Where to Find Collision Reporting Centres Near Hamilton, Ontario
📍 Quick Answer
Looking for a collision reporting centre near me in the Hamilton area? There are two CRC locations in Hamilton and three in neighbouring Halton Region (Burlington, Oakville, Milton). You must report to a CRC in the jurisdiction where your accident happened — not the one closest to your home.
🚛 Need your vehicle towed to a CRC? Call (905) 481-0133 — we deliver directly to both Hamilton CRC locations.
If you have been in a car accident in Hamilton, Ontario, one of the first things you need to figure out is whether you need to visit a collision reporting centre near me — and if so, which one. Hamilton police no longer attend the scene of minor property damage collisions. Instead, drivers are expected to self-report at a designated CRC.
This guide gives you every collision reporting centre location in and around Hamilton with full addresses, phone numbers, hours, what documents to bring, and step-by-step instructions for the reporting process. We also cover the CRCs in Burlington and the broader Halton Region, since many Hamilton-area drivers commute across jurisdictions and may need to report there instead.
If your vehicle is not driveable after an accident, our accident towing team will transport it directly to the correct CRC. Call (905) 481-0133 and we will handle the logistics.
Hamilton Collision Reporting Centre Locations
Hamilton has two collision reporting centres operated by Accident Support Services International (ASSI) in partnership with Hamilton Police Service. You may report your collision at either location — both serve the entire City of Hamilton.
💡 Tip: If your accident happens on a weekend, the Hamilton Mountain CRC at 400 Rymal Road East is the only Hamilton location open on Saturdays and Sundays. The Hamilton East CRC on King Street is closed weekends. Arrive at least 90 minutes before closing to ensure staff can complete your report.
Nearby Collision Reporting Centres: Burlington and Halton Region
If your accident happened in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, or elsewhere in Halton Region, you must report to a Halton CRC — not a Hamilton one. The opposite is also true: a Hamilton accident cannot be reported at a Halton facility. Here are the three Halton Region CRC locations:
Which Collision Reporting Centre Should You Go To?
This is the number one mistake drivers make: going to the wrong CRC. Ontario law requires you to report at a collision reporting centre in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Here is how to determine the right one:
🏙️
Accident in Hamilton
Including Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Flamborough, Glanbrook
→ Hamilton East or Hamilton Mountain CRC
🏘️
Accident in Burlington
Aldershot, Burlington city limits (Halton Region policing)
→ Burlington, Oakville, or Milton CRC
🛣️
Accident on the QEW / 403
Depends on exact location — check municipal boundary
→ Hamilton CRC or Halton CRC based on where accident occurred
⚠️ Important: If you go to a CRC in the wrong jurisdiction, they will not file your report. You will have to travel to the correct CRC. The rule is based on where the accident happened, not where you live. If you are unsure which jurisdiction you were in when the accident occurred, call the nearest CRC and they can help you determine the correct location.
When Do You Need to Visit a Collision Reporting Centre?
Not every accident requires a CRC visit. Ontario law sets specific thresholds that determine whether you need to file a formal police report. Here are the rules for Hamilton:
If your vehicle is not driveable and the CRC is open, the tow truck must take you directly from the accident scene to the CRC. If the accident happens after hours, the vehicle can be towed to your home or another safe location, and you have 48 hours to bring it to the CRC. Our accident towing service handles CRC deliveries every day and our drivers know the exact drop-off procedures at both Hamilton locations.
Need a Tow to the Collision Reporting Centre?
We deliver directly to both Hamilton CRCs — 24/7 accident towing.
What to Bring to the Collision Reporting Centre
Being prepared saves time at the CRC. Staff will ask for specific documents and information, so have everything ready before you go. Here is the complete checklist:
📋 CRC Document Checklist
☐ Your Ontario driver’s licence
☐ Vehicle ownership (registration)
☐ Insurance liability card (pink slip)
☐ reportacollision.com reference number (if you started your report online)
☐ Other driver’s name, licence number, address, and phone
☐ Other driver’s insurance company and policy number
☐ Other vehicle’s make, model, year, and licence plate
☐ Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
☐ Photos of the damage and accident scene (from your phone)
☐ Your vehicle — it must be present for inspection
You can start the reporting process online at reportacollision.com before visiting the CRC in person. This generates a reference number that speeds up the process when you arrive. You still need to attend in person with your vehicle — the online portal does not replace the CRC visit.
What Happens at the Collision Reporting Centre: Step by Step
Knowing what to expect removes the stress. Here is the typical process at a Hamilton CRC from arrival to departure:
Arrive & Park
Park your damaged vehicle in the designated inspection area.
Complete Form
Fill out the self-report collision form with details of the accident.
Show Documents
Present your driver’s licence, ownership, and insurance card.
Vehicle Inspection
Staff photograph your vehicle and apply a “Damage Reported” sticker.
Get Your Copy
Receive a driver’s copy of the report for your insurance claim. No charge.
The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The “Damage Reported” sticker should remain on your vehicle until the damage is repaired and reported to your insurance company. Do not remove it early — it serves as proof that you reported the collision to police.
After the CRC visit, you have seven days to notify your insurance company about the accident. Your insurer will use the collision report number to access the file. If you need your vehicle towed from the CRC to a body shop afterward, our insurance towing service can handle that as well.
What If the CRC Is Closed When Your Accident Happens?
Accidents do not follow business hours, and there will be times when all collision reporting centres near you are closed. Here is what to do:
◾ If your vehicle is driveable: Drive it home or to a safe location. You have 48 hours to attend the CRC with your vehicle during their next open hours.
◾ If your vehicle needs a tow (after hours): The tow truck can take your vehicle to your home or a secure location of your choice. The tow company will then return the vehicle to the CRC on the next business day for photographs.
◾ Start your report online immediately: Visit reportacollision.com from your phone to begin the process. Bring the reference number to the CRC when you visit in person.
◾ Call 911 only if required: Remember, police attend the scene only for injuries, impaired driving, government vehicles, pedestrians/cyclists, or other serious situations. For property-damage-only collisions after hours, do not call 911 — follow the CRC process.
Our 24-hour towing service is available around the clock, even when the CRCs are not. We will secure your vehicle and coordinate the CRC delivery during the next available window. We also offer flatbed towing for AWD and luxury vehicles that should not be towed with wheels on the ground.
How to Get a Copy of Your Collision Report
You will receive a free driver’s copy of the collision report at the CRC when you file. If you need a certified copy later for insurance or legal purposes, here is how to get one:
◾ Online through ServiceOntario — available 20 days after the report is filed. An uncertified copy costs $12, and a certified copy costs $18. You will need your driver’s licence number, collision report number, and MTO reference number.
◾ In person at Hamilton Police Records — visit the Records Business Centre at Central Station. A full report with a Consent to Release form costs $50 plus HST. Driver and witness statements are an additional $50 plus HST each.
◾ Through your insurance company — your insurer can access the collision report directly through the ASSI system using the report number you provide.
Towing Your Vehicle to a Collision Reporting Centre in Hamilton
When your vehicle cannot be driven after an accident, the towing rules are strict. Here is what you need to know about getting your car to a Hamilton CRC by tow truck:
During CRC hours: Your vehicle must be towed directly from the accident scene to the CRC. This is a legal requirement. The tow operator cannot take your vehicle to a private storage yard or body shop first.
After CRC hours: The vehicle can be towed to your home or another safe location. You then have 48 hours to have the tow company return it to the CRC for inspection photos.
After the CRC visit: Once the report is complete, you can have the vehicle towed to a body shop or your home. This is a second tow that may or may not be covered by your insurance.
Your right to choose: Under Ontario’s 2024 towing regulations, you have the right to choose your own tow company. Do not feel pressured by unsolicited tow trucks at the scene.
Towing Hamilton provides accident towing with direct CRC delivery across Hamilton, Burlington, Waterdown, and Grimsby. We also handle heavy-duty towing for trucks and larger vehicles, motorcycle towing, and emergency towing for any urgent situation. Need a cost estimate? Use our towing cost estimator or call for an upfront quote. If your vehicle was severely damaged and may need to be scrapped after the report is filed, our scrap car removal service can handle that too.
For the most current CRC information directly from the police, visit the Hamilton Police Service accident reporting page. You can also reach our roadside assistance team if you need help at the scene before towing — whether it is a battery boost, tire change, or winching recovery from a ditch.
Hamilton vs Halton CRC Rules: Key Differences
If you frequently drive between Hamilton and Burlington, it helps to know how the two jurisdictions differ in their collision reporting requirements:
Frequently Asked Questions About Collision Reporting Centres
Where is the nearest collision reporting centre near me in Hamilton?
Hamilton has two CRC locations: Hamilton East at 2825 King Street East (open weekdays 10 AM – 6 PM) and Hamilton Mountain at 400 Rymal Road East (open weekdays 8 AM – 8 PM, weekends 10 AM – 6 PM). Both accept collision reports for any accident that occurred within the City of Hamilton.
Do I have to report a minor car accident in Hamilton?
If the combined damage from all vehicles exceeds $5,000, you are legally required to report to a collision reporting centre. Below $5,000 with no injuries, reporting is not legally required but is still recommended for insurance purposes. When in doubt, report it — the CRC service is free.
How long do I have to report an accident to the CRC?
In Hamilton, you have 48 hours to attend the collision reporting centre with your vehicle. In Halton Region (Burlington, Oakville, Milton), you have 72 hours. If your vehicle was towed after hours, the tow company should return it to the CRC on the next business day.
Can I go to a Burlington CRC if my accident was in Hamilton?
No. You must report at a CRC in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. If your accident was in Hamilton, you must use a Hamilton CRC. If it was in Burlington, you must use a Halton Region CRC. Reporting at the wrong facility means your report will not be accepted.
Does it cost anything to file a collision report at the CRC?
No. Filing a collision report at the CRC is completely free. You also receive a free driver’s copy of the report on the spot. If you need a certified copy later through ServiceOntario, the fee is $12 for an uncertified copy or $18 for a certified copy.
Can I report a collision online instead of going to the CRC?
You can start your report online at reportacollision.com, but you must still attend the CRC in person with your vehicle. The online portal generates a reference number that speeds up the in-person process, but it does not replace the physical visit.
Does my vehicle have to be present at the CRC?
Yes. Your vehicle must be present at the collision reporting centre for the staff to photograph the damage and apply a “Damage Reported” sticker. Without the vehicle, the report cannot be completed. If your car was towed, you will need the tow company to deliver it to the CRC.
What is a “Damage Reported” sticker?
It is a sticker applied to the damaged area of your vehicle by CRC staff after they photograph it. It indicates that the damage has been officially reported to police. Do not remove the sticker until the damage has been reported to your insurance company and repaired.
What happens if I do not report to a CRC within the time limit?
Failing to report a collision when required can result in a charge under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Penalties can include fines and potentially a licence suspension. It can also complicate your insurance claim, as insurers expect a formal police report for claims over $5,000.
Can Towing Hamilton tow my car directly to the CRC?
Yes. Our accident towing service includes direct delivery to both Hamilton CRC locations and the Burlington CRC. We know the drop-off procedures, have the right equipment, and can work with your insurance company for billing. Call (905) 481-0133 anytime.
Need Accident Towing to a CRC?
Direct delivery to all Hamilton and Burlington collision reporting centres.
24/7 dispatch · Insurance billing · Upfront pricing
