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.

Ken Nix's current Oregon Auto Appraisers Certification and License issued by ODOT Picture of Ken Nix, who is an Oregon Certified and Licensed Vehicle Appraiser.

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:

Aloha Oregon Total Loss Albany Oregon Total Loss Beaverton Oregon Total Loss Bend Oregon Total Loss
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Medford Oregon Total Loss Newberg Oregon Total Loss North Bend/Coos Bay Oregon Total Loss Oregon City Oregon Total Loss
Portland Oregon Total Loss Redmond Oregon Total Loss Salem Oregon Total Loss Springfield Oregon Total Loss
Tigard Oregon Total Loss Tualatin Oregon Total Loss West Linn Oregon Total Loss Wilsonville Oregon Total Loss

Total Loss, Getting Your Real Market Value.

We don’t just write a Total Loss Fair Market Value appraisal like some companies. Our Total Loss auto appraiser will also negotiate with your insurance company’s appraiser to get a fair value for your totaled vehicle. This is included in the price of your appraisal, you won’t be upsold later on like some companies. Ken has over 38 years of negotiation experience. Licensed Auto Appraiser in Oregon

Auto Appraiser

Over 11 years as an Oregon Licensed Auto Appraiser

Negotiator

Over 38 years experience in negotiations.

Only Works For Consumers

No conflict of interest here. We only work for consumers, not insurance companies.

Detailed Specs

In Oregon and Washington, if you feel you’ve been offered an unfair amount, you’ll normally have an appraisal clause in your policy that allows you to dispute their offer. The appraisal clause allows you to hire an independent auto appraiser to produce an appraisal and your insurance company will also have to hire an independent auto appraiser to produce one for them. The two auto appraisers will negotiate the value between them, if they can not come to an agreement, then an Umpire will decide which appraisal is more credible.

In Oregon, if we increase the value by one cent more than the last offer your insurance company offered you, they have to reimburse you for the cost of the appraisal.

If your claim is with your insurer, you may have the right to an appraisal if your policy
includes an appraisal provision. Your insurer must reimburse your reasonable
appraisal costs if the final appraised value is greater than the insurer’s last offer. This
provision applies to all new policyholders on or after January 1, 2010 and to current
policyholders upon the first renewal of their policy that occurs on or after January 1,
2010. Ask your claims adjuster or the Insurance Division for more information.

Lowball offers from CCC One are more common than you may think. In the case of Buratovich v. Farmers Insurance, documents obtained during discovery, reflected that Farmers Insurance had selected CCC One solely due to it’s evaluations having the lowest payout in regards to a Total Loss Claim. CCC has also recently come under fire in Georgia where consumer advocates claim they have substantially lower valuations than other companies.If your car, truck, RV, motorcycle, or other wheeled vehicle has been totaled, before you accept the insurance company’s total loss offer, you should speak to an Auto Appraiser.

There have also been several Class Action Lawsuits filed regarding Mitchell / J. D. Powers and Associates Total Loss Valuation Methods. This valuation has been involved in several cases where consumers have sought class action lawsuits against State Farm and Progressive for using Mitchell and J.D. Powers valuations.

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. 

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CLAIM REVIEW!

503.420.3001

OREGON CERTIFIED AUTO APPRAISER

OREGON CERTIFIED APPRAISER

When Hiring an Auto Appraiser, make sure they are certified by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Otherwise, the appraisal may not be considered credible. We are an Oregon certified and licensed auto appraiser. #V34-075

CREDIBLE APPRAISALS

Some appraisal companies inflate their valuations in an effort to entice you to use them because they have the largest value. Largest doesn’t mean you’ll settle for more, normally it’s the opposite. Most insurance companies know who provides credible appraisals, and who provide inflated values

AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE

With over 11 years as a licensed and Certified Oregon Auto Appraiser, Ken has the experience to handle any job. He has over 38 years negotiating experience with over 30 years spent in the automotive industry.

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You DESERVE A FAIR SETTLEMENT

LEVERAGE

Auto Appraisals

(503) 420-3001

Location

8885 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR. 97225

Email

Open Hours

Mon:10am – 5pm
Tue: 10am – 5pm
Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thur: 10am – 5pm
Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: Closed

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