Your car is worth more than their offer.
When you and your insurance company agree a loss is covered but can't agree on how much it's worth, most auto policies have an answer built in: appraisal. It puts the number in front of independent appraisers instead of leaving it to the insurer alone.
Start Your AppraisalIllustration only. Every claim is different.
When appraisal makes sense
Appraisal settles disputes over the amount of a covered loss. These are the arguments it's built for:
Low total-loss value
The insurer's valuation of your totaled car doesn't match what comparable vehicles actually sell for.
Short repair estimate
The estimate leaves out damage, uses cheaper parts or labor rates, or your shop can't do the job for that price.
Missed value
Options, packages, low mileage, condition or recent upgrades weren't counted in the number you were given.
How auto appraisal works
The exact rules are in your policy's appraisal clause, but most follow the same pattern:
Your appraiser
Independent, chosen by you
Umpire
Decides only if the two disagree
Insurer's appraiser
Chosen by the insurance company
Demand appraisal
You or the insurer invoke the clause in writing.
Each side picks an appraiser
Each appraiser must be competent and independent.
The appraisers choose an umpire
A neutral tiebreaker if they can't agree on the amount.
Two signatures set the amount
Agreement by any two of the three generally decides it.
Common questions
Does my auto policy have an appraisal clause?
Most auto policies include one in the physical damage (collision and comprehensive) section, but wording varies. Look for a section titled "Appraisal" in your policy, or have someone review it for you.
Who pays for appraisal?
Typically each side pays its own appraiser and the two sides split the umpire's cost. Your policy spells out the exact terms.
Can appraisal decide whether my claim is covered?
Generally no. Appraisal decides how much a covered loss is worth, not whether it's covered. A full denial is a different kind of dispute.
Is there a deadline?
Policies can set time limits on demands and lawsuits, so don't wait. Ask for appraisal in writing as soon as it's clear you and the insurer won't agree on the number.
Get an independent appraiser on your side
The insurance company already has someone working its number. Adjuster Shield provides independent insurance appraisal services to help make sure your car claim is valued fairly.