Last updated 2020-02-03

Collision repair program requirements

Here are the categories of requirements for enrollment and status maintenance in the collision repair program.

Overview

To enroll and continue to participate in the collision repair program repair facilities must adhere to the requirements laid out in each of the following categories:
  • facility
  • computer technology
  • equipment and materials
  • training and certification
  • safe, proper repairs, and
  • repair vehicle warranty.

Facility

Enrollment and continued participation in the collision repair program requires that each repair facility
  • keeps their customer reception area separate from any repair areas, with its own entrance, and
  • keeps all customer accessible areas clean, sanitary, professional and welcoming for both the customers and ICBC employees.
Each repair facility must comply with all
  • requirements in icbc’s material damage claims procedures
  • building codes
  • regional, district and municipal by-laws
  • provincial and federal legislation
  • Privacy legislation including but not limited to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
  • WorkSafeBC occupational health and safety requirements, and
  • environmental regulations including, but not limited to, the Waste Management Act, ozone depleting substances and other halocarbons regulations.

Hours of business

Repair facilities must maintain program hours that are in alignment with local ICBC claims offices hours, typically 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

ICBC should be advised of any repair facility closures that are due to unforeseen circumstances, to reduce possible delays for customers.

Vehicle storage

Repair facilities must have secured storage for all customer vehicles. If the secure storage capacity of the repair facility is insufficient to meet the volume of vehicles, off-site storage must be provided. Any off-site storage facilities must be included on the facility’s garage and commercial general liability policies.

Key storage, including drop-off boxes, must be safe and secure.

Note: Mail boxes are not acceptable for key storage.

Computer technology

Repair facilities must be capable of maintaining digital communication with ICBC, including but not limited to, having an e-mail account with an internet service provider that is in compliance with FIPPA.

The computer technology requirements for the collision repair program are listed on the ICBC business partner’s page.

Important: The minimum technological requirements are subject to change at any time and the associated cost of software updates and hardware upgrades are the responsibility of the individual repair facility.

Equipment and materials

Repair facilities must use equipment and materials that can complete safe proper repairs.

The equipment and materials requirements for the collision repair program are listed on the ICBC business partner’s page.

Important: The minimum equipment and materials requirements are subject to change at any time and the associated cost of upgrades are the responsibility of the individual repair facility.

Training and certification

Certification of technicians

All repair facility technical personnel working on ICBC claims must hold a British Columbia (B.C.) recognized trade qualification or be a registered apprentice in one of the following trades:
  • motor vehicle body repairer (metal and paint)
  • automotive painter, or
  • automotive refinishing prep technician.

Technical training

Repair facilities are required to maintain training for technical personnel to ensure safe, proper repairs.

The technical training requirements for the collision repair program are listed on the ICBC business partner’s page.

Motor vehicle body repair technicians utilizing anchoring, pulling and electronic measuring systems must obtain up-to-date training provided by the equipment manufacturer.

Automotive painter and automotive refinishing prep technicians all require manufacturer approved refinishing product training that is up-to-date, and specific to the product being used at the repair facility.

Program administrative training

ICBC will provide collision repair program administrative training for all repair facilities. All repair facility staff who access the estimating system, including the shop owner, manager or signing officer, with some exceptions, are required to complete the program administrative training.

Repair facilities must ensure that at least one staff member who has received program administrative training is on site at all times during program hours to write and complete accurate estimates according to the collision repair program standards.

Safe, proper repairs

Repair facilities are required to complete safe, proper repairs that are subject to a limited warranty.

Repair facilities must follow manufacturer repair procedures related to structural panel repair or replacement, supplemental restraint systems (SRS) and advanced driver assist systems (ADST).

Note: This includes, but is not limited to, reinforcement bars, and welded or bonded panels.

Prior to accepting any work the repair facility must determine whether they are capable of performing safe, proper repairs in accordance with ICBC material damage claims procedures, the ICBC collision repair program guide and manufacturer repair procedures where applicable. If a repair facility is incapable of doing so they must refuse the job.

A repair facility that circumvents ICBC procedures or manufacturer repair procedures may be referred to the Supplier Conduct Committee, which may result in suspension of program benefits or termination from the collision repair program.

When there is a conflict between ICBC policies and manufacturer repair procedures ICBC’s policies will prevail. Examples include
  • repairing alloy wheels, or
  • utilizing aftermarket parts.

Manufacturer position statements, including but not limited to those relating to mechanical components may require additional review between the participant and ICBC.

Repair vehicle warranty

Repair facilities must provide a written limited warranty to vehicle owners. The warranty
  • applies only as long as the customer owns the vehicle
  • applies for the life of the vehicle on body and paint repairs including materials
  • applies up to the period of time as specified by the parts supplier or outlined in standards of performance in the ICBC material damage claims procedures
  • certifies that repairs are performed to the safe proper repair standards outlined in the collision repair program guide, and
  • must contain the
    • ICBC claim number
    • repair facility name o customer name, and
    • vehicle information.