Last updated 2022-12-29

Salvage designation policy

Policy on handling a salvage designation to a total loss vehicle.

Policy

The designation or status of a vehicle determines whether a vehicle can be rebuilt or if it must only be dismantled for parts. All vehicle designations will be entered as salvage or dismantle purposes only (DPO) in the Salvage Management Information System (SIMS).

All the following requirements apply to total loss vehicles.

Requirement Policy
Notice of vehicle status change ICBC must give notice of a change in vehicle status to salvage vehicle or non-repairable vehicle when a vehicle has been deemed a total loss.
Disposal through Salvage Services All vehicles that are written off by ICBC must be disposed of through Salvage Services. Subject to the exceptions:
  • Owner retentions,
  • Owner buy backs, and
  • Delayed settlements where vehicle has been disposed by customer.

This ensures the vehicle is properly designated salvage (rebuildable) or DPO.
Sale only to qualified salvage buyers All total loss vehicles within the province of British Columbia, may be sold only to an ICBC approved and properly licensed salvage buyer.
Total loss designation and damage severity code All vehicles declared a total loss must be
  • designated as either salvage or non-repairable/DPO.
  • assigned a Vehicle Damage Severity Code in the Salvage Worksheet.

Applicable legislation

Refer to the Motor Vehicle Act, Section 17.1.

Section topics

Use the menu on the left or click on the links below to explore topics.

Concept
Salvage designation and vehicle registration codes
Summary of salvage designation and vehicle registration codes.
Concept
Salvage designation criteria
Summary of salvage designation criteria.
Concept
Vehicle damage severity codes
List of vehicle damage severity codes.
Concept
Unsafe vehicle
Definition of an unsafe vehicle (also known as, an out of service vehicle).
Reference
Unsafe vehicle classification and criteria
List of the unsafe group classifications, and the criteria used to deem a vehicle unsafe.
Reference
Water damage considerations
What to consider when determining the extent of water damage on a vehicle.
Reference
Major electrical components
A list of the major components of an electrical system.
Concept
Crushing vehicles policy
When a motor vehicle is a total loss due to the result of flood damage, then the vehicle is designated for dismantle purposes only (DPO).
Concept
What is an electronic authorization
Definition of an electronic authorization for the Vehicle Ownership Transfer Agreement (CL96) form.
Parent topic: Salvage