Toronto, ON (Sept. 5, 2025) – Auto theft continues to be a concern across Canada, with thousands of vehicles stolen each year. In response, Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) is taking proactive steps to support police services and member insurers by enhancing its Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS).
The latest enhancement includes a real-time search function that checks the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) public database. This integration enables authorities and ASSI’s counselors (who will in turn alert police) to detect stolen vehicles during routine collision reporting at Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs) or through the use of CROMS Mobile at the collision scene by officers.
This feature is being implemented across all four provinces where ASSI operates: Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
When a vehicle involved in a collision is reported at a CRC, its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is entered into CROMS. With the click of a button, the system checks the VIN against CPIC’s public website for stolen property. If a match is found, the system flags the vehicle as possibly stolen and ASSI’s team immediately alerts police. This process helps identify stolen vehicles that may appear to be involved in legitimate collisions, particularly those that have been re-registered or altered to avoid detection.
The driving factors behind this integration are to assist police with improved recovery rates and the disruption of organized crime.
Ultimately, it is insurers who bear the financial burden of auto theft, costs that often lead to rate increases for policyholders. By integrating CPIC VIN scanning into CROMS, ASSI aims to support the insurance industry through reduced financial losses, stronger fraud detection, and deeper insights into theft trends related to motor vehicle collisions. This proactive approach helps insurers manage risk more effectively while contributing to broader public safety efforts.
The integration of CPIC VIN checks within CROMS represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing vehicle theft through technology and collaboration. As these systems continue to evolve, they are setting a new standard for how public safety challenges can be tackled using data-driven solutions.
This model not only strengthens police capabilities but also supports the insurance industry and enhances public confidence. It’s a clear example of how innovation and partnership can make a meaningful impact on a nationwide issue.
“We’re committed to supporting police services and our insurer partners by using technology to help disrupt organized auto theft,” said Steve Sanderson, President of ASSI. “This enhancement to CROMS is a practical, data-driven solution that strengthens public safety and reduces fraud.”
About Accident Support Services International
ASSI is the facilitator of the Collision Reporting Centre Program (CRCP). The program meets the needs of many industries for post-collision care and is an extension of the claims process. The CRCP allows for an in-person review of collision details with the driver to complete the official provincial collision report, for vehicle damage documented and gives insurers the opportunity to provide direction for next steps in the customers claim. ASSI also provides police on scene investigated collision reports through our Collision Reporting and Occurrence Management System (CROMS), where insurers use one common portal to access available collision reports. For more information, visit accsupport.com.
SOURCE: Accident Support Services International
Tags: Accident Support Services International (ASSI), Collision Reporting Center, CROMS, vehicle theft
