When an insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss, they make an offer based on their own proprietary valuation systems — systems that frequently undervalue vehicles. You have the legal right to obtain an independent appraisal and challenge their number. Austin Auto Appraisers provides ASCAA-certified total loss appraisals that determine the true fair market value of your vehicle, and we will negotiate the settlement in arbitration if needed.
As the only ASCAA Certified Auto Appraiser in Central Texas with over 24 years of experience, Austin Auto Appraisers has helped thousands of Texas vehicle owners recover fair settlements for totaled vehicles. Our reports are accepted by all major insurers and Texas courts.
A vehicle is declared a total loss when the cost to repair the damage exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle's pre-accident actual cash value (ACV). In Texas, insurance companies typically declare a total loss when repair costs exceed 100% of the vehicle's value, though individual policies may have different thresholds.
The key issue is how the insurance company calculates that pre-accident ACV. Their valuation systems — CCC Intelligent Solutions, Mitchell, and Audatex — use algorithms that search for comparable vehicles in your area. These comparables may not accurately reflect your vehicle's actual condition, equipment, local market demand, or recent market shifts. The result is often a settlement offer that is hundreds or thousands of dollars below what your vehicle was actually worth.
Most auto insurance policies contain an appraisal clause — a provision that allows you to invoke an independent appraisal process when you disagree with the insurance company's valuation. Under a typical appraisal clause:
Austin Auto Appraisers not only prepares your appraisal report — we also participate in the arbitration process as your appraiser of record, advocating for the fair value of your vehicle throughout the dispute.
Our total loss appraisal process uses multiple independent valuation sources and hand-selected market comparables to establish an accurate, defensible figure:
The result is a comprehensive written appraisal report that presents a well-documented case for your vehicle's true fair market value — one that is far harder for an insurance company to dismiss than their own computer-generated estimate.
Austin Auto Appraisers provides total loss appraisal services throughout Travis County, Williamson County, and all of Central Texas. We serve vehicle owners in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Kyle, Leander, and surrounding communities. We also provide statewide service across Texas and can arrange on-site inspections for high-value vehicles anywhere in the state.
Call (877) 868-9123 today for a free evaluation, or submit your vehicle information using our online order form. Armed Forces members receive a discount on all appraisal services.
Before you accept the insurance company's offer, get an independent certified appraisal.