After a car accident or a loss, depending on the repair amount, the insurance company may declare the vehicle a total loss. This is usually the case if the cost of repair exceeds the total loss threshold.

The total loss formula:

Cost of Repair + Salvage Value > Actual Cash Value

The insurance carrier is required to provide you with an appraisal report or a Market Valuation Report. This report details how the carrier arrived to their assessment of actual cash value. To show good faith, carriers usually hire an outside company (JD Power Mitchell, CCC or Audatex) to compile the data and provide the appraisal report. This appraisal report MUST contain comparable vehicles and a market analysis within your geographical area.

If you believe that the insurer’s cash value assessment in deflated or unfair you have the right to dispute it. A dispute is achieved by hiring your own independent auto appraiser to provide a counter-appraisal. The burden of proof is always on you, meaning: you have to prove to the carrier that you lost more than they’re willing to pay.

If this is a claim against your own carrier, check your policy, it may contain a value dispute method, usually under the appraisal clause.

On Average, our valuations are 5 to 15% greater than CCC or Mitchell, so, if the insurer is using either one of those companies for their report, it might be a claim worth disputing.

To get the process started, please fill out the order form below.

Appraisal Requirements:

1. Vehicles must be $3,000 or more
2. We need a copy of the insurer’s vehicle valuation report
3. We will not be disputing the condition stated in the insurer’s report
4. There is no guarantee our valuation will be greater

cforms contact form by delicious:days