Accidents out of the country

If you have an accident, particularly if you will be travelling outside of Canada, stay where you are and call the police, even if it's a minor accident. Do not discuss the accident with the passengers in the other vehicle as laws may differ in that country.

What to do

1. Ask for a copy of the accident report with the name and address of the vehicle's driver and owner and send it to your insurance company.
2. Write down all the details of the accident (while they are still fresh in your mind) and take pictures.
3. Watch out! Some American states require that traffic violation fines be paid immediately. Bail or fines can be very high, even for speeding.
4. To avoid unpleasant surprises, get a copy of the Digest of Motor Laws, which describes the traffic laws in Canada and the United States (available at CAA).