How to File an Auto Claim

Accidents happen! So, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and follow these steps:

1) If you’ve been in a car accident, the first step of filing a hassle-free claim happens at the scene of the collision. Once the area is secure and everyone is safe, get the name, driver’s licence and licence plate number of the other driver.

It’s also very important to get the names and addresses of any witnesses. This may be crucial in determining who was “at fault” or responsible in the collision.

Accident Report Form (PDF)

2) As soon as possible during normal office hours, you or the owner of the vehicle should call SGI’s Dial-a-Claim at the claims centre closest to your home. We will set up an appointment to have your vehicle appraised and the damage assessed.

When phoning Dial-a-Claim make sure you have your: driver’s licence, vehicle registration and SGI CANADA Auto Pak policy number (if you have one).

You can also file your claim and book an appointment for a vehicle appraisal online by using the SGI Auto eClaim registration service.

Accidents must also be reported to the police under any of the following circumstances:

• if the collision results in injury or death
• if it’s a hit and run
• if a driver is impaired
• if any of the vehicles involved have to be towed from the scene
• if the collision involves an out-of-province vehicle

If none of the above apply, the accident needs only to be reported to SGI.

Injuries need to be reported separately to the injury claims office.

3) On the day of your appointment take your vehicle to the appraisal location where an appraiser will assess the damage and the cost of repairs. (If your vehicle is not driveable, arrangements will be made to have your vehicle towed to a location where damage can be appraised).

4) Once the appraisal is done, you will receive a printout outlining the cost of repairs if your vehicle is repairable. After your adjuster confirms your insurance coverage is in order, you may have your vehicle repaired at the auto body shop of your choice.

If you are deemed “not at fault” or not responsible for the accident, your deductible (the amount you must pay before your insurance benefits begin to cover the remaining costs) may be covered by the other driver’s insurance.

However, when there is no other driver to recover your deductible from, such as a hit and run, vandalism, storm damage, fire, collision with an animal and/or a single vehicle accident - then you will be responsible to pay your deductible, unless you have an auto extension policy. (This might eliminate or reduce the amount you pay.)

If you and the other driver are deemed equally responsible for the accident, you pay only half of your deductible to get your vehicle fixed. However, if the driver is insured with another company or is uninsured, you will be responsible for your entire deductible.

If you are “at fault” or responsible for the accident, you must pay the deductible on the repairs to your own vehicle. Your licence plate insurance will cover the repairs to the other driver’s vehicle.

Will I be assessed a financial penalty?

Under the Safe Driver Recognition program, drivers lose points on the Safety Rating Scale for certain incidents - such as being at fault for an accident (-6 points) or specific traffic convictions (-3 or -4 points).

Drivers convicted of traffic-related Criminal Code offences, like impaired driving, will automatically be moved to at least -20 on the scale and will receive the maximum financial penalty of $500, regardless of their position on the scale.

Any incident that moves you into (or further into) the Penalty Zone means that you will be assessed a one-time financial penalty for that incident. Each demerit point equals a $25 penalty, so the further an incident moves you into the Penalty Zone, the more you pay for that incident (to a maximum of $500 per incident). Motorists will be assessed the penalty immediately and will have 90 days to pay the charge.

Penalties paid through this program take the place of driver’s licence surcharges and are in addition to fines handed out by law enforcement for traffic convictions. Those at fault for an accident are also responsible for paying their insurance deductible.

If you wish to appeal your movement on the Safety Rating Scale, you must do so through an SGI motor licence issuer. The issuer will refer your appeal to an independent board that is completely separate from SGI. There is a $25 fee to have your appeal heard by an independent board. If your appeal is successful, your safety rating will be adjusted accordingly and your fee will be refunded.

5) When repairs on your vehicle are completed, the body shop will ask you to sign a Certification of Repairs. This document is your authorization for SGI to pay the insured portion of the account directly to the repair facility. It also signifies that you're satisfied with the repairs.

Coverage information

Auto Claims Customer Service Targets