Car Insurance How to negotiate with car insurance adjusters about car total loss View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area By Insure.com's Editor | Updated on May 25, 2023 The page is part of the topic how to keep your totaled car Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. If your car has been deemed a total loss after an accident, the cost of repairs exceeds its value. You can negotiate a fair settlement for your totaled car with your car insurance adjuster. Here are all you need to do to make the process smooth and easy. Documenting the damage and researching Gather evidence – Take photos of the damage from various angles. This helps you present a clear case for your car’s pre-accident condition. Research your car’s value – Use online resources from websites such as NADA or KBB to estimate the value of your car before the accident. This will serve as a benchmark during negotiations. Opening negotiations and presenting your case Know your policy – Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to understand coverage details and rights. Prepare a case – Create a folder with all relevant documents, including repair estimates, your car’s value, and any receipts for recent improvements. Effective communication and settlement Get an estimate – A car expert or a knowledgeable witness can give you a detailed estimate about all the fixes your vehicle needs. Explain your point – Present your evidence and explain why your car’s value should be higher. Be clear and concise in your arguments. Review the car insurance adjuster’s offer – All offers the adjusters make might not be acceptable. It is best to review them based on your estimates and evidence to get a fair settlement. Be open to compromise – Consider reasonable adjustments that can lead to a mutually beneficial solution. Ask for a reconsideration – If the initial offer isn’t satisfactory, politely ask for a reconsideration based on your provided evidence. Get everything in writing – Once you and your claims adjuster both decide on a settlement, make sure to write down all the details to confirm the agreement. This way, everyone knows what they need to pay, and everyone has the same understanding of what to expect. Conclusion Remember, negotiating with car insurance adjusters is a collaborative process. By being well-prepared, polite, and willing to work together, you can maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement for the total loss car. In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024 Car insurance rates by state in 2024 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2024 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Used car insurance costs: Most and least expensive models to insure The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to car insurance discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read actually understand your auto insurance policy Car Insurance Companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 On this page Documenting the damage and researchingOpening negotiations and presenting your caseEffective communication and settlementConclusion Get instant quotes now ! Please enter valid zip Get Quotes