How we appraise
Our appraisal methodology
An Autoloss appraisal values your vehicle from market evidence: comparable vehicles for sale and sold, adjusted for mileage, equipment, condition, damage, repair quality and local market. It is not a formula applied to a price guide. Every adjustment is written into the report, and Monica Fisher reviews each report before it is released.
Reviewed by Monica Fisher, Owner, Licensed Auto Appraiser and Court Expert Witness
Last reviewed
Evidence in
What you submit
Photographs of the vehicle and damage or repairs, the repair estimate or final invoice, the insurer’s valuation report for total losses, and vehicle details: VIN, mileage, trim and equipment. Maintenance and upgrade records help where condition or equipment is in question.
How comparable vehicles are identified
We look for vehicles of the same year, make, model and trim with similar mileage and equipment, offered in markets relevant to the owner. For diminished value we compare vehicles with and without accident history. We prefer current retail listings and actual sale data over published price-guide values alone.
Market value out
What is adjusted for
Differences in mileage, equipment and options, overall condition, the type and severity of damage (structural and frame damage weigh more than cosmetic damage), the quality of the repair, prior damage history, and local market conditions.
How the value is reached
For diminished value, the report compares pre-loss market value with post-repair market value and explains the difference. For total loss, the report establishes the vehicle’s market value before the loss. Every adjustment is stated so a reader can follow it.
Checked and defended
How Monica Fisher reviews each report
Before release, Monica Fisher checks the vehicle identification, the comparables selected, each adjustment and the final figure. Reports that do not hold up are revised before they are delivered.
When an insurer questions a report
Insurers sometimes challenge comparables or adjustments. We answer questions about how the report was prepared and, where we made an error or omission, amend it. We do not negotiate the claim on your behalf.
Sources
Research sources
We use market and vehicle information from these research sources, together with the photographs and documents you supply.
- AutoTrader
- Cars.com
- CarMax
- CARFAX
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
- Your photos & records
Why the rough calculator is different
Our diminished value calculator applies a simple percentage to a value you enter. It gives a starting point, not an appraisal. The method on this page is what an actual report uses.
Not sure whether an appraisal will help?
The claim review is free: we look at your situation and tell you whether an appraisal is likely to help. The appraisal itself is a paid report. We help from start to finish, including a custom demand letter, and our support staff is a phone call away throughout the process.