buses, or RVs require specialized heavy-duty equipment for safe recovery.
Car unlocking — Locked out after an accident? Doors jammed? Our car unlocking service uses professional tools to get you back in without damage.
We serve all of Montreal and surrounding communities. Visit our service area page to check coverage in your neighbourhood.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Accidents in Montreal
Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Montreal?
Only if there are injuries, suspected impairment, a hit-and-run, or if your vehicle is blocking traffic in an exclusive towing zone. For minor property-damage-only collisions with no injuries, you can simply fill out a Joint Report and submit it to your insurer.
What is a Joint Report (constat amiable) in Quebec?
It is a standardized accident documentation form used by Quebec insurers to record the facts of a collision. Both drivers fill it out at the scene. It is not an admission of fault — it simply provides your insurer with the details needed to process your claim.
Does insurance cover accident towing in Montreal?
Yes, most Quebec auto insurance policies cover accident towing costs. Montreal Towing bills your insurer directly, so you typically pay nothing out of pocket. We provide certified receipts and handle all documentation for your claim.
What are Montreal’s exclusive towing zones?
Since July 2021, the SPVM has 10 exclusive towing zones on the Island of Montreal. If your vehicle blocks traffic after an accident, you must call 911 and use the designated towing company for your zone. Rates are regulated by city bylaw. This rule does not apply if your vehicle is safely parked or off the road.
What number do I call if I break down on a Montreal expressway?
Call *4141 from a cell phone or 310-4141 from any other phone. This connects you to the exclusive towing service operated under contract with the Ministère des Transports. Do not exit your vehicle while waiting on the highway.
How much does it cost to tow a car after an accident in Montreal?
Standard accident towing ranges from $150 to $250 for the first 10 kilometres. Flatbed towing for damaged vehicles can cost $175 to $350. In exclusive towing zones, rates are fixed by municipal bylaw. Most accident towing is covered by your auto insurance.
Can I choose where my car gets towed after an accident?
Yes. In both exclusive towing zones and regular towing situations, you always have the right to choose the destination — your mechanic, dealership, body shop, or storage yard. The tow truck driver cannot force you to go to a specific repair shop.
What if the other driver refuses to fill out the Joint Report?
There is no legal obligation for the other driver to cooperate. If they refuse, write down their licence plate number, take photos of their vehicle, and report everything to your insurance company immediately. Your insurer can still process your claim with a plate number and photos.
Should I accept a tow from a truck that shows up without being called?
No. Unsolicited tow trucks may overcharge you, hold your vehicle for storage fees, or take it to a repair shop where they earn a commission. Only accept a tow from a company you called yourself, one dispatched through 911, or one sent by your insurance company.
How does the SAAQ handle injury claims after a car accident in Quebec?
Quebec uses a no-fault public insurance system through the SAAQ for all bodily injuries. Regardless of who caused the accident, the SAAQ compensates victims for medical costs, rehabilitation, and income replacement. You must see a doctor promptly and report all symptoms to maximize your claim.
Need Accident Towing Right Now?
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