Alberta's property damage collision reporting threshold raised to $5,000

The threshold for property damage to vehicles has risen in Alberta.

As of January 1, drivers won't have to report collision damage on their cars to police unless it's over $5,000.

That's up from $2,000.

According to the province, the change will reduce calls for minor collisions, therefore freeing up law enforcement personnel and administration.

A reported 90 per cent of collisions only involve minor damage, with 89,976 collisions from 2021 being reported with only property damage.

It's also meant to make the fraudulent sale of damaged vehicles more difficult.

The last time the threshold went up was in 2011 when it increased from $1,000 to $2,000.

This newest increase is largely due to the increase in repair costs.

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally was quoted in a release from the province.

"We continue to cut red tape by increasing the collision reporting threshold. Waiting in line to file a report is stressful, time-consuming and takes you away from your work and family. This change will alleviate that stress and get you back on the road faster."

Commercial carriers have also had their thresholds increased. 

Collisions resulting in injury or death will still have to be reported.

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