Out-of-Town Auto Accidents

Certainly, if your car accident took place outside of Ontario and you need legal assistance, it's often necessary to engage a lawyer in the area where the accident happened. If this applies to you, at Advanced Healthcare, Dr. Pisarek can promptly offer the rehabilitation services you need to address and recuperate from your injuries at our facility. Furthermore, we can assist you in locating legal counsel outside of Ontario to safeguard your rights through our network of legal advisors.

Here's how auto insurance works if you have an accident while you're in another city or state...

It's a well-known fact that whenever you hit the road and drive, there's a possibility of being involved in a car accident. If you find yourself in another city or state, consider the added challenges of unfamiliar streets, road signs, traffic conditions, and driving patterns, which can increase your risk. While such incidents may not be frequent, out-of-town accidents do happen. If you do get into one, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Firstly, even when you're far from your hometown, your auto insurance still provides coverage. Typically, auto policies restrict coverage to areas within the United States or a U.S. territory or possession, as well as a Canadian province or territory. So, if you're embarking on a cross-country road trip, your auto insurance extends across state lines, and even into Canada. It's essential to review your policy to understand any potential limitations, especially if you plan to drive to Mexico or other Central or South American countries.

Secondly, reporting out-of-town accidents to your insurance company should be as straightforward as if you were at home. Most major insurance companies offer toll-free numbers for reporting claims. When you make that call, your claim is directed to the most suitable claims adjuster. In some instances, a claims adjuster based in your hometown may oversee your claim, while in others, an adjuster located where the accident occurred will take care of it. Regardless of whether a local or remote adjuster manages your claim, rest assured that your insurance company has your best interests at heart. In most cases, claims are processed efficiently, as your insurance company aims to return you to your normal routine as swiftly as possible.

You might require the services of a tow truck following an out-of-town accident. If that's the case, your insurance company can help, regardless of your location. Your insurer should be able to provide you with information about available towing options in the area where the accident took place, and they can often coordinate the towing of your vehicle – a significant relief when you're in an unfamiliar area. Major insurance companies have established networks of towing companies throughout the country, which simplifies the process of arranging a tow in a distant location.

In certain situations, you may opt to have your vehicle towed back to your hometown rather than leaving it at the accident site for repairs. If your accident occurred hundreds of miles away from your home, and you're using your insurance to cover the damages, your insurance may contribute to the towing expenses. The full cost of towing may not be covered by insurance, depending on your specific coverage and how your policy defines reasonable towing costs, typically within a specified radius or dollar amount. Claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so it's important to discuss your requirements with your insurance company when they arise.

If you choose to have your car repaired at a facility near the accident location, your insurance company can still help. Much like their network of towing companies, insurance companies often have partnerships with or networks of repair shops in various regions of the country. Consequently, your insurer should be able to recommend a suitable shop if you require one. Local adjusters will assess the damage and collaborate with the body shop to repair your vehicle, even if it's located hundreds of miles from your hometown.

Bottom line: If you possess auto insurance and your accident falls within the parameters defined by your policy, you're likely to have coverage, regardless of the accident's location or where you choose to have your car repaired. Given that most companies offer centralized 800 numbers for reporting claims, resolving your claim should be as straightforward as if the incident occurred in your hometown or local area. This knowledge can provide you with added peace of mind when driving in various locations.

It's important to note that the information in this blog may vary based on your specific province or circumstances. It's always advisable to refer to your insurance policy to understand your individual coverages.

Source: Progressive Casualty Insurance Company Blog, authored by Allison Ruuska

1. U.S. Collisions – Injuries: Your accident benefits are valid throughout both Canada and the United States. The limitation of only launching a lawsuit when injuries surpass the verbal threshold doesn't apply to accidents occurring outside Ontario. The governing law is determined by the jurisdiction where the accident took place.

2. U.S. Collisions – Vehicle Damage: Claims for vehicle damage in the United States are processed similarly to how they are in Ontario, with the exception that the direct compensation system described earlier doesn't apply beyond Ontario's borders. Damage caused by an insured at-fault driver is covered by the insurance company of the at-fault vehicle, rather than your own insurance provider.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)


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