Why Is My Total Loss Offer

So Low Guide

Is The Insurance Company Using a Fair Total Loss Valuation to make your offer?

Total Loss Guide

When your vehicle is declared a total loss, every dollar in the valuation matters. Insurance companies often undervalue cars, remove options, or use outdated comparisons. This guide explains how total loss calculations work and how to protect your payout.

Upload Your Total Loss Valuation For Review

Common Total Loss Questions

Why did they declare my car a total loss

Insurance companies total a vehicle when the repair cost gets close to the allowed percentage of the car's value. Sometimes they total it early to avoid paying for proper repairs.

EstiVerify can help you understand whether the total loss calculation was fair or rushed.

Why did they total my car even though it still runs

Running condition is not the deciding factor. The decision is based on repair cost compared to value. Even drivable cars can be totaled if repairs are expensive.

Upload your valuation to EstiVerify so you know if they used the correct repair costs and vehicle value.

Why does the insurance value seem low compared to market prices

Insurers often use outdated or filtered data that undervalues your car. They may remove features, options, or use poor comparables.

A low valuation means a lower payout. EstiVerify checks whether the value matches real market data.

Why do they want to rush the total loss process

The faster you accept the offer, the cheaper the claim is for them. Rushed processes are common because they reduce pushback.

EstiVerify helps you slow the process down and review the numbers before you agree.

Why do they push me to accept the first valuation

The first valuation is usually the lowest. Many people accept it without question, and insurance counts on that.

Do not accept the first offer. Upload it to EstiVerify so we can check it for errors and missing value.

How do they decide what my car is worth

They use a valuation tool that picks comparable vehicles and adjusts based on features, mileage, and condition. These tools are often biased toward lower values.

EstiVerify can tell you if the comps and adjustments are accurate or if they undercut your value.

Why are the comparable vehicles nothing like mine

Many valuations use poor comparables. They may choose cheaper trims, cars from bad locations, or vehicles missing your features.

Bad comps lower your payout. EstiVerify checks the comparables and identifies unfair selections.

Why did they remove features from my valuation

Insurance systems often fail to detect or include all factory options. Missing features reduce your vehicle's value.

EstiVerify can help you confirm all features and ensure they are included in the valuation.

Why is the mileage adjustment so large

Mileage affects value, but some valuations drastically adjust it to reduce the final payout. Large mileage deductions are a red flag.

EstiVerify will show you if the mileage adjustment is realistic or inflated.

Why is the condition adjustment so negative

Some insurers automatically mark vehicles lower in condition, even when the car was in good shape before the crash. This lowers your payout.

EstiVerify helps you challenge unfair condition adjustments with clear documentation.

Why is the valuation lower than what I see online

Insurance valuations often use wholesale data or filtered results instead of real market prices. Online listings usually reflect what cars actually sell for.

EstiVerify checks both the valuation and current market prices to identify the gap.

Why did they deduct money for unrelated wear and tear

Insurers sometimes include wear and tear deductions that are unrelated to the crash, which lowers your payout unfairly.

EstiVerify can identify and flag these deductions so you can dispute them.

Why are they using damaged or salvaged comparables

Some valuations mistakenly include comps with prior damage or salvage history. This lowers the value significantly.

EstiVerify verifies whether the comps are valid and points out inappropriate comparisons.

Why do they say my car is worth less because of my ZIP code

Some valuation tools adjust prices based on location. These adjustments are not always fair or accurate.

EstiVerify checks whether the location adjustment is valid or artificially lowering your payout.

Why is my valuation based on dealer asking prices instead of actual sale prices

Some systems pull asking prices instead of sold prices. Asking prices are often lower and can reduce your payout unfairly.

EstiVerify compares your valuation against real sale data when available.

Do they have to pay sales tax on a total loss payout

In most states, yes. Insurance must include tax, title, and registration when settling a total loss.

EstiVerify checks whether taxes and fees were included correctly.

Why did they stop my rental when the car was declared a total loss

Most policies end rental coverage once a total loss decision is made. It feels unfair, but it is common.

Knowing your policy helps you plan. EstiVerify can guide you on what to expect and how to request extensions if possible.

What happens to my license plates after the total loss

Depending on your state, you may need to return them, transfer them, or keep them. Insurance rarely explains this clearly.

EstiVerify helps you understand your state rules so you do not run into DMV issues later.

What happens to the title when my car is totaled

The title usually becomes branded as salvage or non repairable. Insurance handles part of the process, but you may still need to sign documents.

EstiVerify explains title steps so you do not get surprised by DMV requirements.

Why is the payoff amount higher than my insurance offer

If you owe more on the loan than the payout amount, you end up with a gap. This is a common issue when valuations are low.

EstiVerify can help you challenge the valuation to reduce or eliminate the unpaid gap.

Can I dispute my total loss valuation

Yes. You can dispute the valuation by showing incorrect comps, missing features, or unfair deductions.

EstiVerify gives you clear documentation to support your dispute.

How long do I have to dispute a total loss offer

There is no exact deadline in most states, but insurance often pressures you with false urgency.

EstiVerify helps you push back with confidence and avoid rushing into a low payout.

Can I request a different adjuster

Yes. If you believe the adjuster is not being fair or responsive, you can request reassignment.

EstiVerify helps you prepare clear reasons to support the request.

Why do they avoid discussing the valuation tool they used

Some valuation tools have been challenged in lawsuits for underpaying claims. Insurance avoids naming them to prevent conflict.

EstiVerify identifies the tool and explains how it calculates value so you know what you are dealing with.

Why do they avoid answering questions about missing features

If features are missing, the payout should go up. Some adjusters avoid addressing this unless you point it out clearly.

EstiVerify makes it easy to show exactly which features were left out and what they are worth.

Do I have to accept the first offer

No. The first offer is not final. You can challenge it and request corrections.

EstiVerify helps you understand what should be corrected before you agree.

Can I keep my car after it is totaled

Yes. You can keep the car by taking a reduced payout called owner retain. Insurance subtracts the salvage value.

EstiVerify helps you determine whether owner retain is a good option for your case.

What if I disagree with their valuation and they refuse to change it

You can send a formal dispute, escalate to a supervisor, or request an appraisal clause if your policy allows it.

EstiVerify helps you prepare the documents needed for escalation.

Should I get my own market research

Yes. Independent market research helps support your case and gives you leverage.

EstiVerify reviews your valuation and provides a clear breakdown of what is wrong and what should be changed.

How do I get a corrected valuation that matches real market value

You need to point out incorrect comparables, missing options, inflated deductions, or outdated data. Insurance must consider reasonable evidence.

EstiVerify gives you a line by line breakdown of what needs correction so you can request a fair payout.

Do Not Accept A Low Total Loss Valuation

Total loss valuations are often written in a way that benefits the insurance company. EstiVerify shows you what they missed and how much you are owed before you accept anything.

Upload Your Total Loss Valuation For Review