IBC launches database of damaged vehicles from Alberta, GTA floods

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has launched a database of vehicles that have been reported and branded as non-repairable after severe flooding in southern Alberta and the Greater Toronto Area.

Consumers can enter a vehicle identification number (VIN) on the IBC website to check whether a vehicle has been branded as non-repairable following the storms and flooding.

“In the aftermath of a flooding event, fraudsters may attempt to cleanup and resell storm-damaged vehicles to unsuspecting consumers,” explained Rick Dubin, vice president of investigative services at IBC.

“This new free VIN Verify Service on ibc.ca helps to protect consumers by allowing them to check whether a vehicle has been reported as flood damaged and non-repairable by participating IBC member insurance companies,” he added.

Flood and storm-damaged vehicles were also a potential fraud issue following Hurricane Sandy last year, with insurers warning Canadian consumers to be aware of potentially damaged vehicles crossing the border.