icbc
ICBC Wrote Off My Car—What Are My Options?
When ICBC says your car is "totalled," the real negotiation begins. Here is how to fight for a fair payout.
7 min read
If the cost to repair your vehicle exceeds a certain percentage (usually 70-80%) of its actual value, ICBC will declare it a Total Loss or a "Write-off." Here is how to handle that situation.
Your Core Options
- Accept the Cash Payout: ICBC offers you the Actual Cash Value (ACV) based on the market. If the offer seems low, you can dispute it. You must provide 3 "comparables"—listings for the same year, make, and model with similar mileage from sites like Autotrader or local dealerships.
- Keep the Vehicle (The Salvage Option): You can ask to keep the car. ICBC will give you the cash settlement minus the "salvage value" (what they would have made selling it for parts). Be warned: the car will have a "Salvage" title and must pass an extremely strict structural inspection to be legal again.
- Submit Recent Upgrade Receipts: If you recently installed new tires, a high-end audio system, or performed major engine maintenance, provide the receipts. These can be added to the ACV to increase your final check.
Summary: You don't have to accept the first offer. Use local market data to prove your car's worth and get the settlement you deserve.