Claims Assessment Review

The Claims Assessment Review (CAR) is used when you disagree about fault for a crash. An external and independent decision-maker will provide an objective decision about fault. All local claim centre dispute remedies must be exhausted before referral to CAR. The manager must be involved and have attempted to resolve your dispute before referring you to the CAR process.

Here are the steps of the Claims Assessment Review (CAR) Process:

1. Access Claims Assessment Review (CAR)

CAR is used when you have a disagreement over who is at fault for a crash. There is a $50 fee for this review. It is refunded if the fault assessment is changed in your favour. An external and independent decision-maker will review your written submission, along with the ICBC file material. The independent decision is binding on ICBC, but not on you. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the CAR, you still have the option to dispute through the courts.

2. Start the CAR dispute process

You must start the dispute process within 60 days of receiving written notification of the fault assessment (ICBC CL281 letter). The CAR department must receive your CAR application form within this 60-day time frame. This is an absolute requirement.

There are a few requirements for the CAR process:

• You must not have an injury in the crash when you are disputing the fault assessment.  
• You cannot dispute fault on claims where you are currently under fraud investigation.
• You must be insured by ICBC (Basic coverage minimum $200,000). For example, pedestrians, cyclists and disputing parties from out of province would not be eligible for ICBC's CAR process.
• You or your lawyer must have not commenced a legal action (writ) on the crash unless it is an action in small claims court to dispute fault only.

For more information on the CAR process or other ICBC internal dispute remedies, ask the manager you are dealing with. Alternatively, you can contact ICBC's Customer Relations department at:

151 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 3H9
Telephone: (604) 661-6210 or,
Toll-free 1-800-445-9981
Fax: (604) 661-2896