#205, 11150 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0C7
It’s January in Alberta. You know what that means – cold weather, poor driving conditions, and, unfortunately, vehicle accidents.
At the time of this writing, we’ve just exited one of the coldest stretches of weather we’ve experienced in Alberta in decades. Mother nature brought in extremely cold air from the north, causing our city streets to freeze and creating dangerous driving conditions after a few centimetres of snow.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident is like embarking on a journey, often through uncharted territory, especially if this is your first accident. As you prepare to take the first step through this process, you might wonder about the specific procedures and requirements. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide that will demystify the reporting process and equip you with the knowledge to navigate the system confidently.
The first step in the journey is to visit the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centre.
Have you downloaded our Car Accident Checklist?
Our comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to navigating car accidents, keeping you calm and in control. It provides essential information on what to collect, actions to take, and what to say (and avoid saying) to safeguard your rights. Download our checklist, print it and put it in your vehicle’s glove box (and the glove box of your loved ones), and be prepared and ready in unforeseen circumstances.
When you find yourself involved in a car accident in Edmonton, the Collision Reporting Centre is where you need to go to document the incident and assess the damage to your vehicle. The Edmonton Police Service established this facility to make reporting the incident easier for individuals involved in accidents.
Edmonton Police Service does not allow you to report the accident at their branches; you must go to the reporting center.
The primary function of the Collision Reporting Centre is to assist a motorist in documenting the accident and assessing the damage to their vehicles if you feel there is an excess of $5,000 of damage to all vehicles involved in the accident.
There are two locations available in Edmonton to serve you. You can visit the Edmonton North location at 15750 116 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 3S5, or the Edmonton South location at 5805 87A St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z1. Both collision reporting centres are open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm. However, they are closed on statutory holidays. It’s essential to visit the Collision Reporting Centre promptly after an accident to ensure proper documentation and assessment of your vehicle’s damage and avoid any unnecessary snags with filing your insurance claim.
Once you arrive at the Collision Reporting Centre, you must complete some initial paperwork. Afterward, the staff will inspect and document the damage to your vehicle. Then, you will detail the accident at the kiosk and finalize the process by collecting your report.
You must bring your damaged vehicle with you to the Collision Centre. The staff cannot proceed with assisting you or providing any documentation unless they can assess and inspect your vehicle. If your vehicle is not drivable, use a tow truck company to bring your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Center.
When you arrive at the Collision Reporting Centre, you’ll typically find a dedicated building for processing reports. Currently, the Edmonton North location is undergoing renovations, so visitors are required to park in the designated area and then enter the building. It’s important to arrive prepared with your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information.
Upon arriving at the Collision Reporting Centre, enter the building, and the staff will guide you through the process, starting with the collection of your personal information, including your vehicle registration and insurance information. After this, you will have to wait for your turn, during which they will take you outside to ask questions about the accident and photograph the damage to your vehicle.
To complete the initial paperwork at the Collision Reporting Centre, gather your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for a smooth processing experience. Having all your documentation ready will help expedite this process. The Collision Reporting Centre staff will guide you through this initial paperwork, ensuring that all necessary information is accurately recorded. This step is crucial in initiating the reporting process, so it’s essential to provide accurate and complete details. By being prepared with the required documentation, you can help streamline the paperwork process and move on to the next steps more efficiently.
Once your paperwork is completed, a staff member will call your name, and together, you will go outside to inspect your vehicle and take photographs of the damage for their records. If the inspection area is inside, you’ll be directed to drive through; if it’s outside, like the current situation at the Edmonton North location, the inspection will happen in the parking lot.
The staff will ask you questions about the accident, photograph the damage to your vehicle, and place a sticker on your vehicle, proving that you have reported the damage at the Collision Center.
Once the photographs are complete, you will re-enter the building and head to one of the computer station kiosks to begin entering the information about your accident. This information will include details about the accident, location, damage to your vehicle, insurance details, and information about the other driver and their vehicle. It’s crucial to detail the accident at the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centre accurately.
The staff at the collision reporting centre will rely on the information provided at the kiosk to proceed with the necessary procedures. Therefore, take your time and ensure that all the required information is accurately entered into the system.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you get stuck using the kiosk – the staff are available to help throughout the entire process.
Upon completing the documentation of the accident, you will be provided with a sticker for your vehicle and a printed report, essential for your insurance claims process. These documents are official records of your visit to the Edmonton Collision Reporting Centre, meeting provincial legal requirements. The sticker, once affixed to your vehicle, indicates that you have reported the accident and documented the damage. The printed report contains crucial details about the accident, which your insurance company will require to process your claim. Ensure that you keep this report safe and provide it to your insurance provider immediately. By finalizing the reporting process and collecting these documents, you are taking the necessary steps to fulfill your obligations following a collision and safeguarding your ability to pursue an insurance claim.
When reporting an accident in Edmonton, it’s important to have realistic time expectations. The process may take a minimum of two hours, especially during peak times. It’s also worth noting that the waiting times provided on the Accident Support Services International (ASSI) website may not always be accurate. Additionally, it’s best not to rely on phone calls to the reporting centre, as the staff are usually very busy and may not be answered frequently.
As noted above, plan for at least two hours for the entire process, and possibly longer if you arrive during busy periods. By being prepared to invest this time, you can navigate the reporting process more comfortably and reduce any rush or stress.
The ASSI website contains important information about the Collision Reporting Center, along with address and contact details for both Edmonton locations.
While the ASSI website provides waiting times for the Edmonton locations, in our experience, this information is far from accurate.
Lack of Phone Support
When it comes to reporting your accident, it’s best to bypass phoning the centre and head there directly for a more streamlined experience. They are often too busy to answer, and it’s best to prepare for your visit without relying on a phone conversation.
Gather all the necessary documentation, including your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any photos or details from the accident scene. It’s important to ensure that you have all the required paperwork per provincial legal requirements to facilitate the reporting process smoothly. This includes readily available insurance information, such as your policy number. Additionally, make sure to bring details, including the other driver’s name, vehicle make and model, and license plates of all vehicles involved. Having the names and contact numbers of witnesses at the scene is also a good idea. This vital information will help accurately report the collision and ensure that all the necessary details are captured.
By being proactive and organized with the necessary documentation, you can contribute to a more efficient and effective reporting process at the collision reporting centre in Edmonton.
15750 116 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 3S5
Ph: 780-452-1531
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8 pm
Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
5805 87A St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z1
Ph: 587-758-9427
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8 pm
Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
Can someone else report the accident on my behalf?
No, the person involved in the accident must personally report the incident at the Collision Reporting Centre. They need to inspect the damaged vehicle, and the person reporting it must be able to answer questions about the accident.
What should I do if the estimated wait time is very long?
If the estimated wait time is very long, you may wish to leave and return at a less busy time. However, it’s important to report the accident as soon as possible to avoid any issues with your insurance claim.
Can I visit any location, or do I have to go to a specific one?
You can visit either one of the Collision Reporting Centre locations, regardless of where the accident occurred.
Are there any fees for using the Collision Reporting Centre’s services?
There are no fees for using the Collision Reporting Centre’s services. The services are provided free of charge to assist individuals in documenting their accidents.
Are there food or vending machines on site?
No, there are no food or vending machines on site. It’s recommended to bring snacks if you anticipate a long wait. They do have a public restroom available.
What if my vehicle is too damaged to drive to the Centre?
If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, you will need to arrange for a tow truck to bring your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre.
Are appointments required or can I just walk in?
No appointments are available or necessary. You can walk in during their hours of operation.
Is there a deadline for reporting an accident at the Centre in Edmonton?
It’s essential to visit the Collision Reporting Centre promptly after an accident. The sooner you report the accident, the better it is for the documentation and assessment process.
Will the Collision Reporting Centre contact my insurance company for me?
No, the Collision Reporting Centre will not contact your insurance company for you. They will provide you with a report which you will need to submit to your insurance provider.
Is there any support available at the Centre if I don’t understand part of the process?
Yes, the Collision Reporting Centre staff are available to assist you throughout the entire reporting process. They will guide you through the paperwork, the vehicle inspection, and the kiosk data entry process.
When you need a car accident lawyer
Safi Law Group’s car accident lawyers are only a phone call away – call us today at (780) 760-7234 if you have any questions after being involved in a collision or if you wish to consult with a lawyer to start a claim for injuries or damages sustained in a no-fault accident. We offer legal fees based on a contingency basis and encourage you to book a free, no-obligation consultation with us today to discuss your case.
