π Quick Answer β Where to Report a Collision in Calgary
Calgary does not have a single dedicated collision reporting centre. Instead, report your collision at any Calgary Police Service (CPS) district office (8 locations across the city, most open 7 days a week), or use the Report My Collision online system for eligible collision types. Bring your driver’s licence, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle itself.
Need a tow after your collision? Call (587) 885-2326 β we can tow you directly to a CPS district office.
You have just been in a car accident in Calgary. Your adrenaline is pumping, your vehicle is damaged, and you know you need to file a report β but where exactly do you go? If you are searching for the collision reporting center Calgary location, you are not alone. Unlike Edmonton or many Ontario cities, Calgary does not operate a standalone collision reporting centre. Instead, the city uses a combination of CPS district offices and an online reporting portal.
This guide gives you everything you need: every district office location and hours, exactly what documents to bring, how to use the Report My Collision online system, when you are legally required to report, and what to do if your vehicle is too damaged to drive. Knowing this information before you need it can save you hours of confusion during one of the most stressful moments on the road.
Three Ways to Report a Collision in Calgary
There are three methods to report a collision to the Calgary Police Service, and which one you use depends on the severity of the incident:
π± Online: Report My Collision
For eligible non-injury collisions within Calgary city limits. Available 24/7 from any device. You receive a digital damage sticker if approved.
π’ In-Person: CPS District Office
For all collision types not supported online. Bring the driver, the vehicle, and all documents. Most offices open 7 days a week, 8 AM β 5:30 PM.
8 district offices across Calgary
π¨ Call 911
For any collision involving injuries, impaired drivers, road rage, criminal activity, un-driveable vehicles blocking traffic, or dangerous goods.
Non-emergency line: 403-266-1234
All Calgary Police District Office Locations
You can report a non-injury collision at any CPS district office. You do not need to go to the office nearest the accident β any location will accept your report. Choose the one most convenient to you. Here is the complete list of locations that function as Calgary’s collision reporting center network:
Important: All district offices are closed on statutory holidays. The District 1 Downtown office has limited weekday-only hours and is closed on weekends. If your collision happens after hours or on a holiday, use the Report My Collision online system or call the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 for instructions.
What to Bring When Reporting a Collision
When you visit a CPS district office to report a collision, the driver who was operating the vehicle must attend in person, and the vehicle involved must be brought to the office. Here is the complete checklist:
π Collision Reporting Checklist
Valid driver’s licence β the licence of the person who was driving at the time of the collision
Vehicle registration β the current registration document for the vehicle involved
Proof of insurance β your current Alberta auto insurance pink card or digital proof
The vehicle itself β you must bring the damaged vehicle to the district office for inspection
Other driver’s information β name, licence number, insurance details, plate number, and contact information
Witness information β names and contact details of any witnesses to the collision
Photos and notes β photos of all vehicles, the scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and your written account of what happened
At the district office, you will fill out an “A-Form” β the standard Alberta collision report form. You receive a copy of the top portion for your records, and the remainder is used by the province for statistical tracking. If the combined damage exceeds $5,000, you will receive a collision damage sticker that you need for insurance claims and body shop repairs.
When Are You Legally Required to Report a Collision?
Under Alberta law, you must report a vehicle collision to police when:
Key law: Under Section 69 of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, all drivers involved in a collision are required to stop, make the scene safe, and exchange information β regardless of fault. Leaving the scene of a collision is a criminal offence. If the other driver refuses to provide information, call the Calgary Police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. To protect yourself from predatory towing scams at the scene, always choose your own tow truck company.
Report My Collision: The Online Option
Calgary is currently the only city in Alberta that supports the Report My Collision online system. This allows eligible drivers to file a collision report without visiting a district office in person.
π± Report My Collision β Requirements
- You must hold a valid Alberta driver’s licence
- You must have an Alberta.ca account (basic accounts need verification)
- The collision must have occurred within Alberta and involve a passenger vehicle
- Combined damage must meet the $5,000 threshold
- No injuries, fatalities, or existing police reports
- Commercially registered vehicles are not accepted
Eligible collision types (online): single-vehicle incidents (hitting an animal, object, or running off the road), two-vehicle collisions involving two drivers only (rear-end, backing/backup, sideswipe same direction, and right-angle T-bone), and parked vehicle hit-and-run where no witness information is available.
Once you submit the report, Calgary Police Service reviews it. If approved, a digital damage sticker appears in your Report My Collision dashboard. You can show this digital sticker to your insurance company and body shop to begin the claims and repair process. If the report is rejected, you will be notified and directed to report in person at a district office.
Vehicle Not Driveable After Your Collision?
(587) 885-2326
We tow to CPS district offices β’ Direct insurance billing available β’ 24/7
What Is a Damage Sticker and Why Do You Need It?
A collision damage sticker (sometimes called a “damage sticker” or “collision sticker”) is an official marker issued by Calgary Police when damage from a reported collision exceeds $5,000. It serves as proof that the damage has been reported to police and is essential for processing your insurance claim.
π When it is required
When combined damage from a reportable collision exceeds $5,000. You will receive it when filing your A-Form at a district office, or digitally through Report My Collision.
π« When it is NOT required
When damage was caused by vandalism (not a collision), or when the combined damage is under $5,000. However, you should still file a report for insurance purposes.
π§ Why body shops need it
Alberta body shops and insurance companies require the damage sticker before beginning collision repairs or processing your claim. Without it, your repairs may be delayed or your claim denied.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Collision in Calgary
Stop and make the scene safe
Turn on hazard lights. If there are no injuries and the vehicles are driveable, move them out of traffic lanes. Check on all occupants. Alberta law requires you to remain at the scene.
Call 911 if needed
Call 911 for any injuries, impaired drivers, aggressive behaviour, or vehicles blocking traffic that cannot be moved. For non-emergency situations, call 403-266-1234 for guidance.
Exchange information
Collect the other driver’s name, licence number, vehicle registration, insurance details, licence plate number, and contact information. Both parties are required by law to share this information regardless of fault. Get witness contact details too.
Document everything
Take photos of all vehicles (all angles), damage close-ups, licence plates, the intersection/road, traffic signs, road conditions, and any skid marks. Write down what happened while it is fresh in your memory.
Call a tow truck if your vehicle is not driveable
If your vehicle cannot be driven safely, call (587) 885-2326 for accident recovery towing. We can tow your vehicle directly to a CPS district office for reporting, or to your preferred body shop. Read our guide on what information a tow truck driver needs from you.
Report the collision
Visit any CPS district office with your vehicle, documents, and the driver β or use Report My Collision online for eligible collision types. Complete the A-Form and receive your damage sticker.
Contact your insurance company
Notify your insurance broker as soon as possible. Provide them with the collision report number, A-Form, damage sticker, and all documentation. The driver copy of the collision report is typically all that is needed to start the claims process. For details on whether insurance covers towing, see our dedicated guide.
How to Get a Copy of Your Collision Report
After your collision has been reported and processed, you can access your report through these methods:
π» Online (Free Driver Copy)
Visit ecollision.gov.ab.ca. You will need the police file number (from your witness statement) and your name. The driver copy is free and contains enough information to start your insurance claim.
π’ In Person
Visit any CPS district office with your driver/witness statement and government-issued photo ID to obtain a copy.
π Full Police Copy ($45)
For the complete police copy with all details, submit a request to the CPS Correspondence Unit at 5111 β 47 Street NE, Calgary. Cost: $45. Requires photo ID and, if you are not named in the report, a signed authorization letter.
What If Your Vehicle Is Not Driveable?
If your vehicle is too damaged to drive to a district office, you have a few options:
- Tow to the district office: Your tow truck driver can transport you and your vehicle directly to the nearest CPS district office for reporting. At Calgary Towing, we do this regularly β just let the dispatcher know when you call for a tow.
- Tow to a body shop, report online: If your collision type is eligible, you can have the vehicle towed to a body shop and file your report through Report My Collision from home.
- Tow to a body shop, visit district office separately: Have the vehicle towed to your preferred body shop or home, then visit a district office later with photos and documentation. Note: the vehicle should be available for inspection if needed.
- Police attend the scene: If the collision is serious (injuries, impairment, criminal activity), police will respond to the scene and file the report there. You may still be directed to attend a district office later. For a full breakdown of costs, see our 2026 tow truck cost guide.
If your vehicle ends up at the Calgary impound lot, retrieve it as soon as possible to avoid daily storage fees. We offer flatbed towing from the impound lot to your body shop or home.
Common Mistakes When Reporting a Collision
- Waiting too long to report: File your report as soon as possible β ideally the same day. Delays can complicate insurance claims and fade your memory of details.
- Not bringing the vehicle: District offices need to inspect the vehicle when processing collision reports. If you show up without the car, you may be sent away.
- Arriving without documentation: Forgetting your licence, registration, or insurance means a wasted trip. Use the checklist above before heading to the office.
- Not exchanging info at the scene: If you leave without the other driver’s information, filing the report becomes much harder. Always exchange details at the scene.
- Admitting fault at the scene: Cooperate fully but avoid making statements about who is at fault. Let the police and insurance companies make that determination based on evidence.
- Forgetting to photograph everything: Take photos before moving vehicles if it is safe to do so. Photos are the strongest evidence for insurance claims and fault determination.
- Accepting a tow from uninvited trucks: After an accident, tow trucks may arrive uninvited. Under Alberta’s towing regulations, tow trucks cannot park within 200 metres of a collision unless called by the vehicle owner, police, or emergency services. Choose your own towing company β call us at (587) 885-2326.
What If the Collision Happened Outside Calgary?
Collisions must be reported in the jurisdiction where they occurred. If your accident happened outside Calgary city limits:
- On a provincial highway: Report to the nearest RCMP detachment.
- In Airdrie, Cochrane, or Okotoks: Report to the local RCMP detachment in that community.
- On First Nations land: Report to the local First Nations or Tribal Police Service.
- Unsure of jurisdiction: Call the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 β they will direct you to the correct authority.
If you need a tow from a collision outside Calgary β Cochrane, the Trans-Canada Highway, or surrounding areas β call (587) 885-2326. We service the greater Calgary region including all major highways.
Frequently Asked Questions β Collision Reporting in Calgary
Where is the collision reporting centre in Calgary?
Calgary does not have a single dedicated collision reporting centre. Instead, you report collisions at any of the 8 Calgary Police Service district offices across the city, or through the Report My Collision online portal for eligible collision types. Most district offices are open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
Do I have to bring my vehicle when reporting a collision?
Yes. When reporting in person at a CPS district office, the driver and the damaged vehicle must both be present. If your vehicle is not driveable, you can have it towed directly to the district office, or use the Report My Collision online system for eligible collision types.
When do I need to report a car accident in Calgary?
You are legally required to report a collision when combined property damage exceeds $5,000, when there are any injuries, or when you are the victim of a hit-and-run. Even if damage is under $5,000, reporting is recommended for insurance purposes.
What is a damage sticker and do I need one?
A damage sticker is an official marker issued by police confirming that collision damage has been reported. You need one when damage exceeds $5,000. It is required by insurance companies and body shops before they process your claim or begin repairs. You can get a digital version through Report My Collision.
Can I report a collision online in Calgary?
Yes. Calgary is the only Alberta city with the Report My Collision online system. It supports non-injury single-vehicle, two-vehicle (rear-end, backing, sideswipe, T-bone), and parked vehicle hit-and-run collisions. You need an Alberta driver’s licence and Alberta.ca account.
What is the A-Form?
The A-Form is the standard Alberta collision report form used across the province for reporting vehicle collisions. You fill it out at a CPS district office. You receive a copy of the top portion for your records β use this for your insurance claim. The remainder is used by the province for statistical tracking.
How long do I have to report a collision in Calgary?
There is no strict deadline in the Traffic Safety Act, but report as soon as possible β ideally the same day or next business day. Delays can complicate your insurance claim and may weaken your ability to provide accurate details. Some insurers have their own reporting deadlines.
What if the other driver refuses to give their information?
Under Alberta law, all drivers involved in a collision must provide their information regardless of fault. If someone refuses, do not confront them. Note their licence plate number, vehicle description, and any distinguishing details. Contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 to report the situation.
Can a tow truck take me to a collision reporting location?
Yes. If your vehicle is not driveable, your tow truck driver can transport both you and the vehicle to the nearest CPS district office. When you call Calgary Towing at (587) 885-2326, tell the dispatcher you need to go to a district office first β we handle this regularly after car accidents in Calgary.
Does filing a collision report affect my insurance rates?
Filing a police report does not automatically affect your insurance rates β it simply creates an official record. Whether your rates change depends on whether an insurance claim is filed, fault determination, and your policy terms. However, even if you do not plan to file a claim, it is important to notify your insurance broker. Not reporting could create issues later if the other driver files a claim against you.
Been in an Accident? We Will Get You There.
Accident recovery towing to any CPS district office or body shop. Direct insurance billing available.
(587) 885-2326