Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP)

In 1994, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) was created in order to help consumers resolve disputes with vehicle manufacturers and distributors involving vehicle warranty or alleged manufacturing defects without the time, cost and hassle of going to court.

CAMVAP is Fair, Fast, Friendly, Final and importantly Free.

In 2004, CAMVAP will celebrate its 10th anniversary as Canada’s pre-eminent consumer arbitration program.

Modeled on the successful Ontario Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan began operation in 1994. By 2001, CAMVAP became a truly national program with the inclusion of the province of Quebec. CAMVAP was created in order to assist consumers in resolving their disputes with vehicle manufacturers and distributors concerning alleged manufacturing defects or concerns with the implementation of their new vehicle warranties.

CAMVAP was voluntarily initiated by the vehicle manufacturers with the support of the provincial governments and the Consumers’ Association of Canada. While funded by the vehicle manufacturers, the administration of the program and the hiring and training of the case arbitrators remains at arm’s length from the program, ensuring the impartiality of the program.

CAMVAP is free to consumers and generally affords the consumer an opportunity to resolve their problems with their manufacturer much more quickly, without the complexities, frustration and expense associated with the court system.

The CAMVAP Board of Directors is made up of representatives from the Consumers’ Association of Canada, Provincial and Territorial Governments, the CVMA, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada, and the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.

The policies set by the Board of Directors are continuously reviewed and updated to ensure that CAMVAP practices are fair to everyone concerned. CAMVAP’s Board undertook an Operational Review in 1997 and in 2003 began a Governance Review aimed at ensuring that all of CAMVAP’s stakeholders are consulted and heard around the Board of Directors table.

CAMVAP is the largest national consumer product arbitration plan in Canada handling approximately 700 cases annually; it is available free of charge to all Canadians. The main eligibility criteria is that a consumer’s vehicle be of the current or previous four model years.

If you are have a dispute with your automobile manufacturer about problems with your vehicle, or if you feel the manufacturer is not honouring the applicable warranty, then CAMVAP may be able to help you.

For more information about CAMVAP call 1-800-207-0685 or visit there website at www.camvap.ca.