Icbc Sucks!

[BlackSmoker]

Hey guys I've been trying to get my HZ insured in BC after it was insured in AB. I had the inspection done with no problems. Had to put a interm licence on it to get the woman at the insurance place to sight the vehicle. WTF? Basically to look at the VIN #. Then she puts the VIN in there computer and said it doesn't have enough digits in it . Then they want too install a NEW ICBC VIN plate because it doesn't have two locations for the VIN. Is this for real. I thought I was on PUNKED. I had insurance in AB. They said I have to wait a week for the guys that did the inspection to get and then put the new VIN tags in. Apparently I can't do this. Are these guys at ICBC mental! Anyone else have to go through this BS.

 

[bj70_guy]

You used to have to get a BC VIN, but not any more. I think your agent may be the problem in this case, not ICBC.
If you don't get the answer you need here go over to www.ivoac.ca and ask there.

 

[BlackSmoker]

You used to have to get a BC VIN, but not any more. I think your agent may be the problem in this case, not ICBC.
If you don't get the answer you need here go over to www.ivoac.ca and ask there.

Right off ICBC website


Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

What is a Vehicle Identification Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a series of letters and numbers that vehicle manufacturers assign to each vehicle they make. The VIN is a unique, 17-digit number used to identify the vehicle, including its:

• origin
• year
• make and model
• production number

It is illegal to remove a VIN.
Some vehicles (such as some vintage cars) don’t have a proper VIN. Vehicles without one can’t be registered, licensed or insured.
Does your vehicle need a proper VIN?

If your vehicle doesn’t have a proper VIN, you can apply to ICBC to get a “B.C. Assigned VIN”.
ICBC can only assign a VIN if certain requirements are met.
Once attached to a vehicle or trailer, an assigned VIN becomes the only accepted and recognized VIN for that vehicle throughout North America.
ICBC’s Vehicle Registration Support department administers the B.C. Assigned VIN Program, and creates B.C. VIN tags for vehicles that require them.
A vehicle must have a B.C. Assigned VIN when:

• the manufacturer’s VIN is stolen or damaged
• the dashboard, door or engine is replaced
• two public VINs don’t match (exception: older vehicles that were only issued one VIN)
• differing VINs are found on the vehicle (for example rebuilt vehicles)

Vehicles that also need a B.C. Assigned VIN

A B.C. Assigned VIN is also required for:

• used vehicles, when no record is found and continuity of ownership cannot be established
• modified vehicles without two identical public VINs still intact
• “Ubilt” vehicles, trailers, and snowmobiles
• Amalgamated vehicles
• Replikits or kit cars
• Glider kits and Replicars (if the manufacturer has not provided a VIN)

How to apply for a B.C. Assigned VIN

• Pick up an application form from any Autoplan broker, or download the application form for a B.C. Assigned VIN.
• Gather supporting documents (see application form for details)
• Go to an Autoplan broker, where the form is completed
• Send the completed application, supporting documents and a $25 cheque or money order (payable to ICBC) to:
  ICBC – Vehicle Registration Support
  Room 235, 151 W. Esplanade
  North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9

 

[bj70_guy]

Phone them and ask. My BJ74 didn't need a BC VIN - Outback had applied for one then didn't need it, as they changed the regulation somewhere around August and started accepting JDM VINs.

Really, go to www.ivoac.ca and ask. You'll get answers from guys that know more than me. And do phone ICBC and ask.

 

[wussyPup]

I got a BC VIN for my JDM Cruiser when I imported it in Jan 2006. If I recall, I filled out the form at an agent, paid the agent, they faxed the form to ICBC, and ICBC couriered the VIN to the inspection facility that was doing the Out Of Province safety inspection and they installed it. I don't remember any hassles.

 

[TwoThirtyDirty]

Hey Blacksmoker,

I know your pain exactly. I moved to the boundary region of BC (from Alberta) last summer. I spent roughly 3 hours with the girl at the local small town ICBC branch getting my JDM rig insured with the short VIN. Long story short, the people that I dealt with were extremely helpful and the process has something to do with creating a temporary BC registration in your name and then transfering ownership from you to you using the short vin. This is the only way their system will accept the short VIN. It has alot to do with getting the right person at your local branch on the phone with the right person at ICBC head office. My wife's JDM was purchased here and has the BC issued VIN riveted to the door frame. PM me if I can be more help.

 

[fatcat]

Do you have the Federal inspection in your possesion? I may be mistaken but I remember the guy that inspected my BJ from the feds gave me a # that satisfied the registry. May be off track as it was in AB but thought I would mention it...

 

[canucksafari]

JDM VINs were never a problem for Alberta. However, it has only been since last spring that BC has accepted them. The whole process to inspect and register a car has been slowed down to ensure it is done right. There were just too many vehicles passing inspection and getting registered that were not meeting the MVA and the Inspection Regulations (two legal documents that sometime conflict). Now I understand that Alberta MOT has been following BCs lead. If you want updated info or a question ansered go to IVOAC.CA.

 

[BlackSmoker]

Well today with the help of the insurance agent we finally got it done and insured. The problem was the second VIN location which I found on the right front frame section behind the front tire. The problem was fixed once the second VIN was found the need for the new BC VIN wasn't needed. Icbc was actually very helpful. Thanks guys.

 

[Gold Boy]

I got a BC VIN for my JDM Cruiser when I imported it in Jan 2006. If I recall, I filled out the form at an agent, paid the agent, they faxed the form to ICBC, and ICBC couriered the VIN to the inspection facility that was doing the Out Of Province safety inspection and they installed it. I don't remember any hassles.

x2 same here