Is your auto total loss offer too low?

What goes into a total loss valuation

In plain English, a valuation tries to answer what your specific vehicle was worth immediately before the loss. Each of the inputs below can move that number.

• Vehicle configuration — engine, drivetrain, body style
• Mileage, and the adjustment applied for it
• Condition, and how condition was determined
• Factory options
• Option packages
• Trim level
• Which comparable vehicles were selected
• The geographic market the comparables came from
• Line-item adjustments made to each comparable
• Prior condition, prior damage, or prior repairs
• The valuation methodology itself

Common questions worth asking about a report

Were the comparables actually comparable in trim and equipment? Was the mileage adjustment applied consistently? Was condition assessed from documentation or assumed? Were the vehicle's options captured? Was the market pulled from a region that reflects where you live? None of these presume an error — they identify where one could be.

What to send

The valuation report, the offer letter, photographs of the vehicle, service records if you have them, and any window sticker, build sheet, or documentation of options and prior work.

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