Was your car involved in an accident in Puyallup, Washington, and declared a total loss? Now, they will value the vehicle and offer you a settlement amount. However, you might not always agree with your insurance company’s valuation. It is where the total loss appraisal clause comes into the picture. For vehicle owners in Puyallup, Washington, understanding this clause can make all the difference between accepting less and receiving the accurate market value of your beloved ride.
Puyallup, Washington, total loss appraisal clause experts can help you throughout the process. We also break down what a total loss appraisal really means, what you receive from it, when to consider it, and how to properly invoke the clause—step by step. If you have ever come across this situation and felt undervalued after a total loss, this guide is for you.
After your car is declared a total loss, you call some professionals to determine its accurate market value. Based on comparable vehicles in your local market, mileage, features, and condition before the accident, the summoned professional gives an expert opinion of your vehicle’s accurate market value; this is called a total loss appraisal.
The appraiser gathers your vehicle details, evaluates its actual market price using industry tools and local data, and provides you with a certified report. Generally, appraisals are done within 48 to 72 hours after receiving your vehicle info and insurance claim details. Under a provision, many insurance policies allow the policyholder and the insurance company to resolve a dispute over the valuation of a totaled vehicle. This provision is called a total loss appraisal clause.
If you invoke a Puyallup, or Camas, Washington, total loss appraisal clause experts, they will provide you with a detailed, market-support report. This report accurately reflects the post-accident value of your vehicle. You can use it to challenge the insurance company and request a fairer settlement. The following are the things you receive in a total loss appraisal.
Before you invoke a total loss appraisal clause, you should consider whether it is worth it or not. Challenging the insurance company's payout with professional total loss appraisals is possible in the following situations:
Appraisal clause in Washington allows both the policyholder and the insurance company to hire a certified appraiser. We have broken down the whole process into 5 steps.
The process begins with you sending a letter to their insurance company informing them that, because of not reaching a settlement, you are invoking the appraisal clause. You can email the company, but it is best to send a letter.
Each side selects an appraiser and pays them to evaluate the loss. You should choose an expert appraiser who is familiar with the appraisal clause process. Your selected appraiser should be neutral and not connected with the insurance company.
You and the insurance company’s appraisers independently evaluate the loss and discuss their findings. Both appraisers try to reach a mutually agreeable settlement amount.
If the two appraisers do not reach an agreeable amount of the loss, they petition the third-party Umpire, who reviews the positions and documentations of the two primary appraisers. If an Umpire is called, you and your insurance company each pay them half of their hiring cost. An amount agreed upon by any two of the three appraisers is generally binding.
At last, you submit the written appraisal award to your insurance company and receive the amount agreed to in the appraisal process.
We welcome you to ADR Claims, a team of Puyallup, Washington, total loss appraisal clause experts dedicated to helping you get the accurate value of your totaled vehicle. We have been in the industry for a long time. So, if your car meets the total loss threshold in Washington and is totaled, we are your reliable partner. Contact us for a free quote and book your appraisal.
