Certified Auto Appraiser · Total loss disputes
Total loss appraisals in Orange County
Your car is a total loss, and the insurance company's offer doesn't come close to what it was worth. An independent appraisal gives you a documented number to push back with.
From the field
When the offer doesn't add up.
It happens all the time. Someone has a well-kept car with low miles, good options and every service record, and the insurer's total-loss offer is built from cars that aren't really comparable: higher miles, a lower trim, a different part of the country.
After thirty years of buying and selling cars in Orange County, I know what cars like yours actually sell for here. I document your car's condition, options and history, find truly comparable cars, and show where the insurer's number falls short.
Most people don't realize they can dispute the offer. With the right documentation, many of them get a better settlement.
Keep driving,
David
When you need one
- The insurer's total-loss valuation seems low
- The comparables they used don't match your car's trim, miles or condition
- Your car was a classic, collector, modified or low-mileage example
- Your policy has an appraisal clause and you need an appraiser
- Your attorney needs documented support
What the report includes
- Actual cash value of your car immediately before the loss
- Review of the insurer's valuation and comparables
- Your car's condition, options, mileage and records, documented
- Truly comparable sales, and how each was adjusted to your car
- A signed certification, prepared in line with USPAP
Independence
Know your options
Many auto policies include an appraisal clause: if you and the insurer disagree on value, each side can name an appraiser, and an umpire settles any difference. I can serve as your appraiser, or simply give you a documented value to negotiate with. Either way, the insurance company doesn't pay me, and my fee never depends on the result.
Questions
Good to know.
Can I dispute a total loss offer?
Yes. You can ask the insurer to explain its valuation, provide your own documentation and comparables, and negotiate. Many policies also have an appraisal clause for disagreements over value.
What is actual cash value?
Generally what your car was worth on the market immediately before the loss, considering its condition, mileage, options and history.
What is an appraisal clause?
A provision in many auto policies: when you and the insurer disagree on value, each side names an appraiser, and an umpire decides any remaining difference. Check your policy for the details.
What if my car was a classic or modified?
That's where total-loss offers are most often wrong. Standard valuation systems rarely capture originality, restoration or quality modifications.
Do I need the car to still be available?
It helps, but it isn't required. I can work from photographs, records and the insurer's report if the car has already been moved.
Do you work throughout Orange County?
Yes, and I inspect cars in person wherever they're located.
Other appraisals
Request an appraisal
Tell me about the car, the insurer's offer, and what you think it was worth. I'll reply personally.