Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, collisions involving injury, death or property damage exceeding $5,000 must be reported to police. Now, drivers involved in minor collision that do not involve any criminal activity, hazardous materials or serious injuries, will be directed to self-report the collision at the CRC – a one-stop, streamlined service to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

Individuals will be assisted by Accident Support Services’ trained staff, who will guide them through every step of the process: filling out paperwork, photographing vehicle damage, providing verification of the claim with a vehicle sticker and facilitating direct communication with insurance providers. The CRC will use ASSI’s advanced Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS), enabling digital capture and analysis of collision data to ultimately enhance road safety. Funded entirely by participating insurers, the CRC provides its services at no cost to the public or police.

“The Collision Reporting Centre is an important step in improving community safety in Cochrane. It makes reporting faster and less stressful for residents, while freeing up police to focus on urgent community safety needs.” — Jay Judin, Director of Community Safety

Insp. Brunner, (OIC of Cochrane Detachment) would like to thank ASSI for their partnership and bringing their proven expertise to Cochrane.  I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Cochrane detachment administrative staff for recognizing the value of having a Collision Reporting Center in Cochrane and their tireless work in facilitating this partnership.  Together our team’s dedication to compassionate, consistent, and trustworthy support perfectly aligns with our community’s values. Here’s to a safer, stronger tomorrow—together!

Established in 1994, the Collision Reporting Centre program allows police services to prioritize resources for response to urgent public safety needs, while citizens receive post-collision support in a safe, welcoming environment.

“Bringing ASSI’s proven expertise to Cochrane marks an exciting step forward,” said Steve Sanderson, President of Accident Support Services International Ltd. “For more than three decades, we’ve been dedicated to transforming post-collision care through innovation and meaningful partnerships. Our team is proud to offer Cochrane residents compassionate, consistent, and trustworthy support – ensuring that those involved in collisions receive the guidance they need, when they need it most.”

The Collision Reporting Centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30AM and 4:30PM. Outside of operational hours, citizens can begin the self-reporting process online at accsupport.com/cochrane

Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, all collisions involving injury, death or a combined property damage of more than $5,000, must be reported to police. Now, drivers involved in minor collisions that do not involve any criminal activity, hazardous materials or serious injuries, will be directed to self-report the collision at the CRC – a one-stop, streamlined service to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

Individuals will be assisted by Accident Support Services’ trained staff, who will guide them through every step of the process: filling out paperwork, photographing vehicle damage, providing verification of the claim with a vehicle sticker and facilitating direct communication with insurance providers. The CRC will use ASSI’s Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS), enabling digital capture and analysis of collision data to enhance road safety.

“Having this service available to Airdrie drivers will make the process of reporting and dealing with minor collisions easier,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “We are always looking for ways to improve services for residents and the implementation of a CRC in Airdrie should do just that.”

Established in 1994, the Collision Reporting Centre program allows police services to prioritize resources for response to urgent public safety needs, while citizens receive post-collision support in a safe, welcoming environment. Funded entirely by participating insurers, the CRC provides its services at no cost to the public or the city or police.

“We are honoured to bring ASSI’s expertise to Airdrie,” said Steve Sanderson, President of Accident Support Services International Ltd. “For over 30 years, our focus has been on improving post-collision care through innovation and collaboration. We’re committed to supporting individuals involved in collisions in Airdrie with clear guidance and reliable assistance—delivered with empathy, integrity, and consistency.”

The Collision Reporting Centre operates Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesday until 6:30 p.m. within the Municipal Police Building located at 2 Highland Park Way NE in Airdrie. Outside of operational hours, citizens can begin the self-reporting process online at accsupport.com/airdrie.

Over the past three decades, Toronto East CRC has evolved from a paper-based reporting hub into a state-of-the-art facility that blends technology, empathy, and efficiency—all while keeping the customer experience front and center.

A Legacy of Leadership and Care

Today, the centre is led by Mason Phan, a 17- year veteran who joined ASSI in 2008. Mason has witnessed firsthand the transformation from analog to digital, and he continues to champion innovation while keeping customer needs at the heart of every interaction. From its early days of hand-written forms and Polaroid photos to today’s digital-first approach, Toronto East CRC has always prioritized supporting drivers during stressful moments.

The centre’s 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity—it’s a tribute to the thousands of citizens who have walked through its doors and the dedicated team that has guided them with care.

“This milestone is a reflection of our commitment to the community,” Mason says. “We’ve grown with the city, adapted to new challenges, and always kept the customer at the heart of what we do.”

30 Years of Innovation 

ASSI’s investment in technology has been a game-changer. The introduction of CROMS (Collision Reporting & Occurrence Management System), self-assisted kiosks, and the Start From Your Own Device feature has revolutionized the reporting process—making it faster, more accurate, and more accessible.

“Kiosks allow customers to complete reports in just 15–20 minutes,” Mason explains. “And the Start From Your Own Device option has reduced queue times by up to 40%.”

These tools ensure that customers can report collisions in a way that suits their comfort level—whether online, at a kiosk, or with in-person support.

Celebrating the People Behind the Process

At the core of Toronto East CRC’s success is its people—from the front-line counsellors to the behind-the-scenes tech teams. Every interaction is treated with empathy and respect, recognizing that for many, a collision is a stressful and emotional experience.

“It might be our 1,000th report, but it’s the customer’s Mason says. “That mindset has shaped our culture for 30 years.”

Partnerships That Make the Process

Beyond its core reporting services, the Toronto East CRC also offers dedicated space for member insurance companies. These participating insurers, who fund the program, have the opportunity to station adjusters onsite—allowing customers to connect directly with their insurer and begin the claims process immediately after filing a report. This integrated setup helps streamline the experience, reduce delays, and provide added convenience during a stressful time.

A key part of the centre’s success has also been its strong and collaborative relationship with the Toronto Police Service. Built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to public service, this partnership ensures a coordinated and professional approach to collision reporting—one that prioritizes safety, accuracy, and community trust.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As Toronto East CRC celebrates this milestone, ASSI is already looking to the future. With ongoing enhancements to CROMS and a continued focus on customer-first innovation, the next 30 years promise even greater strides
in service and support.

“We’re proud of our past, but even more excited about what’s ahead,” Mason reflects. “Our adaptability, our partnerships, and our commitment to customers will continue to guide us.”

CROMS (Collision Reporting Occurrence Management System) is the backbone of the Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) collision reporting program. This award-winning software not only captures the details of a citizen’s collision, along with their statement, but allows for the secure upload of documents and photographs, all of which can be securely transferred, printed or eMailed. While CROMS is the main tool for ASSI employees, it’s of great value to police and insurers. To that end, CROMS also includes an analytics package that provides statistics to help improve road safety and reduce fraud. The original version of CROMS made its debut in Ontario more than 20 years ago. While it’s gone through numerous enhancements over the years, it’s now used by 60 Police Services in Canada and it’s “road version”, CROMS Mobile, is used by more than 40 jurisdictions to report collisions “on scene”.

When ASSI expanded to Alberta in 2012, they initially used the original version of CROMS but, in 2022, a completely new version of CROMS was developed. When ASSI opened in Prince Edward Island in 2024, CROMS PEI came to be, which is like the newer Alberta version. CROMS+ is following in the footsteps of Alberta and PEI, but with even more enhancements. CROMS+ has the following exciting features:

1. Multitenancy: Users will be able to see multiple provinces with a single User ID. For example, an adjustor authorized to work in both Nova Scotia and PEI could use the same username and website address to retrieve customer service report packages from both provinces security module control all access.
2. User-friendly navigation: CROMS+ uses a step-by-step approach so that entering a report progresses logically from start to finish.
3. Built in data validation: Reducing errors and improving accuracy is now enhanced as missing fields draw attention to themselves by showing up RED, making errors easy to spot and correct.
4. Power BI analytics: While the original version of CROMS has a very useful analytics package, unleashing the “power” of Power BI makes analysis simple and fast and allows users to study data easily.
5. Easy file retrieval: Files are easily accessed at the click of a button!

The introduction of CROMS+ coincides with the launch, in May, of a CROMS data centre in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia for the Annapolis Royal Police Service. While we’re excited about CROMS+, the question arises… will Ontario follow suit so that they too can take advantage of the advanced features these later versions offer? This is definitely a project on the books as ASSI envisions a future where users can securely access data from throughout Canada within a single application where authorized. Stay tuned!

For now, Accident Support Services is very proud to support the citizens of Nova Scotia and their police services.

The Grand Opening Ceremony took place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the main lobby of the headquarters at 865 Grand Lake Road, where representatives from ASSI and the Cape Breton Regional Police Service (CBRPS) introduced the new service to attendees and media.

Under Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act, collisions involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000 must be reported to police. With the launch of the CRC, drivers involved in minor collisions that did not involve criminal activity, hazardous materials, or serious injuries were directed to self-report the incident at the new centre. The CRC offered a one-stop, streamlined service designed to provide a seamless and stress-free experience.

Trained staff from Accident Support Services assist individuals through every step of the process, including completing paperwork, photographing vehicle damage, verifying claims with vehicle stickers, and facilitating direct communication with insurance providers. The CRC utilizes ASSI’s advanced Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS), enabling digital capture and analysis of collision data to enhance road safety. The service is fully funded by participating insurers and provided at no cost to the public or law enforcement.

“We were very proud to bring this service to our community to help citizens expedite their claims and simplify what can often be an overwhelming process when they are involved in a collision,” said Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh. “We respond to approximately 2,500 motor vehicle collisions per year in the CBRM, and we estimate that 80% of those are not the kind of major collision that require a police officer to attend. This is a valuable tool that allows officers to prioritize their time and resources on the frontline while also providing us with better data to understand where and how collisions are happening and how they can be addressed.”

Established in 1994, the Collision Reporting Centre program has allowed police services to prioritize resources for urgent public safety needs while offering citizens post-collision support in a safe, welcoming environment.

“We were honored to bring ASSI’s expertise to Cape Breton,” said Steve Sanderson, President of Accident Support Services International Ltd. “For more than 30 years, our mission has been to transform post-collision care through innovation and partnerships. By collaborating with Cape Breton Regional Police and integrating Nova Scotia’s updated collision reporting requirements into CROMS, we delivered a cost-free, efficient solution for both law enforcement and residents. This initiative, fully funded by provincial insurers, reflects our commitment to community safety and service excellence. Now, drivers in the CBRM can resolve claims faster and get back on the road with confidence.”

The Collision Reporting Centre now operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the main lobby of Cape Breton Regional Police Headquarters at 865 Grand Lake Road in Sydney. To save time at the Centre, citizens can begin the self-reporting process online at accsupport.com/capebreton or reportacollision.com. Doing so is especially helpful for collisions that occur outside of operational hours.

Minor collisions are a lot more common than many people realize, says Steve Sanderson, Founder and President of Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI).

ASSI services thousands of consumers a year at their 44 Collision Reporting Centers (CRC), many of which are located inside police stations across Ontario and Alberta – with the newest center launched in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, this summer.

The need for ASSI to establish these centers emerged 30 years ago, Sanderson says, in response to police budget cuts on servicing minor collisions at the time, an increase in insurance fraud, and the growing involvement of organized crime in the auto insurance industry.

Over the decades, ASSI has witnessed everything from fake injury claims and inflated repair estimates, to the complexities of today’s organized crime rings manipulating the referral process and spiking auto theft – challenges which continue to burden the industry.

But, thanks to ASSI’s digitized reporting system to insurers and partnerships with law enforcement and industry bodies like Équité Association and the Insurance Bureau of Canada, ASSI’s ability to help the industry combat fraud and streamline claims has never been stronger.

PEACE OF MIND

“With the support of ASSI, brokers can play a crucial role in ensuring their clients receive the peace of mind they need throughout the claims process,” Sanderson explains.

A key part of a broker’s role is to provide clients with the confidence that their insurance will support them when it’s needed most. This is where ASSI comes in.

By serving as the first notice of loss for most Canadian insurers, ASSI simplifies and expedites the claims process.

When a client reports a minor collision at an ASSI center, the electronic reporting submission is sent live to their insurer with complete information to process the claim.

“Clients may receive an SMS from their insurer detailing the next steps, even before they leave the reporting center,” Sanderson says, emphasizing this immediate connection not only helps clients feel more secure about the claims process, but also reinforces the value of their insurance premium – a key factor in helping brokers retain clients.

Brokers benefit by having well-supported clients who understand the value of their coverage, making them more likely to remain loyal over time.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH

A smooth claims process often hinges on customer service. ASSI’s approach ensures that clients are well-informed about what to expect when reporting a collision.

At ASSI’s centers, clients are treated with empathy and provided with handouts from their insurer outlining the steps of the claims process.

“It’s our policy to service consumers within 20 minutes,” Sanderson says.

For many insureds, this clarity, support and efficient service helps reduce the anxiety that can accompany an accident, giving them a sense of direction during an otherwise stressful time, he adds.

ASSI’s investment in a comprehensive digital ecosystem means that detailed photographs and comprehensive information are provided to insurers, allowing them to make faster and more accurate claims decisions. This level of service and convenience extends beyond reporting centers, Sanderson adds, with new features enabling clients to start the reporting process from home and then complete it at a center.

START FROM HOME
One of ASSI’s latest innovations, the Start from Home service, further enhances the client experience. Start from Home allows drivers to begin the reporting process online before visiting a CRC. In many locations, brokers can assist their clients with getting started by instructing them to visit https://www.reportacollision.com/.

Through Start from Home, clients can upload initial details about the collision, including photographs of the scene, driver information and key incident details directly to ASSI’s secure online portal. When they arrive at the center with their reference number, the preliminary details and their statement are already loaded, making the final steps of the reporting quicker and more efficient.

“Clients are still required to come into the CRC to meet with ASSI’s counselors, to verify that the collision occurred and capture critical fraud detection details,” Sanderson says, adding that drivers will also get the necessary support with the more complex provincial requirements for completion. This includes photos of the vehicle taken on-site and uploaded into ASSI’s Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS), where they are accessible to insurance adjusters and police for thorough review.

“Start From Home not only saves time but also gives clients the flexibility to complete the most time-sensitive portions of the process from the comfort of their own homes.” Sanderson says. “This is part of our commitment to making the claims process smoother, ensuring clients have multiple options to report their minor collisions with ease, all while providing the necessary verification to support a seamless claims experience.”

SUPPORTING INSUREDS

ASSI’s work goes beyond streamlining reporting and claims. Their partnerships and data, provided through their CROMS, directly result in actionable solutions to improve road safety, ensure drivers are properly insured, and combat fraudulent claims.

“ASSI’s Customer Service Support Package further ensures the integrity of claims, preventing fraud and keeping costs down for policyholders,” Sanderson says.

For brokers, educating their clients about ASSI’s services means offering clients more than just a policy; it means providing a seamless experience during the most stressful moments. And when clients know their broker has their back, they’re more likely to remain loyal and appreciate the value of their insurance coverage.

WHAT TO TELL YOUR CLIENTS

Providing proactive advice to clients before an accident occurs can ensure a smoother claims process and strengthen broker-client relationships. Sanderson provides the following essential tips brokers should share with their clients:

1. Gather essential Information at the scene – Encourage clients to exchange personal details and witness information with the other party involved in the collision. Taking a picture of the other car’s license plate can be critical in case the other driver doesn’t follow up later.
2. Take photographs – Advise clients to take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the other driver’s insurance slip, and the scene of the accident. These images can be uploaded through ASSI’s online tools and will be provided to the insurer.
3. Know what to bring – Remind clients of what to bring to a collision reporting center, including their driver’s license, proof of insurance (pink slip), vehicle ownership, and any information gathered at the scene. It’s important that the driver involved in the collision attends in person, as the police may have questions about the incident.
4. Check wait times and locations – Clients can visit ASSI’s website to check the wait times and locations of collision reporting centers, making the process more convenient and efficient.
5. Start From Home – visit https://www.reportacollision.com/ where available.
6. Be prepared for next steps: Inform clients that their insurer will likely contact them quickly once the report is filed. Being prepared for this communication can help speed up the claims process and reduce delays.

In 1994, a transformative idea took shape in Toronto, Ontario. Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI), in collaboration with local police and insurance partners, launched the first Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). This initiative was born out of a need to streamline minor collision reporting, reduce police workload, and combat insurance fraud.

The concept was simple yet revolutionary: create a centralized location where drivers involved in minor collisions could report incidents, receive guidance, and begin the insurance process—all without requiring police to attend the scene. The first CRC proved so effective that within a year, the program expanded to three centres, saving millions in police resources and improving the post-collision experience for citizens.

Growth Across Canada

Over the next three decades, CRCs became a cornerstone of post-collision care in Canada. ASSI expanded its network to include 48 CRCs across Canada, serving 55 police jurisdictions. These centres, funded by insurance partners and free to the public, have become trusted hubs for accurate reporting, fraud prevention, and efficient claims processing.

In 2022, ASSI once again led the way with the launch of North America’s first pedestrian and cyclist-only CRC in downtown Toronto. This innovative centre addressed the growing need for accessible, inclusive services in urban environments.

Looking Ahead: The Future of CRCs

ASSI is not resting on its success. The future of CRCs is being shaped by technology, accessibility, and data-driven innovation:

Digital Transformation

ASSI’s Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS) is evolving. With CROMS 3.0, insurers and police gain real-time access to detailed collision data. Citizens can now pre-report collisions online, reducing wait times and improving service flow.

Smarter Insurance Integration

New features like Total Loss Notification, Amendment Alerts, First Notice of Loss, and Fraud Flags help insurers act faster and more accurately.

Personalized Customer Experience

Trained staff provide compassionate, step-by-step guidance to individuals involved in collisions, ensuring the reporting process is clear and efficient. Whether assisting with documentation, answering questions, or helping navigate insurance procedures, CRC representatives are committed to delivering a calm and supportive experience during what is often a stressful time.

Continued Expansion

ASSI is actively expanding into new regions, particularly in Atlantic and Western Canada, to bring CRC services to more communities. Each new centre is tailored to local needs, ensuring relevance and impact.

From a single centre in Toronto in 1994 to a nationwide network of innovation, ASSI’s Collision Reporting Centres have redefined how Canadians handle collisions. With a clear vision for the future—rooted in technology, service, and safety—CRCs are poised to remain a vital part of the post-collision landscape for years to come. See a brief history of ASSI via media excerpts here.

ASSI is proud to announce its “Start From Home” – the next phase to collision reporting. When citizens have been involved in a collision that meets the threshold to attend a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), they can start online from their own device at reportacollision.com. A secure site that allows drivers to provide a typed statement and capture a number of the fields required to complete the form. The driver receives a unique reference number and must report to a CRC to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information collected. At the CRC, ASSI staff will take photographs, verify the information, and work with the citizen to finish the process.

By allowing the citizen the opportunity to begin their report online, it will reduce the time when the citizen reaches the Collision Reporting Centre. The CRC program will continue to provide insurers with their first notice of loss, carry on recording the information necessary for enhanced customer service, along with controlling fraud and other claims related expenses.

Start From Home is currently available in six languages, and citizens can start reporting from six cities in two provinces. More locations will be rolled out and are continually being added, with a goal to ultimately be available for all our Collision Reporting Centres.

“Being involved in an automobile collision is a very unpleasant experience, but our team works hard to guide drivers through the reporting process and make it as easy as possible, while ensuring the accuracy of the information and controlling fraud.  Start from Home will save time and make the process even easier”, said Steve Sanderson, Founder and President of Accident Support Services International Ltd.

As part of the 2023 recipients Steve Sanderson, President and Founder of Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI), was awarded the Rob Fleming Divisional Partnership Award in Road Safety on June 24, 2024 at the Guild Inn. The award, which bears the name of the previous Assistant Deputy Minister of the Transportation Safety Division, is nominated internally by MTO employees to honour a member of the industry who has contributed to the division’s objectives in transportation and road safety.

“Under Steve’s leadership, ASSI has operated Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs) since 1994 and developed its proprietary Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS). On behalf of partner police services, ASSI collects motor vehicle collision report data and submits it to the Ministry of Transportation electronically, at no cost as it’s funded by participating member insurers. Steve’s guidance and efforts to enhance road safety span three decades and has had an impact on how collisions are reported, and how the data is captured.” said Jacqueline Massi, Accident Support Services International Ltd., Vice President of Operations.

This year, Steve was nominated for supporting the MTO with the modernization of collision reporting in the province by capturing new data fields that reflect the driving environment of today. This was a significant undertaking as it had not been done since 1988. When describing the project, Assistant Deputy Minister Marcelle Crouse commented how as a result of this modernization Ontario now receives critical collision information including data on cell phone usage, blood alcohol levels, ridesharing, and dooring incidents. She explained that is extremely useful information to have in developing policy and programs.

“This was a special award for me because I knew Rob Fleming, and I worked with him in 2012 and the years proceeding to begin submitting information to the Ministry of Transportation electronically. Rob Fleming was a great advocate of road safety; it is an honour to be able to support the Road Transportation Safety Division and their professional team members in the excellent work that it continues to do to keep our roadways safe.” – Steve Sanderson.

ASSI has provided superior customer service to citizens for the last 30 years, aiming to facilitate an active partnership between police and insurers in post-collision care by providing knowledgeable advice and assistance to those involved in collisions. Participation in the CRC program allows police services to reallocate officers from collision reporting to higher-priority calls for service. Collision reporting is moved from the side of the road to a safe and comfortable location for citizens, preventing possible secondary collisions and injuries. Police services also gain valuable insight into traffic patterns and high-risk locations through our powerful analytics tools, allowing them to be proactive in their response and potentially prevent collisions before they can happen. Supporting insurers fund the program; there is no cost to the police or the public for these services.

The Traffic Safety Act requires that any collision with injuries and/or damages exceeding $5,000 must be reported to the police. Drivers involved in a minor vehicle collision, who do not require a police officer to respond, may attend a CRC to self-report their collision. Police continue to attend collisions involving dangerous goods, serious injuries, those blocking traffic, and those involving criminal activities.

“Leduc RCMP support this city-led initiative in providing citizens with a streamlined alternative in reporting minor motor vehicle collisions. We remain steadfast in prioritizing our police responses to maximize public safety,” says Inspector Jeff McBeth, Officer in charge of the Leduc RCMP Detachment.

Upon arrival at the centre, citizens are greeted by a member of ASSI’s team, who will assist in completing the collision reporting process, including the police report, applying the “Damage Reported to Police” sticker, photographing the damage to the vehicle, and offering the citizen the opportunity to contact their insurance company, or loved ones directly from the Centre. The citizen is provided with a one-stop service opportunity for all their reporting needs.

“We are excited to expand our CRC program to Leduc, and we will provide motorists with excellent post-collision care with our knowledgeable advice and assistance with empathy, integrity, and availability.” Said Steve Sanderson, President of Accident Support Services International Ltd.

Thank you to all who came out to support the grand opening!