Total Loss Service
Market-Based Total Loss Valuations
We provide professional total loss valuation reports and claim support using our proprietary Premier Market Comparison Method™ to help vehicle owners establish accurate pre loss market value and support fair insurance settlements.
How the Appraisal Clause Process Works
- We review your total loss offer and policy language
- We prepare your Premier Total Loss Valuation Report™
- We coordinate directly with the opposing appraiser
- We handle negotiations throughout the appraisal process
- We work toward a fair and supported final settlement
* Available in Select States
TOTAL LOSS CLAIMS
Total Loss Questions, Answered
Learn how total loss valuations work, how insurers determine vehicle value, what may affect your settlement, and what options you have when you disagree with a total loss offer.
What is a total loss appraisal clause?
A total loss appraisal clause is a provision in some auto insurance policies that provides a process for resolving disagreements over the value of a totaled vehicle. Typically, the policyholder and insurance company each select an independent appraiser to determine the vehicle’s value.
Can I invoke the appraisal clause if I disagree with my insurance company’s total loss offer?
Possibly. If your policy contains an applicable appraisal clause and the disagreement involves the value of your vehicle, you may be able to invoke the appraisal process. The specific requirements depend on your policy language and applicable state requirements.
How does the total loss appraisal clause process work?
After the appraisal clause is formally invoked, you and the insurance company each select an appraiser. The appraisers independently evaluate the vehicle and attempt to agree on its value. If they cannot agree, the policy may provide for an umpire to help resolve the valuation dispute.
How does an independent appraiser determine the value of a totaled vehicle?
An independent appraiser evaluates relevant market evidence and vehicle-specific factors such as year, make, model, trim, mileage, condition, equipment, options, and comparable vehicles to develop a supported pre-loss market value.
What happens if the two total loss appraisers disagree?
If the appraisers cannot agree, the appraisal clause may allow the dispute to proceed to an independent umpire. The appraisers or another process specified by the policy select the umpire, and the appraisal proceeds according to the policy terms.
Can the appraisal clause increase my total loss settlement?
The appraisal process can result in a higher vehicle value when supported by the market evidence, but an increase is not guaranteed. Its purpose is to independently resolve the disagreement over the amount of the loss.
Do I still own my vehicle during the appraisal clause process?
Invoking the appraisal clause generally addresses the disputed value of the vehicle and does not, by itself, determine ownership or salvage handling. Those issues depend on the claim, policy terms, settlement status, and applicable state requirements.
How much does a total loss appraisal clause service cost?
Premier Vehicle Valuation Specialists charges a $449 flat fee for total loss appraisal clause service. If the dispute requires an umpire, additional umpire fees may apply.
Does Premier handle communication with the insurance company’s appraiser?
Yes. Once Premier Vehicle Valuation Specialists is retained as your appraiser, we prepare our independent valuation, communicate directly with the opposing appraiser, and represent our valuation position throughout the appraisal process.
Total Loss Claim Resources
Diminished Value Laws by State
Learn about diminished value laws, insurance regulations, statutes of limitations, and claim requirements in all 50 states.
How to Dispute a Total Loss Valuation
If your vehicle was declared a total loss, learn how to review the valuation report, dispute inaccuracies, and understand your available options.
How to File a Diminished Value Claim
Learn the steps involved in pursuing a diminished value claim, from gathering documentation to negotiating with the insurance company.
Insurance Company Claim Resources
Find insurance company contact information, claim submission instructions, carrier-specific resources, and helpful claims information for major insurance companies.
Premier Market Comparison Method
Learn how the Premier Market Comparison Method (PMCM™) determines diminished value and total loss market value using real market data and comparable vehicle analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about diminished value claims, total loss disputes, appraisal clauses, insurance claims, and Premier Vehicle Valuation Specialists.
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