Totaled vehicles
Total loss appraisals
When an insurer declares your vehicle a total loss, it offers what it calls the vehicle’s actual cash value. If that offer misses equipment, condition or local market prices, an independent total-loss appraisal documents what comparable vehicles actually sell for, giving you evidence to dispute the offer or to use in your policy’s appraisal process.
The offer
Where total-loss valuations go wrong
Wrong trim or options
A base model priced instead of the trim you own, or factory packages left out.
Condition marked down
Generic deductions that don’t match your vehicle’s actual condition and records.
Weak comparables
Vehicles from distant markets, with higher mileage, or of a different trim.
Upgrades ignored
Aftermarket equipment, recent major repairs and new tires often go unvalued.
Process
Disputing a total-loss offer
- 1
Get the insurer’s valuation report
Ask for the full report, not just the offer figure. It lists the comparables and adjustments used. - 2
Start a free claim review
We tell you whether an independent appraisal is likely to change the number. - 3
We prepare the appraisal
Comparables, equipment, condition and records, in a report reviewed by Monica Fisher. - 4
Present the counter-evidence
Send it to the adjuster, or use it in your policy’s appraisal process.
Start to finish
We help you from start to finish
Free claim review
We look at your claim and tell you whether an appraisal will help.
Appraisal + custom demand letter
A report built for your vehicle, with a demand letter written for your claim.
Help the whole way through
Questions while the insurer reviews it? Call our support staff at (877) 655-1661.
Total loss guides
Learn more
Service
Total loss appraisals
What the independent appraisal covers and when it helps.
Guide
Total loss settlements
How settlements are calculated and what to expect.
Guide
Total loss valuation terms
ACV, comparables, adjustments, salvage and more.
Article
Flood-damaged cars
Checking a vehicle’s history for flood and total-loss records.
Oregon
Oregon total loss claims
Information for Oregon policyholders.
Resource
State insurance agencies
Where to file a complaint about a claim in your state.
Common questions
How do insurers value a totaled vehicle?
Most insurers use a valuation vendor that compares your vehicle with similar vehicles recently sold or listed, then adjusts for mileage, options and condition. Errors in trim, equipment, condition ratings or the choice of comparables can lower the figure.
What is an appraisal clause?
Many auto policies include an appraisal provision that lets either side demand an appraisal when you and the insurer disagree on the amount of a covered loss. Each side typically hires an appraiser, and an umpire settles differences. Whether your policy has one, and how it works, depends on the policy and your state.
What do I need to send you?
The insurer’s valuation report, the settlement offer, photos of the vehicle before and after the loss if you have them, maintenance and upgrade records, and the window sticker or build sheet if available.
Can I keep negotiating after I receive the appraisal?
Yes. The report is evidence you can give the adjuster. Insurers, arbitrators and courts make their own decisions. An appraisal is evidence supporting your claim, not a promise of payment.
Do you handle total-loss appraisals in every state?
No. Autoloss does not handle total-loss claims in Alabama, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina or Wyoming. Diminished-value and other appraisals are available in every state.
How much does a total loss appraisal cost?
Total-loss fees depend on the vehicle and what the case requires. Start a free claim review and we will quote before you commit.
Think the offer is too low?
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.