Total loss
Total loss settlements explained
A total loss settlement should pay what your vehicle was worth just before the loss, its actual cash value, plus whatever taxes and fees your state requires. Insurers calculate that figure from comparable vehicles. If the comparables, trim or condition are wrong, the offer will be low, and documented evidence is how you challenge it.
What a settlement is made of
Actual cash value
What your vehicle was worth immediately before the loss: comparable vehicles, adjusted for mileage, equipment and condition.
Taxes and fees
Many states require sales tax and title or registration fees to be included. Rules vary by state.
Loan or lease payoff
If you owe more than the settlement, the lender is paid first. GAP coverage, if you have it, may cover the difference.
Upgrades and condition
Recent tires, major repairs and aftermarket equipment can add value if they are documented.
Reported by clients
Past total loss settlements
Offers and final settlements clients reported in past total loss claims.
| Name | State | Car | Offer | Settlement | Insurance |
| Carlos M. | Florida | 96 Bentley | $72,000 | $95,000 | AllState |
| John V. | Florida | 08 BMW | $88,000 | $94,500 | AllState |
| Kenny C. | Georgia | 06 Maserati | $68,198 | $92,000 | Amica |
| Don W. | Oregon | 95 Am. Eagle | $66,000 | $81,000 | Nationwide |
| Barry K. | Florida | 07 Lexus | $54,404 | $61,125 | AllState |
| Mark S. | Texas | 09 Jaguar | $52,270 | $56,460 | Travelers |
| Wade S. | Maryland | 97 Acura | $35,050 | $50,060 | State Farm |
| Ajshe S. | Texas | 03 Ford | $44,000 | $49,000 | State Farm |
| Genaro R. | Iowa | 08 Ford | $44,000 | $47,000 | Farmers |
| Ron Gold | Florida | 06 Dodge | $25,655 | $46,486 | AllState |
| Parul P. | Michigan | 06 Chevy | $42,215 | $44,500 | Progressive |
| Billy H. | Kentucky | 00 Porsche | $38,175 | $44,185 | Cincinnati Ins. |
| Craig M. | Oklahoma | 05 Ford | $40,000 | $43,000 | Farmers |
| Neal R. | Arizona | 02 Lexus | $39,000 | $41,500 | USAA |
| Melisa W. | California | 08 Ford | $37,648 | $41,000 | Mercury |
| Chris W. | Florida | 88 Rolls Royce | $26,000 | $38,011 | USAA |
| Kay A. | Texas | 04 BMW | $29,344 | $36,000 | Nationwide |
| Allen D. | Oregon | 03 Ford | $26,500 | $36,000 | USAA |
| Zach A. | Illinois | 04 Subaru | $25,000 | $33,500 | State Farm |
| Vincent O. | California | 01 Mercedes | $29,000 | $32,100 | Farmers |
| Ahmad M. | Georgia | 03 Freightliner | $30,000 | $32,100 | Great American |
| Mike B. | Colorado | 04 Chevy | $29,030 | $31,200 | Farmers |
| Larry B. | California | 03 Chevy | $24,000 | $31,000 | AX |
| Terry S. | Nevada | 06 Cadillac | $29,000 | $31,000 | State Farm |
| Michael S. | California | 05 Ford | $19,000 | $29,605 | AAA |
| Angie S. | Kansas | 05 Nissan | $27,500 | $29,500 | Farmers |
| Dennis P. | California | 02 Dodge | $22,000 | $28,500 | Encompass |
| Willie S. | Oregon | 04 GMC | $26,000 | $28,500 | Progressive |
| Kristopher C. | Arizona | 08 Toyota | $26,100 | $28,100 | Nationwide |
| Arnold P. | California | 04 BMW | $20,000 | $26,500 | Essurance |
| JoAnn W. | Maryland | 08 Mustang | $19,000 | $25,864 | Maryland |
| Richard S. | California | 00 Ford | $19,117 | $25,854 | GMAC |
| Balu R. | Texas | 03 BMW | $23,125 | $25,500 | Met Life |
| Ken W. | Washington | 07 Jeep | $23,000 | $25,500 | Allstate |
| Rob T. | Florida | 04 Prius | $22,000 | $25,000 | Allstate |
| Dennis C. | Washington | 05 Harley | $22,099 | $24,998 | Nationwide |
| Bill A. | Oregon | 04 Chevy | $22,500 | $24,500 | Nationwide |
| John W. | Washington | 08 Nissan | $22,026 | $24,100 | Geico |
| Dan E. | Arizona | 02 Mercedes | $19,000 | $24,090 | USAA |
| Terry K. | Illinois | 03 Lincoln | $16,850 | $23,464 | Universal |
| Brandon R. | Arizona | 02 Mercedes | $20,610 | $23,000 | State Farm |
| Matt G. | Virginia | 99 Chevy | $15,000 | $23,000 | Allstate |
| Marlene H. | Indiana | 07 Honda | $17,751 | $22,872 | AMF |
| Alex M. | Florida | 05 Pontiac | $22,000 | $22,500 | Essurance |
| Katrina B. | California | 03 Chevy | $19,941 | $22,350 | State Farm |
| Wilfred J. | Washington | 04 Ford | $19,050 | $22,000 | Farmers |
| Phil M. | Utah | 03 Volkswagon | $19,000 | $21,500 | USAA |
| Roger M. | Arizona | 05 Volkswagon | $19,400 | $21,300 | Hartford |
| Gloria D. | Florida | 05 Jaguar | $17,837 | $19,300 | Allstate |
Individual results vary based on the vehicle, evidence, insurer, state, coverage, and circumstances of each claim. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Common questions
Do I have to accept the first total loss offer?
Generally no. You can ask for the insurer’s valuation report, point out errors, and provide your own evidence. Some policies include an appraisal clause for resolving disagreements about value. State law changes and depends on the facts of each claim. For legal advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
What if I owe more than the car is worth?
The settlement goes to the lender first. If you have GAP coverage it may pay the remaining balance; without it, you may owe the difference.
Can I keep my totaled vehicle?
In many states you can, with the settlement reduced by the salvage value and a salvage or rebuilt title required. Check your state’s rules.
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.