Frequently Asked Questions

Home / Contact Us / FAQ’S

A total loss occurs when the cost of repair of a vehicle exceeds a certain amount. It’s a situation where it makes more sense for the insurer to pay the pre-accident value of the damaged vehicle rather than repairing it.

The vehicle is totaled when: The cost of repair + salvage value > Actual Cash Value

It’s what the damaged metal is worth. This amount is normally provided by the salvage auction and is the average of what similarly damaged vehicles have sold for in the past.

Insurance carriers generally use valuation services to assess the value of your vehicle. CCC, JDPower Mitchell, and Audatex are the largest providers of valuation services.

Insurance companies must give you the valuation or appraisal report they used to determine your vehicle’s value. Insurance Total Loss Report Sample.

YES. If you believe your vehicle is worth more, you must prove a higher value. This is usually done by providing the carrier with an alternate report.

Contact a legitimately licensed auto appraiser, we charge $225 for a vehicle valuation report.

Yes, as long as the appraiser issuing it is licensed and competent.

Not unless we are disputing the condition and equipment listed on the insurer’s report.

We process appraisals AFTER full payment is made. We also do not offer refunds.

Yes, on 1st party claim (against your own carrier), we will negotiate and settle your claim with the adverse appraiser. The cost for this service is $300/hour. The overwhelming majority settle under 1 billable hour.

If you do not agree with your own company’s offer, your policy may include an appraisal provision. Typically,

  • You hire your own independent appraiser (you afford the costs)
  • The insurance company hires their own appraiser (they afford the costs)
  • If the appraiser hired by the insurance company and the appraiser you hired don’t come to an agreement, then an umpire will be selected.
  • The umpire is an unbiased person who will settle the claim for the common ground.

 

Insurance-Policy-Appraisal-Clause

Support

Contact Us

Talk to an Expert

Schedule Meeting