For vehicles involved in accidents, information is reported to the Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau by insurance companies within five days of an accident. Vehicle permits are then permanently red-flagged, or branded. Once these vehicles are back on the road, potential buyers will know from the vehicle registration if it has been in a major accident. Consumers can also be assured that it is only after inspection requirements are met that rebuilt vehicles are allowed back on the road. They must be junked or sold as scrap or parts.
Consumers then have the opportunity to ask the seller about the extent of repairs.
If your vehicle is insured, your insurance company will report the damage to the Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau. If you do not have collision insurance you must complete a Damaged Vehicle Report and present it to an RMV location within five days of the accident. Damaged Vehicle Reports are available at RMV locations listed on the back of this brochure. The Stolen and Wrecked Vehicle Program is a national program where information is shared by all provinces. If you purchase a salvage vehicle, it can be transferred into your name, but the vehicle cannot be operated on the road until it has completed and passed the safety inspection process.