Fichier central des sinistres automobiles

What exactly is the Fichier central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA)?

The FCSA is a centralized database managed by the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). It tracks every single claim made by an individual to an automobile insurance company in Quebec. This includes accidents where the driver was at fault, accidents where they were not at fault, and even claims for theft, glass breakage, or vandalism. The primary purpose of this file is to allow insurers to assess the risk profile of a driver and a specific vehicle accurately. For a buyer, this file is the "truth" behind the seller's claims about the car's history.

How can a buyer access the claims history of a used vehicle?

Under Quebec privacy laws, only the owner of the vehicle can request their own Claims History Report from the GAA. As a buyer, you cannot directly access someone else's file. Therefore, the standard procedure is to ask the seller to provide a copy of their GAA report. This report is free of charge for the owner and can be requested online or by mail. A transparent seller should have no issue providing this document alongside the RDPRM lien search and mechanical inspection reports.

What information is included in a standard GAA report?

A GAA report contains several specific data points for each incident reported in the last six years. You will find the date of the accident, the driver's license number of the person behind the wheel at the time, the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and the nature of the claim. Crucially, it also includes a "responsibility percentage" (0%, 50%, or 100%) and a claim type code.

• Collision: Damage resulting from an impact with another object or vehicle rollover.
• Comprehensive: Claims involving fire, theft, vandalism, or windstorm damage.
• Glass Breakage: Specific records for windshield repairs or replacements.
• Third-Party Liability: Damage caused to someone else's property.

Can a vehicle have a "clean" Carfax but a "dirty" GAA report?

Yes, this is a common occurrence. Carfax relies on police reports, service records, and insurance data from across North America, but sometimes local Quebec claims processed through the GAA do not synchronize immediately with private data aggregators. Conversely, an accident that didn't involve an insurance claim (paid out of pocket) will not appear in the FCSA. This is why we recommend cross-referencing the GAA report with an odometer verification to ensure the mileage matches the dates of reported repairs.