Appraisal Clause
What is the Appraisal Clause
The appraisal clause is part of many car insurance policies. It gives you the right to challenge your insurance company if you don’t agree with how much they say your car is worth after an accident.
Instead of just accepting their offer, you can request a second opinion through a process called an “appraisal,” where both sides choose experts to help settle the disagreement fairly.
When and Why Is the Appraisal Clause Used?
The appraisal clause is usually used when you and your insurance company don’t agree on how much your car is worth after an accident. This often happens in total loss or diminished value claims.
If you believe their offer is too low, the clause gives you the option to challenge it. It’s a way to make sure you’re treated fairly by having an independent appraiser look at your case and help decide the real value of your vehicle.
How to Invoke the Appraisal Clause
If you disagree with your insurance company’s offer, you have the right to request the appraisal clause process. Start by reviewing your insurance policy to confirm that the clause is included (most policies have it). Then, send a written request to your insurance company stating that you’d like to invoke the appraisal clause due to a disagreement over your vehicle’s value.
Next, you’ll need to hire a licensed, independent appraiser to represent you. The insurance company will do the same. Both appraisers will try to agree on the fair value of your vehicle. If they can’t, a neutral third party called an umpire is brought in to make the final decision. This process helps ensure a fair and unbiased outcome.
Meet Your Appraiser
Total Loss Northwest was founded by Nico Nix, an independent auto appraiser with deep roots in the Northwest car community and a lifelong passion for vehicles.
Nico grew up surrounded by the appraisal business—his father owns Leverage Auto Appraisals in Oregon, and his brother runs Diminished Value of Oregon. For the Nix family, helping drivers fight for fair value isn’t just a business—it’s a family tradition.
From weekends spent in the garage to classic car shows and local meetups, Nico’s journey has always revolved around cars. Today, he brings that same enthusiasm and deep industry knowledge to every diminished value and total loss appraisal he delivers.
When you work with Nico, you’re not getting a generic report—you’re getting insight from someone who lives and breathes cars, and who fights to make sure your vehicle’s true worth is recognized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our appraisal process, pricing, and results—straightforward and easy to understand.
Yes, you’ll need to pay for your own appraiser, and possibly share the umpire’s cost if one is needed.
It gives you a fair way to challenge your insurance company if you disagree with their offer in a diminished value or total loss claim—using independent experts to decide the true value.
Request Your Free Appraisal
Fill out the form below to get a professional, third-party claim review of your vehicle’s true market value. We’ll review your details and respond quickly with your next steps.