Do I have to report every accident to the police in Alberta?
- edmontoncaracciden
- Oct 16, 2025
- 2 min read
In Alberta, not every fender-bender requires police attendance — but certain thresholds make it mandatory to file a report. Under the Traffic Safety Act, you must report a collision to the police if:
Anyone is injured or
Total property damage appears to exceed $5,000 (as of December 14, 2023), or
Driver has no active insurance policy.
Even if the damage looks minor, today’s repair costs rise fast — a single bumper and sensor replacement can exceed the limit. When in doubt, report it.
Why reporting matters:Failing to report an accident can lead to fines, license demerits, or issues when filing an insurance claim. Insurers often require a police report number before processing your
Where to report:In Edmonton, non-injury collisions are usually handled at the local Collision Reporting Centre. Bring your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Police will issue a collision sticker and file number — keep both for your insurer and lawyer.
Legal and insurance implications:If you skip reporting, you might be accused of leaving the scene or obstructing an investigation. More importantly, the insurer may reduce or deny your claim.
Next steps:After reporting, contact a personal injury lawyer in Edmonton to ensure the accident report aligns with your version of events. Small discrepancies can become big problems later if the insurer disputes fault.
Disclaimer:The information above is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique and must be reviewed by a qualified lawyer. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or other personal-injury incident in Alberta, you should seek legal advice from a licensed professional as soon as possible.
For personalized help, contact a lawyer in Alberta today. If you’d like us to connect you directly with an experienced Edmonton personal-injury lawyer, please reach out to our office.
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