Québec Vehicle Damage Valuation & Insurance Arbitration
Québec automobile property-damage insurance is governed by approved policy forms. For a qualifying disagreement over damage or adequacy of repairs, the owner’s policy form contains a specialized arbitration procedure.
Q.P.F. No. 1 Has a Specific Arbitration Framework
The AMF-approved Q.P.F. No. 1 owners’ form, Section 4, addresses arbitration for disagreements about the nature, extent or value of damage and repair adequacy. The procedure involves experts selected by the parties and potentially a neutral arbitrator.
“The insurer and the named insured must each choose an expert.”AMF-approved Q.P.F. No. 1, Section 4.2
Important distinction: The AMF publishes approved policy forms; a revised French form was announced in 2026. Confirm which version is in force for the claim. French-language documents or bilingual reporting may be relevant.
How to Review a Disputed Vehicle Valuation in Québec
- 01
Check the applicable policy form
Confirm the endorsement and version of Q.P.F. No. 1 that governs the insured vehicle and loss date.
- 02
Identify the valuation issue
Compare the insurer’s actual cash value, repair estimate or adequacy position against documented evidence.
- 03
Consider written arbitration notice
Section 4 contains procedures for requesting arbitration. Review the actual wording and timing before sending any formal notice.
- 04
Understand expert appointments
The policy form describes party-appointed experts and a neutral arbitrator if disagreement remains.
What Can Strengthen a Valuation Review?
Québec has distinct systems for vehicle property damage and motor-vehicle bodily injury. The SAAQ bodily-injury program is not the same as an insured vehicle-value disagreement.
- The insurer's complete written offer and market valuation report
- Vehicle identification, exact model and trim, options, kilometres and condition
- Listings or other evidence that genuinely match the subject vehicle
- Documentation of material repairs, upgrades or disputed deductions
Confirm Costs Before Formal Appraisal
The policy’s arbitration provisions and fee rules determine who bears the relevant costs. Review the exact policy version rather than assuming Ontario-style Section 128 requirements.
IA Reports can discuss appropriate independent valuation work after confirming assignment scope, availability, authorization and applicable local requirements.
Québec Valuation Dispute FAQs
Is a Q.P.F. No. 1 arbitration the same as Section 128?
No. Québec’s approved automobile policy wording sets out its own process. Do not transfer Ontario procedural assumptions to a Québec claim.
Does this guide cover SAAQ injury benefits?
No. This page concerns vehicle property-damage valuation and applicable automobile insurance forms.
What documents should I request before an independent appraisal?
Start with the complete written offer, the underlying vehicle valuation and the evidence supporting the amount in dispute. Confirm the insurer-issued Q.P.F. No. 1 wording and endorsements before considering its expert or arbitration provisions.
Disagree With Your Vehicle Insurance Settlement?
Request an initial review of a written total-loss valuation, or ask about an independent appraisal for another defined purpose. We will clarify the assignment scope and any fees before engagement.
Official Sources & Review Notes
Source list updated 5 November 2026. Confirm the current law, the insured policy and its endorsements, and the loss date before relying on a formal process. Prepared by IA Reports for vehicle-appraisal education; not legal or coverage advice. No settlement result or eligibility is guaranteed.