When a car is declared a total loss in Oregon, the policyholder has the right to invoke the appraisal clause if there is a dispute over the settlement amount offered by the insurance company. The appraisal clause is a provision in the insurance policy that allows both parties to select an independent appraiser to determine the fair market value of the vehicle.

To invoke the appraisal clause, the policyholder must provide written notice to the insurance company, stating their intent to invoke the clause and their chosen appraiser. We also provide a letter of representation to make sure the insurance company’s appraiser contacts us via email so there is no delay in the claim due to missed calls, etc. The insurance company must also select an appraiser, and the two appraisers will then work together to determine the fair market value of the vehicle.

An Oregon-certified auto appraiser can provide an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the vehicle. The appraiser will typically inspect the vehicle either via an Copart or IAAI inspection or physically, review its history and maintenance records, and compare it to similar vehicles in the local market. The appraiser will then provide a written report that includes the fair market value of the vehicle.

The two appraisers will then negotiate the value of the vehicle. In most situations, they will exchange appraisals and possibly critique each other’s appraisal to lead to a mutually acceptable value.

In terms of discrediting the opposing appraiser’s comparables, a knowledgeable appraiser can identify bad repairs or modifications on comparable vehicles that may affect the value of the loss vehicle. For example, if the opposing appraiser’s comparables include vehicles with significant frame damage, the appraiser can point out the diminished value resulting from such repairs.

Digital marketing and connections with local auto dealers can also be used to build value in the policyholder’s vehicle. Ken’s time at Reynolds and Reynolds and Diversiform provided him with a strong relationship to local Oregon and Washington auto dealers. The appraiser can research the market for similar vehicles, identify any unique features or upgrades on the policyholder’s vehicle, and use that information to build a case for a higher settlement amount.

When negotiating with insurance appraisers, it is important that we remain professional and courteous. It may be helpful to provide documentation and evidence to support your appraisal, such as maintenance records, repair invoices, or market research data. Auditing the opposing appraiser’s appraisal can also be helpful in ensuring its accuracy and to prevent them from fraudulently lowballing your vehicle.

Challenges that may arise during the appraisal process can include disputes over the selection of the appraiser, disagreements over the value of the vehicle, and delays in communication. Overcoming these challenges may require persistence, clear communication, and a willingness to work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

If you think your insurance company is offering a lower value for your vehicle than what it’s actually worth, you don’t have to accept their offer. You can continue negotiations directly with the adjuster or if you have full coverage in Oregon and your policy includes an appraisal provision, consider hiring Leverage Auto Appraisals. They are a local Oregon-based auto appraisal company with a licensed and certified ODOT appraiser who can assess and negotiate the total loss claim with your insurer.

According to Oregon Law. The appraisal costs must be reimbursed by your insurer if the final appraised value exceeds their last offer. Leverage Auto Appraisals is a local Oregon-based auto appraisal company with a licensed Oregon auto appraiser certified by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) who will assess and negotiate the total loss claim with your insurance company.

At Leverage Auto Appraisals, we focus solely on consumers in Oregon and Washington. We have no affiliation with any insurance company and are committed to always providing objective and unbiased assessments of your vehicle’s value, then negotiating with your insurance company to obtain the real fair market value you should be paid.

Over 99 percent of our client’s services have been free on 1st policy total loss claims in Oregon for the past 13+ years. Leverage provides credible appraisals to Oregon policyholders for total loss and we also negotiate your claim free of charge on all first-party claims. (with your own insurance company).

You need LEVERAGE

We provide credible total loss appraisals and Expert Negotiation to help you get a fair settlement on your totaled or stolen car or truck.

OREGON Certified/Licensed Auto Appraiser # V34-075

Oregon Total Loss Services:

Detailed Specs

Oregon Law requires the automobile insurance companies to:

• Provide written notice to the vehicle owner explaining total loss. The notice should inform Oregon claimants, how car valuations are determined, and what steps an owner can take if they disagree with the insurer’s offer.
• Provide the Oregon car owner the appraisal or valuation reports that have been used to determine the value of the damaged vehicle. 
• Pay the total loss owner the amount that isn’t in dispute, while the negotiation over the car valuation continues. (For example, if the insurer offers $15,000 and the vehicle owner seeks $18,000, the insurer should pay the $15,000 immediately).
• Reimburse the car owner for reasonable car appraisal costs. This will apply when the car owner has a right to seek appraisal and the final appraised value is higher than the last offer of the insurer.