Collision Reporting Centre Winnipeg: Where To Go After an Accident
🚨 Quick Answer
The Winnipeg Police Service operates a collision reporting centre where you must report vehicle accidents that involve property damage over $2,000 or any injuries. After ensuring everyone’s safety and exchanging information at the scene, drive (or tow) your vehicle to the centre to file your official collision report.
📍 Location: Winnipeg Police Service — see current locations below
📞 Non-emergency police: (204) 986-6222
🚛 Need a tow first? Call Winnipeg Towing: (204) 505-4621 — 24/7
Being involved in a car accident in Winnipeg is stressful, and most drivers have no idea what to do once the immediate danger has passed. One of the most common questions is: where is the collision reporting centre near me? Knowing the answer before you need it can save hours of confusion on what is already a bad day.
In Manitoba, reporting a collision to police is not optional — it is a legal requirement under certain conditions. Filing your collision report is also essential for your insurance claim with MPI. This guide tells you exactly where the police collision reporting centre is in Winnipeg, when you must file a report, what documents to bring, and the step-by-step process from accident scene to completed paperwork.
If your vehicle is not drivable after a collision, call (204) 505-4621 for an accident tow — we will transport your vehicle safely and can bring it directly to the reporting centre or an MPI-approved facility.
Where Is the Collision Reporting Centre in Winnipeg?
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) handles collision reports. Here is the current information for filing a report:
🏢 Winnipeg Police Service — Collision Reporting
Online reporting: The WPS now allows many collision reports to be filed online through their website, which is often the fastest option.
By phone: Call the Winnipeg Police non-emergency line at (204) 986-6222 to confirm current reporting procedures and locations.
In-person: The WPS Public Safety Building and district stations accept collision reports during business hours. Call ahead to confirm availability.
⚠️ Reporting centre locations, hours, and procedures may change. Always verify with the Winnipeg Police Service directly before visiting.
💡 Pro Tip
If you are searching “collision reporting centre near me” immediately after an accident, your first priority is safety — not paperwork. Ensure everyone is safe, call 911 if there are injuries, exchange information with the other driver, and document everything with photos. You have 24 hours to file your collision report with police, so handle the emergency first.
When Do You Need To File a Collision Report in Winnipeg?
Under Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act and MPI claims procedures, you are legally required to report a collision when any of the following conditions are met:
Anyone is injured — even minor injuries like whiplash, soreness, or cuts. Any collision involving physical injury must be reported to police, and you should call 911 from the scene.
Property damage exceeds $2,000 — this includes damage to vehicles, municipal property (light poles, guard rails, signs), fences, buildings, or other structures. In practice, almost any collision between two vehicles exceeds this threshold.
A driver flees the scene (hit and run) — if you are the victim of a hit and run, report it to police immediately. Even without the other driver’s information, a police report is required for your MPI claim.
You suspect impairment — if you believe the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 911 immediately from the scene. Do not wait to report it later.
Government or city property was damaged — traffic lights, road signs, fire hydrants, utility poles, or any municipal infrastructure.
⚠️ Failing To Report Is an Offence
Leaving the scene of an accident without filing a collision report when required is a criminal offence in Canada. Under the Criminal Code, failing to stop and report can result in fines, licence suspension, and even imprisonment. Even for minor collisions, always err on the side of reporting.
What To Do at the Accident Scene Before the Reporting Centre
Before you drive to the collision reporting centre, handle these critical steps at the scene:
Check for Injuries and Call 911 if Needed
Check yourself, your passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicle. If anyone is injured — even if it seems minor — call 911. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic). Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Move to Safety if Possible
If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move the vehicles, stay inside with seatbelts on until help arrives — standing between vehicles on a busy road is extremely dangerous.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Collect the other driver’s full name, phone number, driver’s licence number, vehicle make/model/colour, licence plate number, and insurance information. Stay calm and factual — do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, as this can affect your MPI claim.
Document Everything With Photos
Use your phone to photograph all damage to both vehicles, the licence plates, the overall accident scene from multiple angles, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Take a photo of the other driver’s licence and insurance card. These photos are invaluable for both your police collision report and MPI claim.
Get Witness Contact Information
If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can support your account if fault is disputed later.
Call for a Tow if Your Vehicle Is Not Drivable
If your vehicle cannot be safely driven, call (204) 505-4621 for an accident tow. We will load your vehicle onto a flatbed and transport it to the collision reporting centre, an MPI service centre, or the body shop of your choice.
What To Bring to the Collision Reporting Centre
Having the right documents ready makes the reporting process faster. Bring all of the following:
💡 Write Down Your Account Immediately
As soon as you are safe, write down exactly what happened — before your memory fades or gets confused with what others tell you. Include the street names, which direction each vehicle was travelling, approximate speeds, traffic light colours, and weather conditions. This written account will be your most valuable tool at the collision reporting centre.
Car Not Drivable After an Accident?
We tow accident vehicles 24/7 — to the reporting centre, MPI, or body shop.
What Happens When You File a Collision Report
Here is what to expect during the reporting process:
📋 You Provide Your Written Account
You will describe the accident in your own words — where it happened, how it happened, and the sequence of events. Be factual and specific. Stick to what you personally saw and experienced, not what you think might have happened.
📷 Evidence Is Documented
Your photos, witness information, and the other driver’s details are recorded. If the police have dashcam footage or traffic camera data available, it may be included.
📄 You Receive a Collision Report Number
Once filed, you receive a collision report number. Keep this number safe. You will need it to file your MPI claim, communicate with the other driver’s insurance, and potentially for any legal proceedings. Write it down, photograph it, and save it in your phone.
⏱️ Processing Time
The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on complexity and how busy the centre is. During peak periods (winter storms, icy road conditions), expect longer waits as accident volumes spike across the city.
Filing Your MPI Claim After the Collision Report
Once you have your collision report filed with police, your next step is filing a claim with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Manitoba is a no-fault insurance province, meaning MPI handles all vehicle damage and injury claims regardless of who caused the accident. For general roadside assistance or emergency towing needs, Winnipeg Towing can help at any stage of the process.
Here is the MPI claims process after a collision:
- Call MPI at 204-985-7000 (or 1-800-665-2410 outside Winnipeg) to report the collision and open a claim. Have your collision report number, driver’s licence, and vehicle registration ready.
- MPI will assign a claim number and an adjuster. The adjuster will assess damage, determine repair costs, and authorize repairs at an MPI-accredited body shop.
- Vehicle inspection — MPI may require a physical inspection of your vehicle. You can bring it to an MPI service centre, or if it is not drivable, have it towed to one. If your battery is dead from sitting after the accident, see our guide on how to jump start a car or call us for a boost.
- Deductible applies — your MPI deductible (typically $500 for basic Autopac, or lower if you purchased Extension coverage) applies to the claim. If you are not at fault, the deductible may be waived.
- Injury claims — if you or passengers were injured, MPI covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and income replacement under Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP). Report injuries to MPI as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor.
Many Winnipeg drivers are unsure whether their insurance covers the tow after an accident. In many cases, MPI or your Extension coverage will reimburse towing costs — save your towing receipt and submit it with your claim.
What If Your Vehicle Cannot Be Driven After the Accident?
If your vehicle is too damaged to drive after a collision in Winnipeg, you need an accident towing service. Here is how the process works:
- Call (204) 505-4621 immediately. We dispatch a flatbed tow truck to the accident scene. Average response time: 20 to 40 minutes city-wide.
- We handle the vehicle carefully. Accident-damaged vehicles are loaded onto flatbeds (not wheel-lift trucks) to prevent additional damage to the frame, suspension, or drivetrain.
- Tell us where to go. We can tow your vehicle to the police reporting facility, an MPI service centre, a body shop of your choice, or a secure storage lot if you need time to decide. Just tell us your preference.
- Save your towing receipt. Winnipeg Towing provides a detailed receipt that you can submit to MPI for reimbursement as part of your claim. See our Winnipeg towing cost guide for typical rates.
We provide 24-hour accident towing across all Winnipeg neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Common Mistakes Winnipeg Drivers Make After a Collision
Avoid these errors that can complicate your collision report, delay your MPI claim, or cost you money:
❌ Admitting Fault at the Scene
Saying “I’m sorry” or “it was my fault” can be used against you in the MPI claims process. Exchange information calmly and let the adjusters determine fault based on evidence.
❌ Not Taking Enough Photos
Take far more photos than you think you need. Every angle of both vehicles, the road, traffic signs, weather conditions, and licence plates. Photos are the strongest evidence for both your collision report and MPI claim.
❌ Waiting Too Long To Report
You have 24 hours to file a police collision report, but earlier is always better. Memories fade, details get confused, and physical evidence at the scene may be cleaned up. Report as soon as safely possible.
❌ Skipping Medical Attention
Adrenaline masks pain. Many injuries — whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage — do not become apparent for 24 to 72 hours after a collision. See a doctor even if you feel fine. Delaying medical attention can weaken an injury claim with MPI.
❌ Agreeing To Settle Without MPI
If the other driver offers to “settle this between us” without involving MPI, decline. You have no guarantee they will follow through, and you lose your legal protections. Always file through proper channels.
❌ Driving an Unsafe Vehicle
If there is any doubt about your vehicle’s safety — flat tires, leaking fluids, deployed airbags, broken lights — do not drive it. Call for a tow. Driving an unsafe vehicle after an accident can lead to a second collision and potential liability.
Winter Accident Reporting in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s winter brings a surge in collisions. Icy roads, reduced visibility, and extreme winter conditions make accidents more frequent and more dangerous. Here are winter-specific considerations:
- Collision reporting wait times increase — after a major snowstorm or ice event, the reporting centre can be very busy. Be prepared for a longer wait. Filing online if available can save significant time.
- Tow truck wait times increase too — demand for towing spikes during winter storms. Call (204) 505-4621 as soon as possible to get into the queue. We handle everything from breakdown towing to full accident recovery services.
- Road conditions are part of your report — note whether the road was icy, snow-covered, wet, or plowed. This information is relevant to fault determination.
- Vehicles in the ditch — if your vehicle slid off the road into a ditch, you may need winching recovery before it can be towed to the collision reporting centre. Make sure you always carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collision Reporting in Winnipeg
Where is the collision reporting centre in Winnipeg?
The Winnipeg Police Service handles collision reports through their stations and online reporting system. Call the non-emergency line at (204) 986-6222 to confirm the current reporting location and procedures, as these may change. Many collision reports can now be filed online through the WPS website.
Do I have to report every car accident in Winnipeg?
You are legally required to report a collision to police when there are injuries, when property damage exceeds $2,000, in cases of hit and run, or when suspected impairment is involved. For very minor fender-benders under $2,000 with no injuries, a police report is not legally required, but you should still file an MPI claim to protect yourself.
How long do I have to file a collision report?
You should file your collision report within 24 hours of the accident. For MPI claims, you should contact MPI as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Delaying either report can complicate your claim and weaken your evidence.
What happens if the other driver does not have insurance?
In Manitoba, all registered vehicles must carry MPI insurance — it is mandatory. If the other driver was driving without valid insurance, report it in your collision report. MPI still covers your vehicle damage and injuries through the uninsured motorist provisions of your Autopac coverage.
Does MPI cover towing after an accident?
In many cases, yes. Basic Autopac and Extension coverage may reimburse reasonable towing costs after a collision. Keep your towing receipt from Winnipeg Towing and submit it with your MPI claim. Contact MPI to confirm your specific coverage level before assuming reimbursement.
Can I file a collision report online in Winnipeg?
The Winnipeg Police Service has expanded online reporting options for certain types of collisions, particularly property-damage-only accidents where no injuries occurred and both drivers’ information is available. Visit the WPS website or call (204) 986-6222 to confirm whether your collision qualifies for online reporting.
What is the difference between a collision report and an MPI claim?
A collision report is filed with the Winnipeg Police and creates an official record of the accident. An MPI claim is filed separately with Manitoba Public Insurance to get your vehicle repaired and cover any injury expenses. You need the collision report number to file your MPI claim — they are two separate processes that work together.
What if I was in a hit and run?
If the other driver fled the scene, call 911 immediately. Try to note the other vehicle’s licence plate, make, model, colour, and direction of travel. File a police collision report as soon as possible. MPI covers hit-and-run victims through your Autopac coverage — the collision report number is essential for this claim.
Should I call the police to the accident scene?
Call 911 if anyone is injured, if a driver appears impaired, if a driver refuses to exchange information, or if the accident is blocking a major road and creating a safety hazard. For property-damage-only collisions where both drivers are cooperative, you can exchange information at the scene and file your collision report afterwards without police at the scene.
Can I choose which body shop repairs my car after an MPI claim?
Yes. In Manitoba, you have the right to choose your own body shop for MPI-covered repairs. The shop must be MPI-accredited. If you do not have a preferred shop, MPI can recommend one. Winnipeg Towing can tow your vehicle directly to the body shop you select — or even long distance if needed. Just tell us where when you call at (204) 505-4621.
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