When should you fill out an accident report form?

Even a minor collision can be unsettling, both physically and emotionally. Once the dust has settled, the first thing to do is check that everyone is okay. If they are and the damage is purely material, that is typically when an accident report form should be completed.

In practical terms, the report applies when two vehicles are involved, there are no injuries, and both drivers are present and willing to exchange their information. That’s it.

And even if your bumper looks like it only got a scratch, don’t skip this step. What may look minor at the scene can hide less visible damage, especially on a high-end vehicle, where parking sensors, radars, and driver assistance components are often located right where the impact occurred. It is better to have a report you may not need than to lack documentation when filing a claim.

When is an accident report form not enough?

The accident report form is a simple and effective tool, but it has its limits. Some situations go beyond what a form can handle.

If one driver refuses to cooperate, leaves the scene without stopping, or if you have reason to believe they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the report won’t be sufficient. You’ll need to contact the police and document everything you can on the spot: photos, licence plate number, vehicle description, and any potential witnesses.

The same applies if anyone is injured, even slightly. A passenger complaining of neck pain, a pedestrian involved, a cyclist hit: in those cases, call for help before anything else. Injuries can seem minor in the moment but worsen in the hours that follow.

Finally, if your vehicle is no longer driveable, secure the scene first and call a tow service before dealing with the documentation.

In short: an accident report form handles straightforward situations. As soon as there’s an injury, a refusal to cooperate, or a hit-and-run, other steps are required.

Accident report form or police: what to do in each situation?

Not all accidents are alike, and the right response depends on what’s unfolding in front of you, not on a universal rule. The table below is your compass: depending on your situation, you’ll know at a glance what the next step is.

How do you fill out an accident report form correctly?

Good news: filling out an accident report form takes about 15 to 20 minutes on average if you have everything you need on hand. You can fill out a digital accident report form directly on the Groupement des assureurs automobiles website. (Note à l’intégrateur : Ouvrir dans un nouvel onglet). This form can easily be completed at the scene of the accident from your phone.

What you’ll need

Before you start, gather the following:

• Your driver’s licence and the other driver’s
• The registration certificates for both vehicles
• Each insurer’s contact information (insurer name, policy number)
• Contact information for all drivers involved
• Information on any witnesses (reminder: passengers cannot serve as witnesses)
• Photos of both vehicles from multiple angles

Photos: don’t hold back

Take more photos than you think you need. Document the visible damage on both vehicles, the position of the cars at the time of impact, the general surroundings (intersection, signage, road conditions), and the licence plates. These images could make all the difference if your claim is disputed.

What a minor collision can hide on a high-end vehicle

If you drive an Audi, a Porsche, a Volkswagen, or a high-end GM vehicle, pay close attention to the following when documenting the damage:

• Embedded technology areas: the front and rear bumpers, mirrors, and pillars often conceal parking sensors, radars, and cameras. Photograph these areas in detail, even if the damage appears superficial.
• Paint and finishes: specialty colours and metallic or pearl finishes are difficult to reproduce exactly. Document every scratch, no matter how fine.
• Aerodynamic components: side skirts, diffusers, spoilers, and sidesteps are fragile and costly to replace. An impact that seems minor can damage them in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
• Wheels and tires: a collision can throw off alignment or damage a forged rim without it being visible to the naked eye. Note it in the report if you have any doubt.

A well-documented report from the start means a claim that gets settled faster, without surprises.

Common mistakes to avoid

The accident report form is a fairly straightforward process if you follow the instructions. That said, there are a few nuances worth keeping in mind.

So, how do you fill out an accident report form without making mistakes?

Avoid:

• Signing without reading everything: the report commits your version of the facts. Take the time to review every field before signing, even if the other driver seems to be in a rush.
• Leaving fields blank: a blank field can be filled in after the fact by the other party. If a piece of information doesn’t apply, write a dash or “N/A”.
• Verbally accepting responsibility: what you say at the scene can be used against you. The report is not an admission of fault, and you don’t need to treat it like one.
• Using passengers as witnesses: occupants of either vehicle cannot act as official witnesses on the report. Only people external to the accident can fill that role.
• Only documenting the obvious damage: a scratch on the bumper is easy to spot. A miscalibrated sensor or a misaligned body panel, much less so. Photograph everything, even what appears intact.
• Submitting the report without keeping a copy: once sent to your insurer, make sure you’ve kept your own copy, digital or paper.

What to do after filling out the report?

Once the accident report form is complete, contact your insurer as soon as possible and send them a copy. Always keep a copy for yourself, whether digital or paper.

If the photos aren’t included with the report, hold on to them and send them to your insurer if requested. Your insurer should provide you with a claim number.

Once that step is done, you can bring your vehicle to a collision centre for a damage assessment.

Make sure to get a full inspection done, inside and out, in case the collision caused hidden damage that was not immediately visible.

Before you leave the scene

To make things easier, here’s a checklist of the steps you should have completed before leaving the scene:

Why have a high-end vehicle inspected even after a minor collision?

A well-maintained luxury vehicle is an investment that deserves as much protection on the road as it does in the shop. What many owners don’t realize is that a poorly executed repair, or one carried out by a non-certified centre, can have consequences that go well beyond the cosmetic.

First, resale value.

A high-end vehicle repaired outside of manufacturer standards will lose value in a measurable way. Savvy buyers and appraisers notice: mismatched paint, non-OEM replacement parts, a questionable repair history. A repair done right, by a certified centre, preserves that value.

Then, warranties and onboard systems.

Manufacturers like Audi and Porsche require very specific repair protocols. A non-certified centre doesn’t have access to the proprietary calibration tools or the ongoing training these manufacturers require.

The result: a radar reattached without recalibration means a driver assistance system that no longer performs as intended, without you even knowing it.

At Europa, certification isn’t just a title on the front of the building. It’s a commitment that your vehicle leaves our shop exactly as it came in, down to the last specification.

If you want the peace of mind that everything goes smoothly, from the claim to the assessment, trust the expertise of Europa, your certified collision centre for luxury vehicles in Laval.

Quick FAQ on accident report forms