Superior Towing & Storage

FAQs

This section is constantly growing. Here are a series of questions that we come across from time to time. We figured it's always good to be informed, before it's too late! If there's something else you need to know that may not appear here, please feel free to contact us and we'll see if we can help! Drive safely!

(Some of the Information provided below was obtained by TICKETS Traffic Court Defense)

1) What do I do when I get into an accident?
2) What is "no fault insurance"?
3) What are some of your rates?
4) What type of defense do I have against "Speeding"?
5) What does it mean if I'm charged for "Careless Driving"?
6) What happens if I get caught driving "Under Suspension"?
7) What if I don't have any insurance?
8) What does a motor vehicle "Criminal Offense" entail?
9) 11 easy steps to write down for future reference.

1) What do I do when I get into an accident?

If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident, be co-operative, but never admit fault, nor discuss the accident with anyone at the scene, as anything you say could be misinterpreted later. The required duties of those in charge of the involved vehicles is to:

1) Remain at or immediately return to the scene of the accident
2) Render all possible assistance
3) Upon request, give to anyone either involved in or witnessing the accident, or any police officers on the scene, his/her name, the owner's name and address, Driver's License number and insurance information.

Failure to do so will result in a fine of not less than $200 and up to $1,000, and/or imprisonment of up to six months. In addition, your license may be suspended for up to two years. In the event of injuries, do not move the vehicles and call 911 immediately. If there are no injuries but the damage exceeds $1,500, you can move the vehicles (i.e., to the nearest Vehicle Collision Centre), but you must notify the police. If there are no injuries and the damage is less that $1,500, you are not required to call or inform the police.

Back to the top

2) What is "no fault insurance"?

There is a lot of confusion surrounding Ontario's No-Fault Insurance Program. It does not mean that those drivers who cause accidents are unaccountable, nor does it mean that all those involved in accidents are automatically assessed as equally at fault.

The No-Fault Insurance Program simply means that you deal with your own insurance company for any claim you make. If the other party is determined to be at fault in the accident (according to pre-established rules), your insurance company will then re-coup the claim from the other party's insurance company. This process is designed to ensure that anyone involved in an accident will be covered, even if the other party isn't insured.

It sounds like a good system, right?

Be forewarned, however, that those "Rules" to determine fault can be quite confusing and counter-intuitive. And, if you are found to be even 5% at fault, you will be liable for the deductible and will face increases to your insurance premiums that will typically last for six years from the time of the accident.

Back to the top

3) What are some of your rates?

To see a listing of our current rates, click here.

Back to the top

4) What type of defense do I have against "Speeding"?

None. Speeding is an absolute liability offense. This means that, as far as the law is concerned, it doesn't matter why you were speeding (i.e., broken speedometer, going downhill, didn't realize, etc.), or how much over the speed limit you were, in the determination of guilt. What's more, routine speeding tickets can net you three to six demerit points and a conviction on your driving record. And your insurance premiums could increase dramatically.

(Information provided by TICKETS Traffic Court Defense)

Back to the top

5) What does it mean if I'm charged for "Careless Driving"?

A conviction for careless driving is a very serious offence. Your insurance premiums could go up a minimum of fifty per cent, and there could be civil ramifications as well. There are, however, a lot of factors that come into play. A careless driving charge requires some sort of continuous behavior. Running a red light, for example, is a single action, and therefore is not careless driving – regardless of the consequences of the action.

Back to the top

6) What happens if I get caught driving "Under Suspension"?

A conviction for driving while your driver's license is suspended will result in a further six-month suspension of your driving privileges, as well as a minimum fine of $1,000, and a possible imprisonment of up to six months.

Back to the top

7) What if I don't have any insurance?

Here's something you may not have known: a conviction for driving without insurance now carries a minimum fine of $5,000. We suggest you get some.

Back to the top

8) What does a motor vehicle "Criminal Offense" entail?

Criminal offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle (such as impaired driving, impaired care & control, driving while over 80mg blood-alcohol level, hit-and-run, etc.) fall under one of two categories:

1) Summary offense – meaning you don't require a lawyer and can be represented by a court agent

2) Indictable offense – for more serious offenses, you will require a lawyer and will be tried by a jury.

Back to the top

9) 11 easy steps to write down for future reference.

We know how hard it can be when you're in an accident, so here's a list of 11 things you should remember by writing down or printing out from this website:

Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe and legal.
Move the vehicle out of the traveled roadway, if it is clear, safe and legal. (In some states/or depending of the amount of damage, it is against the law to move the vehicle from the place where the accident occurred. Check the ordinance in your area. If you're not sure, it's always better not to move it.)
Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.
Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the accident.
Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical services.
Mark the scene of the accident with flares or retro reflective triangles.
Gather the names* of all persons in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the accident.
Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicles' direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions.
Ask to see the other driver's license* and write down the number.
Exchange insurance company information. DO NOT discuss "fault" or make statements about the accident to anyone but the police.
Get a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct.

Back to the top