How to Dispute an Insurance Total Loss on a Car

Steps for Disputing an Insurance Total Loss on a Car

If your car has recently been determined to be a total loss by an insurance company, know that the company must prove to you that the total loss claim is valid. Additionally, if you dispute the claim, you have the right to an independent appraisal in order to receive a second opinion. In order to dispute an insurance total loss for a car, use the following steps.

1. Gather evidence to support your case. Examine the damaged car for evidence that the insurance company's assessment is inaccurate or exaggerated. Take pictures, save paperwork, and note functioning features of the car which were not taken into account in the total loss assessment.
2. Calculate the actual cash value. To determine the actual cash value of the car, consult Kelley Blue Book or similar organizations for the car's current market cost. Understand that the insurance company’s total loss assessment is biased, so you must complete the calculations in order to prove that the car is worth more than the company's initial assessment.
3. Prepare a summary of your evidence. Once you have gathered sufficient evidence and calculated the actual cash value, summarize the details into a brief document to provide to the insurance adjuster. Since your goal is to prove the car's worth, it is important to be organized and thorough. Include in this document a detailed description of the car.
4. Obtain an independent appraisal. To ensure accuracy in the claims process, you can hire an independent appraiser to provide a second opinion. Make sure to select an appraiser who is not associated with the insurance company, and who can provide an accurate and fair market value for the car.
5. Negotiate a fair settlement. After obtaining an independent appraisal, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. Explain your evidence and valid calculations to the adjuster and document the conversations accurately in order to ensure that the settlement is fair.