What ICBC's vehicle claims history report includes and leaves out, how to read vehicle status and the inspection and licensing flags, and when a CARFAX Canada report is worth adding.
Before you buy a used car that has spent its life in BC, the ICBC vehicle claims history report is one of the most useful documents you can get. It costs little next to the price of the car. It is also widely misread: people treat "no claims" as "no damage", or panic at a dollar figure without knowing what it means. This guide explains what the ICBC vehicle claims history report shows, what it can't show, how it compares with a CARFAX Canada report, and how to read the flags.
What the ICBC vehicle claims history report is
It is a VIN-based report from ICBC's own claims files. ICBC lists its vehicle claims history report at $20.00 plus GST. A search fee is charged whether or not any claims are found, and each vehicle is a separate search. You can buy it online from ICBC, or by phone at 604-661-2233 in the Lower Mainland (1-800-464-5050 elsewhere in BC), Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. That is according to ICBC's vehicle history reports page and report FAQ.
The Vehicle Sales Authority of BC's buying guide describes it as "recommended for BC only vehicles."
What it shows
It shows whether the vehicle has had damage claims with ICBC, the type of claim, the date and the amount paid or estimated where available, the primary area of damage, any theft claim, the vehicle's status, whether an inspection may be required, possible licensing restrictions, and whether it was imported into BC. ICBC's FAQ gives the full list:
- the type of claim (for example collision or vandalism);
- the date the damage happened and the amount paid, or the outstanding estimate, if available;
- the primary area of damage, for most claims;
- whether a theft claim was made;
- the vehicle's status, with a definition;
- whether a mechanical or safety inspection may be required before it can be licensed, because of an outstanding Notice and Order;
- whether restrictions may prevent you licensing or insuring it;
- whether it was imported, shown as a Canadian or foreign import.
Need more detail on a claim?
For damage after 2002, ICBC says you may be able to get a copy of the detailed damage estimate, if available, for $16.78 plus GST, by calling the same numbers. On a big claim, that estimate tells you far more than the headline amount.
What it can't tell you
The report's limits matter as much as its contents:
- ICBC claims only. ICBC's FAQ: "Claims information is from ICBC's files only―damage paid by other insurance companies is not included." Damage paid out of pocket won't appear either.
- Not where it came from. The report says if a vehicle is a Canadian or foreign import, but not which province or country, or when it entered BC.
- Not the owner. Privacy law stops ICBC sharing owner details. To confirm you are dealing with the registered owner, ICBC suggests checking the seller's registration document against photo ID.
- Not the mechanical condition. A claims history is no substitute for an inspection.
Vehicle status: the five types
Yes. ICBC offers a free vehicle status search that shows whether a vehicle is registered as normal, rebuilt, salvage, altered or non-repairable. You need the VIN. ICBC's definitions:
| Status | What ICBC says it means |
|---|---|
| Normal | No other status applies. A registration term only. |
| Rebuilt | A salvage vehicle that has been repaired and passed inspection. |
| Salvage | Written off in an accidental loss but repairable. It must be repaired and inspected before it can be licensed or reinsured. |
| Altered | Significantly modified after manufacture (for example a suspension height change of more than 10 cm), or homemade, and has passed inspection. |
| Non-repairable | Written off or decommissioned, can't be repaired due to structural or safety impairment, and can never be re-licensed or insured. Parts or scrap only. |
No. ICBC says normal is simply a registration term, and a normal status does not mean the vehicle has never been damaged or is in good mechanical condition. Only a claims history and an inspection tell you more. If you are considering a rebuilt vehicle, our salvage and rebuilt title guide covers insurance, financing and resale.
Two flags to take seriously
- Inspection Required. A peace officer may have issued a Notice and Order. The vehicle may need to pass an inspection at a designated facility before it can be licensed and insured. ICBC says to ask the current owner for a valid "passed" report.
- Licensing Restriction. Something other than an inspection may prevent you from licensing the vehicle, such as a court order or a stolen-vehicle report. ICBC can't give details to anyone but the owner. Don't buy until it is explained.
ICBC vs CARFAX Canada
They cover different ground. ICBC's report covers claims in ICBC's own files. ICBC's comparison lists extra items in the CARFAX Canada report, including Canada-wide lien search, private insurer claims, U.S. history and odometer records. ICBC lists that report at $97.95 plus GST. ICBC's comparison also lists a Canadian registration check (excluding the Northwest Territories) and records from Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles. ICBC notes it does not monitor or guarantee the accuracy of CARFAX Canada reports.
For a car that has only ever been registered in BC, the ICBC report covers the main claims history. For anything that has lived elsewhere, crossed the border, or may carry a loan, the broader report is worth the money. Our car lien search BC guide covers lien checks in detail.
And for JDM imports?
Neither report has the car's history from Japan. For genuine JDM imports, the auction sheet and export paperwork do that job. Our CARFAX vs auction sheet guide explains how to read them.
Reading the ICBC vehicle claims history report sensibly
A claim on the report isn't a reason to walk away. Many are minor, and glass claims appear too. What matters is what was damaged, how it was repaired and how the car is now:
- Note the primary area of damage. Structural areas deserve more scrutiny than a bumper or a windshield.
- On larger claims, get the detailed estimate.
- Ask the seller what was repaired and where. A dealer must disclose damage over $2,000 in writing, according to the VSA.
- Get an independent inspection that looks at the damaged area.
ICBC's FAQ is frank that BC is a "buyer beware" market, and that it is hard to act against a private seller after the sale. Buy from a licensed dealer and the VSA may be able to help. See our guide to buying a used car from a dealer in BC.
History reports at Luminai Auto Group
Luminai Auto Group is an authorized CARFAX-reporting dealer. Every domestic and import-eligible vehicle we sell comes with a CARFAX report, and every genuine JDM import comes with its auction sheet and import documentation. Every vehicle is also multi-point inspected before sale. Browse the inventory, use our used car buying checklist, or call (778) 829-6669. We are in Richmond, open seven days a week, 11 am to 6 pm.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an ICBC vehicle claims history report?
ICBC lists its vehicle claims history report at $20.00 plus GST. A search fee is charged whether or not any claims are found, and each vehicle is a separate search.
What does an ICBC vehicle history report show?
It shows whether the vehicle has had damage claims with ICBC, the type of claim, the date and the amount paid or estimated where available, the primary area of damage, any theft claim, the vehicle's status, whether an inspection may be required, possible licensing restrictions, and whether it was imported into BC.
Is ICBC or CARFAX better for a used car in BC?
They cover different ground. ICBC's report covers claims in ICBC's own files. ICBC's comparison lists extra items in the CARFAX Canada report, including Canada-wide lien search, private insurer claims, U.S. history and odometer records. ICBC lists that report at $97.95 plus GST.
Does a normal status mean the car was never in an accident?
No. ICBC says normal is simply a registration term, and a normal status does not mean the vehicle has never been damaged or is in good mechanical condition. Only a claims history and an inspection tell you more.
Can I check a car's ICBC status for free?
Yes. ICBC offers a free vehicle status search that shows whether a vehicle is registered as normal, rebuilt, salvage, altered or non-repairable. You need the VIN.
From ICBC's vehicle history reports page and Vehicle Claims History Report FAQ, and the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC buying guide, checked October 2026. Prices are as listed by ICBC and may change.