How car write-offs work in Canada
When repair cost is too high relative to the car's value, insurers write off the vehicle and pay the market value minus deductible. If you keep the car, they deduct salvage. Numbers are based on BC AutoTrader listings to show current market comps. Different provinces and insurers use different thresholds, and there is no single published consumer percentage.
Look up your car's BC market value
This tool lets you enter year, make, model, and kilometres, then pulls current BC AutoTrader listings for similar vehicles. The mid-point of those listings becomes your starting market value. This is the number insurers compare against when calculating payout. You can also enter a value manually if you already have comps or an appraisal.
Repair-to-value ratio is context, not a threshold
Add the estimated repair cost to see how it compares to the car's value. Most insurers write off vehicles when repairs are a high percentage of the value, but there is no universal percentage that guarantees a write-off. Safety, hidden damage, parts availability, and salvage value all factor in. The ratio is useful context, not a prediction.
When to dispute the payout
If comparable BC vehicles are listed for more than the insurer offered, gather evidence: current listings, service records, photos, proof of trim and options. Ask for the valuation breakdown and challenge incorrect inputs. An independent appraisal can support your case if the gap is material.
Frequently asked questions
What is a car write-off in Canada?
A write-off means the insurer decides that repairing the vehicle is not economical compared to the car's pre-accident value and salvage. The insurer pays you the market value minus deductible, and may deduct salvage if you keep the car. Different provinces and insurers use different thresholds.
How is a write-off payout calculated?
The formula is: market value minus deductible minus salvage if you keep the vehicle. The insurer determines market value by comparing your car to similar vehicles. This tool uses current BC AutoTrader listings to show what those comps look like.
What percentage is a write-off in Canada?
There is no single universal write-off percentage published for consumers. Insurers consider repair cost relative to value, salvage, safety, parts availability, and hidden damage. This tool shows the repair-to-value ratio without claiming to predict the insurer's decision.
Can I look up my car's value first?
Yes. This tool lets you enter year, make, model, and kilometres, then pulls current BC AutoTrader listings. The mid-point becomes your starting market value. You can also enter a value manually if you already have comparable evidence.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is an independent informational tool. It cannot guarantee a payout or predict whether your insurer will write off the vehicle. Not affiliated with any insurer or appraisal service.