Who is allowed to complete a FIN-320 in British Columbia?

The FIN 320 form states it must be completed by a motor dealer registered under the BC Motor Dealer Act, a person authorized to carry on a similar business in another jurisdiction, or "a person whose business it is to appraise motor vehicles." Bulletin PST 308 repeats the same requirement. IC Appraisal BC qualifies under the third category, and the appraiser signs the Part 5 certification on every form.

How does BC decide how much PST you pay on a private vehicle sale?

PST is charged on the greater of the purchase price or the average wholesale value, which Bulletin PST 308 defines as the Canadian Black Book value. If you believe the vehicle is worth less than that, you may provide a completed FIN 320. The bulletin then says that where the appraised value and the purchase price are both below the average wholesale value, PST is calculated on the greater of the appraised value and the purchase price.

What is the difference between a FIN-320 and a FIN-355MV?

The FIN 320 is the appraisal; the FIN 355/MV is the refund application. You present a FIN 320 when you register the vehicle to have PST charged on the appraised value in the first place. If PST has already been paid, the FIN 320 instead becomes an attachment to a FIN 355/MV refund claim, which the Ministry of Finance must receive within 30 days of the registration date.

Can the seller get the appraisal, or does it have to be the buyer?

Either. Bulletin PST 308 states that appraisals "may be obtained by the purchaser or seller of the motor vehicle." In practice the buyer usually orders it, because the buyer is the one paying the PST.

Recently bought a used car in BC and paid PST on Black Book? You have 30 days to recover the difference. Check refund eligibility →

Vehicle Appraisal BC — $75 Certified Car & ICBC Appraisal

Looking for a car appraisal near you in British Columbia? We deliver certified vehicle appraisals for ICBC paperwork, PST refunds, total-loss disputes, and private-sale transfers — fully remote, 1-hour turnaround, $75 flat. Serving Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, Kelowna, and every BC city.

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In-person appraisals available by appointment in the Sea to Sky corridor and Metro Vancouver. Call (778) 710-7477 to confirm your area.

Why Choose Us

$75 Flat-Rate Certified Appraisal
1-Hour Turnaround After Acceptance
Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
Remote Document Review
Certified Appraisers

Estimate Your PST Value Support

ICBC charges PST on the greater of what you paid and the Canadian Black Book value. Not sure what ICBC's Black Book value is? Get it free.

Get your free Black Book value

Why Choose IC Appraisal BC?

Our goal is to simplify the process and provide reliable appraisal paperwork designed for BC private-sale and transfer situations.

Clear $75 Flat-Rate Pricing

At just $75 + tax, our certified remote vehicle appraisal keeps cost simple. No travel needed, and in-person appraisals are available by appointment. The appraisal can support a lower PST value when the facts justify it.

Fast Delivery After Acceptance

Once we review and accept your application, your completed BC vehicle appraisal (FIN-320) is delivered by email within 1 hour after payment.

Supportability Review

We review your file before completing the appraisal so the valuation is based on photos, documents, condition, mileage, and the facts available.

Convenient 24/7 Service

Submit your application anytime, day or night. We process car appraisals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Certified Appraisers

Your vehicle appraisal is completed by a certified, qualified appraiser and prepared for ICBC and BC broker paperwork.

How It Works

Fast, simple, and designed to document the vehicle value clearly.

Complete the Application

Fill out a short form and upload photos of your vehicle from multiple angles, including any damage and your signed APV9T form.

We Review Your Submission

Our team reviews your photos and details, then sends you an appraisal quote based on the information provided.

We Accept Your Application

After we accept your application, your 1-hour timer begins. Payment is made upon application and refunded if we don't accept.

Receive Your Certified Vehicle Appraisal

Within 1 hour after acceptance and payment, receive your completed, signed BC vehicle appraisal (FIN-320) prepared for ICBC and Autoplan broker paperwork.

Use Documented Appraised Value

Bring your certified appraisal to your insurance broker so the transfer tax (PST) paperwork can be supported by the documented appraised value.

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Car Appraisal Near You — Anywhere in British Columbia

No need to drive to a shop. We provide certified remote vehicle appraisals across every BC city:

Metro Vancouver

Vancouver Island

BC Interior

Fraser Valley

Don't see your city? If you are in BC, we serve you remotely.

Common Situations We Help With

A certified BC vehicle appraisal is most useful when the real vehicle condition, mileage, market reality, or ICBC valuation does not match a generic reference value.

Private-sale buyers

Get a vehicle appraisal when the car you bought is worth less than a generic reference value because of mileage, condition, prior damage, or market reality.

BC appraisal scenario

ICBC total-loss disputes

ICBC settles a total loss at actual cash value, produced from a valuation database rather than an inspection. Read how ACV is built and what that data can miss.

BC appraisal scenario

High-mileage vehicles

Older daily drivers and work vehicles often need a condition-aware vehicle appraisal instead of one-size-fits-all reference table assumptions.

BC appraisal scenario

Imported or specialty vehicles

Uncommon trims, imports, rebuilt titles, and classic cars rarely fit generic valuation tables. A certified BC car appraisal documents the real market value.

BC appraisal scenario

PST refund preparation

If PST was already paid, organize payment proof, registration receipts, vehicle photos, and a certified appraisal before preparing your BC refund file (30-day deadline).

BC appraisal scenario

What our customers say

5.0 from 30 Google reviews

Read them on Google

Very fast, reliable and friendly service. Thank you guys to make it so fast👍👍

Went to register my 2014 Chevrolet Silverado at ICBC and nearly fell over when they told me I owed $3840 in PST based on a Black Book value of $32,000. The truck has high mileage/rust/mechanical issues so there’s no way it’s worth that much. Found IC Appraisal BC online, sent in my photos, and had a certified FIN-320 appraisal back within an hour. Saved me $2280 in PST. Can’t believe more people don’t know about this service.

I bought a 2007 Toyota Corolla CE that was previously used as a taxi with almost 300,000 km on it. When I went to register it at ICBC, they wanted to charge me PST based on a Black Book value that was way higher than what the car is actually worth — it didn’t account for the taxi history, the extreme mileage, the body damage, or the mechanical work it needs. I found IC Appraisal BC and got a certified FIN-320 appraisal that reflected the real condition of the vehicle. The whole process was done online — I just sent photos and vehicle details, and had my appraisal back the same day. Saved me hundreds in PST that I would have overpaid. If you’re buying an older high-mileage vehicle or an ex-taxi in BC, definitely get an appraisal before you register. Highly recommend!

I just bought a 2004 Toyota Corolla privately and was shocked at what ICBC wanted to charge me in PST on a Black Book value way more than what I actually paid. I found IC Appraisal BC and Nikki had my certified FIN-320 appraisal done within 15 minutes . The appraised value came back within $50 of what I actually paid, which saved me big time in PST. The whole process was done online — I just submitted photos of my vehicle and got the completed form by email. Super easy, fast, and professional. If you’re buying a used car in BC and the Black Book value seems too high, definitely get an appraisal before you register. Highly recommend!:)

This is by far the best service available! I purchase a truck that needed thousands of dollars in shop repairs that I was able to perform on my own and the vehicle was not worth a lot of money on the used market. And I paid what it was worth. And when we went to transfer. The “blue book” was way over valued on this vehicle and I was almost forced to pay thousands in tax above the purchase price and vehicles actual worth IC appraisal BC. Quickly assessed the vehicle through an online form with pictures and descriptions. And allowed me to pay tax on my actual purchase price! Glad I was aware and used them. Thanks guys. Your the best 🤘🏽

When Do You Need a Vehicle Appraisal in BC?

Our certified BC car appraisals help British Columbians document vehicle value for ICBC settlements, PST paperwork, transfers, and legal situations.

Private Vehicle Purchase

Buying a used car privately in BC? A certified vehicle appraisal supports PST based on documented market value when the price is below a reference book.

ICBC Total Loss Dispute

ICBC declared your car a total loss? Actual cash value is produced from a valuation database, not an inspection, and it can miss factory options and recent work.

Estate Transfer

Transferring a vehicle from a deceased family member? A certified ICBC appraisal documents the vehicle value for BC transfer paperwork.

Divorce Settlement

Dividing assets during a separation? A certified vehicle appraisal documents fair market value for settlement discussions and court paperwork.

Bankruptcy Proceedings

Need to establish vehicle value for a BC bankruptcy filing? Our certified car appraisal provides documented proof of market value.

Family Transfer or Gift

Gifting a vehicle to a family member in BC? A certified appraisal documents current market value for transfer paperwork and PST support.

Popular BC Vehicle Tax Guides

Start with the guide that matches your situation, then submit your appraisal when you're ready.

BC PST Refund on a Used Vehicle (30-day deadline)

BC PST Refund Eligibility Checker

BC Used Car Tax Calculator

ICBC Total Loss Appraisal

ICBC Appraisal Overview

ICBC Appraisal Form Guide (FIN-320 step-by-step)

FIN-320 Vehicle Photo Guide & Upload Checklist

Used Car Tax in BC, Complete Guide

Out-of-Province Vehicle Appraisal BC

ICBC Black Book vs Market Value

JDM Imported Vehicle Appraisal BC

Classic & Collector Vehicle Appraisal BC

Used EV Appraisal BC

Estate & Probate Vehicle Appraisal BC

Bankruptcy Vehicle Appraisal BC

Divorce & Separation Vehicle Appraisal BC

Motorcycle Appraisal BC

Work Truck Appraisal BC

ICBC Write-Off vs Total Loss

ICBC Actual Cash Value Explained

FIN-320 Appraisal BC

FIN-320 vs FIN-355 Decision Guide

Private Sale Vehicle Tax BC

Imported Vehicle Appraisal BC

Family Transfer Vehicle Tax BC

Remote Vehicle Appraisal BC

Vancouver Island Vehicle Appraisal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BC vehicle appraisal?

A BC vehicle appraisal is a certified motor-vehicle valuation completed by a qualified appraiser in British Columbia. The output is the FIN-320 form used by ICBC and Autoplan brokers to document a vehicle’s fair market value for PST and transfer paperwork.

Do you do car appraisals near me?

Yes. We provide certified car appraisals anywhere in BC remotely — Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Prince George, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Squamish, Whistler, and every other BC city. No driveway visit needed.

How much does an ICBC appraisal cost?

A certified ICBC appraisal from us is $75 + tax — flat-rate, with payment collected after we review and accept your file. There are no add-ons for mileage, vehicle type, or location.

Can your appraisal support an ICBC total loss dispute?

We do not sell an appraisal for an ICBC settlement dispute. A FIN-320 is a Ministry of Finance form for provincial sales tax on a transfer, which is a different question from what an insurer owes on a first party claim. ICBC produces its offer from a valuation database rather than an inspection, so factory options and recent work can be missed. Raising those with your claims representative costs nothing, and ICBC can revise actual cash value without a formal dispute.

Is this a remote vehicle appraisal?

Yes. Our entire service is online vehicle appraisal — you upload photos and documents, we review, and you receive your certified appraisal by email within 1 hour after acceptance and payment. No driveway visit, no shop, no waiting room.

When does the 1-hour timer start?

The 1-hour turnaround starts after we review and accept your application and payment is complete. If any details or photos are missing, we will contact you before acceptance.

What photos do I need to upload?

We require clear photos of: front of vehicle, rear of vehicle, driver side, passenger side, interior dashboard (optional), odometer, any visible damage, and your signed APV9T Transfer/Tax Form showing the sale price.

How do I pay?

You can pay by credit card or e-transfer. The price is the same either way. Payment is made when you submit your application and is refunded if we cannot accept the file.

Key facts, sources and verification

Form: FIN 320, Motor Vehicle Appraisal Form
Governing legislation: Provincial Sales Tax Act (British Columbia)
Value reported: Expected retail value on a private sale. The form states the appraised value is not a trade in figure.
What the value rests on: The specific vehicle: odometer, damage, mechanical condition, whether it runs, and its documented history. Not a lookup from the VIN alone.
Who may complete it: A registered motor dealer, an equivalent business in another jurisdiction, or a person whose business it is to appraise motor vehicles
Area served: All of British Columbia, handled remotely
Provider: IC Appraisal BC
Standard fee: $75 plus tax for an accepted standard remote FIN 320 file
Turnaround: Delivered by email, typically within an hour of the application being reviewed and accepted

Quick answers

Who is allowed to complete a FIN-320 in British Columbia?: The FIN 320 form states it must be completed by a motor dealer registered under the BC Motor Dealer Act, a person authorized to carry on a similar business in another jurisdiction, or "a person whose business it is to appraise motor vehicles." Bulletin PST 308 repeats the same requirement. IC Appraisal BC qualifies under the third category, and the appraiser signs the Part 5 certification on every form.
How does BC decide how much PST you pay on a private vehicle sale?: PST is charged on the greater of the purchase price or the average wholesale value, which Bulletin PST 308 defines as the Canadian Black Book value. If you believe the vehicle is worth less than that, you may provide a completed FIN 320. The bulletin then says that where the appraised value and the purchase price are both below the average wholesale value, PST is calculated on the greater of the appraised value and the purchase price.
What value does a FIN-320 actually report?: Retail value, not a trade in figure. The form itself carries the note that the appraised value "is NOT intended to be trade-in value but represents the expected retail value when a motor vehicle is sold privately." This is the single most common misunderstanding, and quoting a trade-in figure on a FIN 320 is a defect in the form.
What is the difference between a FIN-320 and a FIN-355MV?: The FIN 320 is the appraisal; the FIN 355/MV is the refund application. You present a FIN 320 when you register the vehicle to have PST charged on the appraised value in the first place. If PST has already been paid, the FIN 320 instead becomes an attachment to a FIN 355/MV refund claim, which the Ministry of Finance must receive within 30 days of the registration date.
Can the seller get the appraisal, or does it have to be the buyer?: Either. Bulletin PST 308 states that appraisals "may be obtained by the purchaser or seller of the motor vehicle." In practice the buyer usually orders it, because the buyer is the one paying the PST.

Sources

The statements above are drawn from the following primary documents. Each was checked against the source on the verification date below.

Canadian Black Book returns one number from the VIN. It does not account for kilometres, damage, mechanical condition, or whether the vehicle runs at all. A FIN 320 appraisal is built on those things, which is why it produces a figure the Ministry of Finance accepts. The form itself states the appraised value “is NOT intended to be trade-in value but represents the expected retail value when a motor vehicle is sold privately”.

Verified against the source documents on 1 September 2026.

This page is general information about British Columbia vehicle appraisal and PST, not legal or tax advice. PST is assessed by the BC Ministry of Finance and registration is handled by ICBC and Autoplan brokers, so the amount of tax owing or refunded on any particular vehicle is determined by them, not by the appraiser. Figures quoted from government publications were verified against the source documents on the date shown.

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