Guides

Total-loss guides

Short, plain-English explanations of how a total-loss valuation works. Each one ends with the tool that applies it to a specific vehicle.

• How to read a total-loss valuation reportA section-by-section walkthrough of the valuation report provided after a total loss: what the comparable vehicles mean, the condition ratings, the options list, and the five things to verify before accepting the figure.
• Can a total-loss value be changed?A total-loss valuation can be reviewed, and the figure changes for specific, documented reasons. What can be requested through the adjuster, what to submit, and what doesn't affect the value.
• Why is the value lower than dealer prices?The report starts from dealer listings and applies a condition adjustment to each one. What that adjustment is, what it isn't, and when documentation can recover part of it.
• Do new tires and receipts increase a total-loss value?Which receipts count on a total-loss valuation, how much they add, why $1,200 tires come back as a couple hundred dollars, how warranty replacements are handled, and which aftermarket items count.