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How Does an Auto Insurance Claim for Body Repair Work in Ontario?
Written by: DigitalRYT Team. Last updated: October 21, 2026. Chipmaster Markham is an independent, owner-operated auto body shop serving Markham since 2009.
Auto insurance claim body repair in Ontario follows the same path for most drivers: you report the accident, an adjuster reviews the damage, your insurer decides fault, and an approved repair is done at the shop you choose. This guide walks through each step in plain language, shows who pays what, and explains what a body shop like ours can handle for you. It is written for drivers in Markham, Unionville, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Stouffville and Toronto.
How Does an Auto Body Insurance Claim Work in Ontario?
You report the accident to your insurer or broker, usually within 7 days. An adjuster then contacts you, your insurer decides fault under Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules, and the repair is approved. You choose the body shop, the shop repairs the car, and you pay any deductible that applies to your claim.
Step by Step: From First Call to Pickup
Every claim is different, but these are the stages most Ontario drivers go through, starting from the moment you contact your insurer. To see how we handle the repair itself, read about our collision repair in Markham.
- Report the accident. FSRA, Ontario’s financial services regulator, says to report the accident to your broker, agent or insurer within 7 days, and notes that reporting late can lead an insurer to refuse the claim. Have your policy number, vehicle details, the date, time and place, and the other drivers’ details ready.
- Speak with your adjuster. After your claim is filed, the claims adjuster contacts you, may ask you to complete a Proof of Loss form, and decides how much the insurer will cover.
- Fault is decided. Your insurer determines fault using the Fault Determination Rules, which cover more than 40 accident situations. Fault can be shared between drivers, and a traffic charge does not decide it.
- Choose your repair shop. Your insurer may suggest shops, but OTIP states that you are free to choose a repair shop that is not part of your insurer’s Direct Repair Program. Our post on choosing your own auto body shop in Ontario goes into this in more detail.
- Get an estimate and approval. The shop inspects the damage, prepares an estimate and agrees the repair with the adjuster.
- The repair is done. If the team finds more damage once the car is opened up, the shop asks the insurer to approve the extra work. This is called a supplement.
- Pick up your car. You pay any deductible at pickup, then check the finish and the fit before you drive away.
Who Pays for the Repair? Fault and Your Deductible
How much you pay depends on fault and on your coverage. This table shows the general rules for a standard Ontario policy. Your own policy and your insurer’s decision always come first.
| Situation | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| You are not at fault | Your own insurer pays under Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD), and DCPD claims do not carry a deductible |
| You are partly at fault | The claim is split by your share of fault between DCPD and your collision coverage, and you pay that share of your deductible |
| You are 50% or more at fault, with mandatory coverage only | FSRA says the insurer pays 50% of the loss, less your deductible |
| Repair costs more than the car is worth | FSRA says the insurer pays the lower of the repair cost or the car’s actual cash value |
DCPD applies only in certain cases, for example when all vehicles are insured and identifiable. If you are unsure which rules apply to you, ask your adjuster which fault rule was used, as FSRA suggests.
How a Claim Works at Chipmaster Markham
Many drivers do not want to relay messages between their insurer and a body shop. Here is how we handle it at our shop at 1 Laidlaw Blvd, Unit 5, in Markham:
- Tell your insurer that your car is going to Chipmaster Markham.
- We deal with your adjuster directly and invoice the insurer for the approved repair.
- You drop the car off once the repair is approved and the appraisal is done.
- If we find extra damage, we request a supplement from the insurer.
- You pay your deductible when you pick up the car.
We accept insurance claims and private-pay customers. For a first idea of cost before you call your insurer, see our guide to auto body repair cost in Markham.
What You Do and What Your Shop Can Handle
| You or your insurer | Your body shop |
|---|---|
| Report the accident and keep your claim number | Inspect the damage and prepare the estimate |
| Fault decision and coverage questions | Talk to the adjuster about the repair |
| Pay the deductible that applies to you | Request supplements for extra damage |
| Approve the repair and choose your shop | Repair the car and return it to you |
Keep These Records for Your Claim
- Your claim number and your adjuster’s name and phone number
- Photos of the damage taken before any repair
- Every estimate, supplement and invoice
- Notes of calls with dates and times
- Names and insurers of the other drivers involved
FSRA also advises keeping detailed records of dates, times, correspondence, estimates and invoices in case something goes wrong with a claim.
Know Your Rights on Repair Estimates in Ontario
Ontario’s rules for car repair businesses say that a shop must give a written estimate before it can charge you, and the final invoice cannot be more than 10% above that estimate. The same guide says the estimate must be the same amount whether you pay out of pocket or an insurer pays. Never sign a blank work order.
Get a Free Estimate From Chipmaster Markham
If your car has been in a collision, call 905-294-9222 or send us photos of the damage for a free estimate. We will talk you through the next steps with your insurer, whether you drive in from Markham, Unionville, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Stouffville or Toronto. You can also see our collision repair service in Markham or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to report an accident to my insurer in Ontario?
FSRA says to report it within 7 days to your broker, agent or insurer, and as soon as possible if that deadline has passed. Late reporting may lead the insurer to refuse the claim.
Who decides who is at fault in an Ontario car accident?
Your insurer decides fault for insurance purposes using the Fault Determination Rules. A police charge, or the lack of one, does not decide fault. You can ask your adjuster which rule was applied if you disagree.
Do I pay a deductible if the accident was not my fault?
Generally, no. Direct Compensation Property Damage claims for not-at-fault accidents do not carry a deductible. If you share some of the fault, you pay a matching share of your deductible. Your policy and your insurer’s decision decide the final amount.
Can I use a body shop my insurer did not recommend?
Yes. OTIP states that you are free to choose a repair shop that is not part of your insurer’s Direct Repair Program. Your insurer still decides coverage for the repair.
Will Chipmaster Markham deal with my insurance adjuster?
Yes. Once you tell your insurer your car is coming to us, we deal with the adjuster about the repair and invoice the insurer directly. You stay in charge of your claim and pay any deductible at pickup.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Rules, forms and coverage options change, including for policies issued from July 1, 2026, so confirm details with your insurer or broker.
About Chipmaster Markham: Chipmaster Markham is an independent, owner-operated auto body shop serving drivers in Markham since 2009. Our team handles collision repair, dent and bumper repair, paint refinishing and rust repair, and helps customers through the insurance claim process. These guides answer the questions we hear from customers every day.
