Canadian insurance is a completely different beast that what is available in the US.
That is especially true here in British Columbia where all vehicle insurance for your basic liability is done through a gov't owned insurance company.
We can add different coverage from private insurance companies but your basic license and liability are handled through ICBC Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
When you have an accident in BC you make a claim and go to the ICBC adjustment center for an observation. They determine I reiterate THEY determine if your vehicle is worthy of being repaired or if it should be written off. If they write it off, they have two modes of write off. SALVAGE and REBUILDER. Salvage takes to vehicle off the road forever, they put it up for auction to salvage companies/auto-wreckers and this subsequently makes the truck a scrap parts truck only and cannot ever be rebuilt and registered on the road. Rebuilder status takes the vehicle off the road, and places it up for auction to both salvage/auto-wreckers and to certified re-builders, AKA auto body shops whom rebuild the vehicle, have it inspected and then can resell the vehicle as a road worthy vehicle.
The private side of insurance is for things like fire, theft, glass, or other incidentals.
If the ICBC person decides your vehicle is ok for repair, you then have the right to take it to a shop for repair. You can shop around but in all honesty it's a bit of a farce....I know and understand this side of it too and let me say, it's a complex situation where they the body shops, RAKE in cash from ICBC which just hurts the people whom have to pay!
If you elect NOT to take your vehicle in for the ICBC adjuster to view, and make a claim for repair, then you can indeed have the truck repaired on YOUR DIME! This is why I was boldy saying DO NOT GO to ICBC or he would loose his truck!
Now you wonder why do we have insurance....
one word....Liability is about it!
Anyway hope this helps those that do not know the system here how it works and please, if you do not know the system don't offer advice as it could invariably cause someone to loose a vehicle.
JM2CW
Al
EDIT
As for getting the value of the vehicle...YOU GET WHAT ICBC says you get and if you have winch or other add ons, I would strongly suggest removing them...they pay diddly for that, unless you have a private ins which may pay more or a specified peril with additional coverage.
Regardless, they really don't give you much.
As mentioned in this thread a certified appraisal or even better TWO of them are an investment in your future for your vehicle if it's truly a very well maintained ride......
Just sayin...CYA
Al
