Did you know your insurance company is counting on you not getting a total loss appraisal? Without one, you could be settling for far less than what it actually costs to replace your vehicle—leaving you financially vulnerable.
A certified total loss appraisal gives you documented proof of your vehicle’s true Actual Cash Value (ACV) before you accept any offer. This matters—especially in states like Arizona, where the insurer must also cover taxes, title, license, and doc fees when properly documented.
Don’t settle short. Schedule your free consultation with an IACP Certified Appraiser today and claim what you’re truly owed.
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Navigating a Total Loss Claim: What You Need to Know
Has your vehicle been deemed a total loss, or are you concerned it might be? If so, you're likely facing a stressful and confusing process that can impact your finances and disrupt your daily life. At Collision Claims Advisors, we're here to help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and confidently navigate your total loss claim from start to finish.
Step 1: Review Your Insurance Policy
Before you do anything else, take time to carefully review your insurance policy. This document outlines what's covered, what's excluded, and your rights as a policyholder. Most policies don’t restrict you to specific repair facilities. In fact, Arizona and most other states are "Right to Choose" states, meaning you're legally allowed to select the repair facility of your choice without penalty.
Insurance companies often try to steer consumers toward their Direct Repair Program (DRP) shops, which have agreed to limit charges in exchange for steady work. If you choose a non-DRP shop, those limitations do not apply—even if the insurer tries to enforce them. Your policy likely contains no language restricting your benefits based on where you take your vehicle. Unlike medical insurance, there is no “in-network” vs. “out-of-network” designation.
Step 2: Know What Charges Are Covered
There’s a growing trend of insurance companies pushing back on storage, administrative, and other “advanced” charges. While they may claim you're responsible for these expenses because you selected a certain shop, this is often not true. Unless explicitly excluded in your policy, charges like storage, admin fees, and gate fees are generally covered.
That said, you may be contractually responsible for those charges if your vehicle is sitting at a repair facility. If the insurer refuses to pay and the vehicle remains, these fees can accumulate quickly—and you may end up liable.
While it may feel instinctive to hold the vehicle until you agree with the settlement, doing so can put you in financial jeopardy. As the vehicle owner, you have a duty to mitigate those costs. To protect yourself, consider the following:
Is the collision center helping to mitigate charges? Are they clearly communicating storage, admin, or other fees in a consistent and documented manner?
Do you have the ability to relocate the vehicle? Moving it to a no-cost location—like your home—could prevent further charges, though any current charges would need to be settled first.
What does your policy say about mitigation? In many cases, simply stating in writing that the vehicle is available for pickup—without agreeing to the settlement—satisfies your obligation to mitigate losses.
You're not conceding to their offer—you're protecting your position. This places the responsibility back on the insurance company. If they delay pickup, they may be liable for any additional charges.
Step 3: Research the True Value of Your Vehicle
Many insurers will provide a settlement number with little to no breakdown. However, in Arizona and most states, you are entitled to the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle plus taxes, title, license, document fees, and other associated costs.
Don’t rely solely on sources like Kelley Blue Book, which reflect national averages and dealer-based pricing. Instead:
Search local dealership listings for vehicles similar to yours
Gather maintenance and service records
Include upgrades like new tires or recent repairs
A well-documented vehicle history can significantly increase your vehicle’s value.
Alternatively, you have the right to obtain a certified appraisal.
Step 4: Review and Respond to the Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make quick offers to avoid ongoing daily charges. But you have the right to take your time and review the offer carefully.
If the number seems low—and it often is—negotiate. Share your research, request a breakdown of how the offer was calculated, and question any missing amounts for taxes or fees. Be aware that insurers use various tactics: deducting advanced charges from the ACV, disputing shop fees, or applying pressure to settle quickly.
Don’t let it shake you. This is a game of leverage. Their goal is to pay the least amount possible; your goal is to recover what you’re rightfully owed. Settlement offers don’t “expire.” The claims must be settled so stay calm, stay informed, and respond strategically.
Step 5: Understand the Risks of Retaining Your Vehicle
If the insurance company offers owner retention and you decide to keep your total loss vehicle, be cautious. Once you accept the settlement, you may still owe outstanding charges to the collision center, including storage, admin, or gate fees.
If those fees aren’t paid, the shop may refuse to release the vehicle. This leaves you in a bind—holding a reduced settlement with no access to your car. Worse, if the vehicle is left behind, you could face legal and financial consequences. In Arizona, for instance, abandoning a vehicle is illegal.
Always review the repair shop’s service agreement and understand your obligations before accepting a retention offer.
A Note for Claimants
While much of this applies to both policyholders and third-party claimants, claimants often face more limitations when there’s a disagreement. That doesn’t mean you’re without options.
You can obtain a certified appraisal to independently establish your vehicle’s ACV.
The insurance company is obligated to review and investigate all credible evidence you provide.
If negotiations stall and you feel unsupported, you may consider switching to a first-party claim, where you can rely on the policyholder protections built into your own coverage.
You always have the right to seek legal counsel if needed.
Final Thoughts
Insurance companies may use tactics that feel like intimidation—but your policy is a legal, binding contract. Know what it says. Know your rights. And don't be afraid to push back.
You also have the right to demand a written explanation of what is or isn’t covered, and what policy provisions apply to your situation. If you disagree with the offer and your policy includes an appraisal clause, you may have the right to hire a certified, independent appraiser to remove bias and bring in an impartial perspective.
At Collision Claims Advisors, we review policies, support negotiations, and help both consumers and repair facilities hold insurers accountable. If you're unsure how to move forward, schedule a consultation—we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Contact one of our Experts
Understandably, each situation is a bit unique and you likely have many questions, and perhaps feel overwhelmed. That’s okay, we are here to help. Feel free to reach out via email with any questions you may have, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation call below. One of our advisors will be happy to assist you.
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