What features will the new platform offer?

The new salvage platform will allow open bidding, letting buyers follow auctions as they happen. The platform will also include:

• Mobile access

• Enhanced search functionality (e.g. searching via make/model)

• Buyer purchase history, billing details and seamless profile updates

• Automated updates and reminders for bids, purchases and pick-up schedules

• Digital Bill of Sale available to buyers through their profile (Bills of Sale will no longer be printed and mailed)

• Modernizing our salvage operations technology will help salvage buyers make more informed purchase decisions and give them more convenient, online payment options. It will also provide an efficient vehicle inventory and tracking management system for our salvage buyers and employees.

What about photos?

The new platform will accommodate more and better photo sharing. Our goal is to have a platform that enables buyers to make more informed purchases so they can focus on the vehicles they want.

Does the platform have the ability to show if there is a lien on a vehicle?

No. ICBC sells salvage vehicles “as is” and it is not uncommon for vehicles to have a lien. It is standard practice for salvage buyers to process liens and ICBC strongly recommends all salvage buyers do their own due diligence and conduct their own lien search.

How will the platform represent each salvage yard? 

Each vehicle that is up for sale will be clearly marked with the ICBC location it is being auctioned from. These are the same locations that we use today; no vehicles are being sent to IAA-operated sites. 

How do the auctions work?

The AuctionNow platform utilizes an open, transparent bidding process for the live auctions of its salvage vehicles. Salvage items will be viewable for two days (minimum) before being up for auction and a pre-bidding option will be available as soon as an item is added.

Auctions will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If a statutory holiday falls on one of these days, the auction will be moved (e.g. in the case of a Monday stat holiday, the auction will occur Tuesday).

Will all buyers be required to be a registered B.C. dealer?

No. ICBC will not restrict our buyer audience. We currently have international buyers and will continue marketing internationally. However, all buyers will need to be registered with IAA and buyers purchasing from outside of B.C. must meet all the requirements and certifications for the intended use of the salvage they buy with the appropriate registration or licensing authority in their jurisdiction.

Can members of the general public purchase ICBC salvage? 

No. To purchase ICBC salvage on IAA’s platform, buyers must be a licensed dealer or licensed non-dealer with a valid IAA Registered Buyer Account.

Will all buyers have to meet B.C.’s environmental requirements for recyclers/dismantlers?

Buyers will have to meet the environmental requirements of their respective jurisdiction, along with an annual confirmation.

Will buyers licensed as a wrecker/dismantler or recycler still be able to purchase vehicles designated with salvage status?

Yes. Buyers licensed as a wrecker/dismantler or recycler will continue to be able to purchase vehicles designated with salvage status. However, these purchases will not re-designate the status of the vehicle to dismantle parts only (DPO).

Will ICBC continue to allow local buyers to browse ICBC salvage facilities or off-site salvage locations?

No. The steadily increasing salvage volumes and associated traffic at ICBC's facilities has increased the risk to our buyers and staff, so, as of April 21, 2025, ICBC will no longer permit onsite viewing of salvage items.

Note: the new platform will typically provide buyers with a detailed view of the interior and exterior of vehicles, thereby removing the need for physical visits.

Is it possible that this comprehensive system change could allow large investment groups or grey-area organizations to take over business with ICBC, shouldering out smaller salvage buyers?

This is a system replacement with the focus on improving the communication, correspondence and sales experience for our salvage buyers. Our employees will still manage the process at our ICBC locations.

How can buyers pay for salvage purchases?

To reduce fees and inefficiency, all salvage purchases must be paid online via credit card, e-transfer or Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF). Cash, cheques and walk-in or phone payments will no longer be accepted.

What extra fees will buyers be charged?

ICBC will align our national fees with IAA’s standard buyer fee model and will not include any non-essential or redundant fees.

However, we will charge late fees instead of suspending buyers for late pick-ups.

What if I’ve already paid my registration fee for the current year? 

If you have recently paid your annual ICBC renewal fee, you will be issued a refund for a prorated portion, based on when you paid for it. If you already paid your IAA registration fee, your free year will be applied to the next year’s registration.

When can I pick up my purchased salvage items?

Salvage purchases are to be paid for online and picked up within two days of purchase. Late pick ups will result in a late pick-up fee. This way, those who pick up in a timely manner can avoid unnecessary fees.

What do I need to pick up a purchase?

Salvage buyers will be required to present their GatePass, available from the buyer’s Auction Center dashboard, to the ICBC facility or off-site salvage facility in order to pick up each purchased vehicle.

If you are sending a tower to pick up your purchased salvage, the GatePass can be sent to the tower, who must present the GatePass in paper or electronic form (i.e. on their phone/device).

What if I’m not available at the time of the live online auction?

A feature called Pre-Bid enables you to view the items you are interested in prior to the day of auction and place a maximum pre-bid amount without attending the live auctions on AuctionNow. Using Pre-Bid doesn’t guarantee yours will be the successful bid.

Will rebuilt vehicles continue to be valued lower than comparable vehicles?

Yes. All insurers match insurance costs to both the driver's and the vehicle's risk. The higher the risk, the more they pay in insurance. Optional premiums also consider the age, make, model and features of the vehicle, along with its repair costs.

ICBC uses Mitchell International, a third-party company, to help with determining a vehicle’s value. Mitchell researches the market area to find comparable vehicles either sold or listed for sale and rebuilt vehicles tend to have a lower value.

Will the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) be restricted to within B.C.?

ICBC will not restrict what vehicles may be purchased for movement outside of the province. We will monitor and consider, though, what parts are needed to ensure local collision repair facilities have ongoing access to quality used parts.

Will recovered stolen vehicles continue to be designated with a salvage status?

ICBC is investigating changes around how we will designate/brand our vehicles and may consider changes to this policy in a future update.

Will all buyers have access to "dismantle parts only" vehicles?

Section 17.1 of the Motor Vehicle Act restricts the sale of “Irreparable” vehicles, also known as dismantle parts only (DPO), to buyers that are registered and licensed as a “wrecker/dismantler” or a “recycler”. Only these businesses will be able to purchase DPO vehicles.

How does the release of a vehicle to ICBC from the owner affect the timeline of estimate, condition report, and disposal for a company who has custody of the vehicle?

For total loss vehicles, the sooner the customer signs the Vehicle Ownership Transfer Agreement, the sooner our salvage department can process the vehicle for sale.

Processes have been put in place at first notice of loss to expedite the release process.

How will ICBC ensure that any increase in sales outside of the province won’t negatively impact the availability of used parts for the local collision repair industry?

ICBC has analyzed what vehicles are purchased by local recyclers/dismantlers and data suggests this group does not compete against international buyers for the same vehicles.

Historically, 76% of recycler transactions were 2012 models or older. These late model vehicles are generally not the target of international buyers due to transport costs. We will continue to monitor this for any change and work with our industry liaison committee.

Has ICBC considered that increased exposure of its salvage vehicles to new buyers will negatively impact the B.C. rebuilder/dealer community?

Data shows that nearly 40% of salvage vehicles sold are not being re-registered in B.C., indicating they are being resold outside of the province. As an insurer, ICBC has a responsibility to its customers to help keep rates low and stable. ICBC will work to maximize salvage sales revenues to help manage escalating material damage costs and the rates our customers pay.

How will ICBC help rebuilders/dealers compete against independent and unlicensed buyers?

Upgrading to a modern, transparent, and efficient system will greatly enhance the bidding experience while ensuring fairness and accessibility for all participants. The new platform will lead to:

• Fair Competition – Preventing unfair advantages, such as excessive bidder registrations per dealer.

• Improved Transparency – Ensuring a level playing field where all bidders have equal opportunities.

• Enhanced User Experience – Providing a seamless, secure, and reliable bidding process.

ICBC currently does not provide independent buyers access to our salvage sales platform. ICBC will explore options to combat credential sharing through the new platform. While independent buyers are eligible to bid on vehicles in other jurisdictions, ICBC will not be opening bidding to independent buyers.

Questions about the launch of the new platform?

Contact the Salvage & Vehicle Information Management (SVIM) project team at [email protected].

Questions about using the new platform?

Enhanced support provided by IAA’s Helpdesk:

• 1-866-485-428

• [email protected]

IAA's helpdesk hours

• Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PST)

• Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PST)