What to Do When Someone Hits Your Car in BC

What to Do When Someone Hits Your Car in BC

A crash can rattle even the most confident driver. If you’re wondering what to do when someone hits your car in BC, take a breath. You do not need all the answers right now. You need a clear plan that keeps you safe, helps with the claim process, and helps ensure a good repair.

At Kirmac, we earned our reputation by helping BC drivers during stressful times. We offer clear guidance and certified repairs. 

First, get safe and steady

If anyone is injured, call 911. Safety is always the priority.

If it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of traffic to reduce the chance of a secondary incident. Turn on hazard lights, check on passengers, and keep the interaction with the other driver professional and minimal. Avoid debating responsibility at the scene, it is rarely productive and can increase stress.

Exchange information, capture what matters

In BC, the details you collect can prevent delays later. Record the essentials for all drivers and vehicles with damage involved in the incident:

• Driver name and contact information
• Driver’s licence number and issuing province or state
• Vehicle licence plate number (and confirm you have it correct)
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• Insurance details, especially for out-of-province drivers
• Basic vehicle info such as colour and any unique identifiers you can quickly note

A helpful tip: take a clear photo of the other driver’s license and insurance papers. Do this calmly and safely.

Document the scene like a pro

Witnesses and photos can clarify the story later. Ask anyone who saw the collision for their name and contact information.

For photos, aim for both detail and context. Capture:

• Both cars, including licence plates
• Wide shots showing lane positions, signage, and intersection layout
• Close-ups of damage from multiple angles
• Road and weather conditions, especially rain sheen, low light, fog, or snow buildup
• Any debris or visible hazards that may have contributed

This documentation supports the claim process and helps the repair team identify priorities for inspection and safe disassembly.

Report to ICBC and keep your details organized

Once you’re safe and have collected information, report the collision and obtain your claim number. Keep that number accessible, along with your photos, witness contacts, and notes.

Create a simple folder on your phone titled with the date of the collision. For many drivers, that one habit turns a chaotic event into a manageable workflow.

Decide what you need: collision repairs, glass repairs, or both

Many collisions involve more than body damage. A bumper impact can affect sensors, alignment, lighting, and glass, even when the exterior looks modest.

Collision repairs and choosing a repair facility

For collision repairs, look for a repair facility that can explain process steps, timelines, and what happens after the initial inspection. A strong team will work with your claim needs. They will explain how to handle supplements if hidden damage is found.

If you are researching auto collision repair options, consider whether the shop operates as a full collision centre, with trained technicians, proper equipment, and documented repair procedures. That level of structure supports consistent outcomes and helps protect vehicle safety systems. The key is consistency: certified processes, clear communication, and strong customer service.

Kirmac serves communities across BC, check out our locations page to find a shop near you.

At Kirmac, we back our work with a lifetime guarantee, because repairs should be done right the first time, and supported afterward.

Windshield chips, cracks, and glass

Glass damage often shows up as a chip that spreads into a crack later, especially in cold snaps or on highways where vibration is constant. If your windshield is chipped or cracked, prioritize windshield repair or replacement quickly, because visibility and structural integrity matter.

When you book glass service, ask whether the shop can assess repairability and handle the steps required for glass coverage where applicable. In a combined collision and glass scenario, integrated planning can reduce downtime.

Tow-in decisions that protect your time and budget

If the car is not safe to drive, towing is sometimes the smartest choice. Keep these principles in mind:

• Stay with the vehicle if it’s safe and remove valuables
• Photograph the car before it is moved, if conditions allow
• Ask where the vehicle is going and what storage fees apply
• Keep copies of anything you sign

A tow-in process can be stress free when the repair team is ready to receive the vehicle, document condition, and start a structured intake. Kirmac can accept your tow-in vehicle. Give us a call at 604.552.5300 and our Customer Service Centre will help you.

A faster starting point: estimate, then inspect

Kirmac’s AI estimator provides an initial estimate using photos of visible damage. It is a practical planning tool, not a final quote, because internal components and mounting points can only be confirmed during an in-shop inspection.

From a customer experience standpoint, this approach often leads to a clearer plan and fewer surprises. It also supports a smoother repair timeline because the shop can pre-plan parts, labour steps, and scheduling.

How Kirmac supports you next

As a car owner, you deserve a process that is calm, transparent, and built around safety. Our team provides a complete repair service from intake to final quality checks, including auto body repair, parts coordination, and refinish steps such as auto painting where required. The goal is simple: repair your vehicle safely and restore confidence in every drive.

Book an appointment, start with our AI estimator, or connect with a local team. Repairs are supported by our Lifetime Guarantee, so you can move forward with confidence. Kirmac, The name you'll remember when it matters.