Appraisal guide
Total loss appraisal and the appraisal clause
When an insurer totals your car, it pays its own number for the car’s actual cash value. If that number is too low, an independent appraisal is how you push back.
Actual cash value (ACV)
Most auto policies pay actual cash value on a total loss: what your car was worth just before the loss, given its year, mileage, options and condition. Insurers often base the figure on a valuation report that may use cars that aren’t truly comparable, or miss upgrades and low miles.
How the appraisal clause works
Many auto policies include an appraisal clause for disputes over the amount of a loss. It typically works like this:
- You give the insurer written notice that you’re invoking appraisal.
- You and the insurer each hire an independent appraiser.
- The two appraisers try to agree on the value.
- If they can’t, an umpire decides, and agreement by any two of the three sets the amount.
Each side usually pays its own appraiser and splits the umpire’s fee. Read your policy for the exact steps and deadlines.
What your appraiser does
- Finds truly comparable sales for your car’s year, trim, mileage and region
- Documents options, upgrades, service history and condition
- Reviews the insurer’s valuation report and shows where it falls short
- Writes a report and negotiates with the insurer’s appraiser
Find a total loss appraiser
Send one free request and we’ll route it to independent appraisers in your state.
Common questions
Should I accept the insurer’s first total-loss offer?
You don’t have to. Ask for the valuation report, check the comparables, and get an independent opinion if the number looks low.
What’s an appraisal-clause umpire?
A neutral appraiser who decides the value when the two sides’ appraisers can’t agree. CYRA Auto lists appraisers who serve as umpires and expert witnesses.
Does this work for classic or modified cars?
Yes, and it matters more for them. Price guides often miss what a restored, rare or modified car is really worth.
Find an auto appraiser in your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules vary by state and by policy.