How To File Auto Insurance Claims
Diminished Value Claims, Total Loss Disputes & the Appraisal Clause
Learn how to file a diminished value claim, dispute a total loss valuation, invoke the appraisal clause, and understand your options after a car accident.
Understand the Difference
After a car accident, the type of insurance claim you file depends on what happened to your vehicle. Understanding the difference is the first step toward recovering the full value of your claim.
Your vehicle was repaired
Diminished Value Claims
A diminished value claim allows you to recover the loss in your vehicle’s market value after it has been professionally repaired following a car accident. Even when repairs are completed correctly, a vehicle with an accident history is often worth less than a comparable vehicle with a clean history. Many insurance companies do not automatically compensate vehicle owners for this loss in value.
Our step-by-step guide explains how to file a diminished value claim, what documents you’ll need, how to support your claim with a professional diminished value appraisal, and what to do if the insurance company denies or undervalues your claim.
How To File A Diminished Value ClaimYour vehicle was totaled
Total Loss Disputes & the Appraisal Clause
When your insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss, it determines the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) to calculate your total loss settlement. If you believe the valuation is too low, you have the right to challenge the offer. Depending on your auto insurance policy, you may also be able to invoke the appraisal clause to resolve disagreements over your vehicle’s value.
Our step-by-step guide explains how to dispute a total loss valuation, review the insurance company’s valuation report, gather supporting market evidence, and determine whether the appraisal clause is the right option for your claim.
How to Dispute a Total Loss ValuationNot Sure Where to Start?
Not every insurance claim follows the same process. If you’re unsure whether you have a diminished value claim, need to dispute a total loss valuation, or qualify for the appraisal clause, Premier Vehicle Valuation Specialists can review your claim, explain your options, and recommend the appropriate next step.
Insurance Claim Guides & Resources
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re pursuing a diminished value claim, disputing a total loss valuation, or need a specialty vehicle appraisal, Premier Vehicle Valuation Specialists is here to help.
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