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CAMVAP
The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP)
This is a program where disputes between consumers and vehicle manufacturers about alleged manufacturing defects or implementation of the manufacturers' new vehicle warranty can be put before a neutral third party (arbitrator) for resolution.
Most domestic and imported passenger cars, light trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans and multi-purpose passenger vehicles that are purchased or leased in Canada are covered by CAMVAP. The vehicle must be from the current or the previous four (4) model years.
CAMVAP is currently the largest consumer product arbitration plan in Canada. It was created in 1994, to help consumers resolve disputes with vehicle manufacturers or distributors, in a way that is fair, fast, free, friendly and final.
CAMVAP offers you an alternative to court, however you may not do both. If you have been to court, you are not eligible for arbitration through CAMVAP. If you have had a CAMVAP arbitrated hearing, then you cannot go to court. Therefore, it is important that you choose carefully and be aware that the length of time involved and the range of remedies or solutions can be different.
The plan is fully funded by the automobile manufacturers through formulas that reflect each company’s Canadian market share and past CAMVAP case experience. The Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC is pleased to offer this service for consumers.
To contact your Provincial Administrator for information or application:
Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC
788 Beatty Street, Suite 404, Vancouver BC V6B 2M1
Tel: 1-800-207-0685 or
Vancouver area 604-682-6280 - Fax: 604-681-1544 or
Victoria area 250-386-6348 - Fax: 250-386-2367
Toll-free: 1-877-826-4222
Email: camvap@bbbvan.org
Automobile Complaints
If you have a dispute with an auto manufacturer and you have not been able to secure a satisfactory resolution from the manufacturer yourself, the BBB as "CAMVAP Administrator" may be able to help.CAMVAP, The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan, will settle disputes over:
- interpretation, application or administration of the manufacturer's new vehicle warranty
- defects in workmanship or materials on a vehicle as supplied by the manufacturer to an authorized dealer.
The vehicle being disputed must be owned or leased by the consumer before and throughout the arbitration process. It must have been originally purchased from an authorized dealer and be no more than four years old. Used vehicles are also eligible for CAMVAP.
No fee is charged for the program. If a CAMVAP arbitrator rules in favor of the consumer, compensation may be in the form of repairs, reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses up to $500, buy back by the manufacturer or no liability on the part of the manufacturer.
CAMVAP will not handle disputes concerning:
- personal injury or property damage
- loss of profits, inconvenience, loss of use, or availability of vehicle
- claims strictly related to an authorized dealer
- claims which have been previously settled with the manufacturer or is are currently before the courts
- a vehicle used primarily for business or commercial purposes
- motor homes
- a vehicle built to non-Canadian specifications and intended for sale outside of Canada
- service contracts or warranties which are not part of the manufacturer's warranty (ie: 3rd party warranty)
- tire defects, except where the defect is directly related to some other defect in workmanship or material
- options or accessories not authorized by the manufacturer and not ordered and installed by an authorized dealer at the time the vehicle was sold to the customer
- rust-proofing
- a vehicle currently or has previously been used as an ambulance, taxi, limousine, hearse, snowplow, or used for police, fire or municipal services top.