Don't accept it yet: ask the insurer for its full valuation report and check every comparable vehicle and adjustment against your car. If you still disagree on the amount and the claim is under your own policy, the appraisal clause usually lets you bring in your own appraiser.
Ask for the written report behind the offer. Check the trim level, options, mileage, condition ratings, and whether the comparable vehicles are truly similar and local.
Collect maintenance records, receipts for recent upgrades or tires, photos from before the accident, and listings of truly comparable vehicles. Send them in writing.
If the claim is under your own policy and you still disagree on value, read your policy's appraisal clause. Invoking it puts your own appraiser on the claim. See Right to Appraisal.
Your own policy's appraisal clause won't apply to their insurer. Documentation still matters, and for legal options talk to a Virginia attorney.
Three sides to every claim. I've worked all of them. Geoff Albach has spent 33 years in the industry as an independent appraiser, an insurance staff adjuster, and a collision repair operations director.
Related: Diminished value appraisals · Right to appraisal · Contact Geoff
Not before reviewing the valuation report and checking its comparables and adjustments.
Yes. Send evidence in writing. Under your own policy, the appraisal clause usually provides a formal way to resolve a disagreement over the amount.
Maintenance records, upgrade receipts, pre-accident photos, and listings of truly comparable local vehicles.
Under a typical appraisal clause, an umpire resolves the differences.
General information, not legal advice. Talk to a Virginia attorney about your specific claim.
Call or text Geoff at 434-665-6059. Lynchburg, VA.
