Appraisal clause

right to appraisal

If your insurance company is refusing to pay for the proper repairs to your vehicle, the appraisal clause might help. You do not have to accept what the insurance company is telling you, and your policy provides options to you at your disposal.

We can bridge the gap between what an insurance company will pay for and what a repair shop charges by using your right to appraisal. Your insurance policy likely has an appraisal clause. Contact us for a free consultation to see if we can assist in your claim.

Is the insurance company's estimate lower than your repair shop's estimate?

It is a too familiar scenario after an accident where the body shop calculates an estimate for the proper repairs to a damaged vehicle; then, the insurance company produces an estimate or appraisal that is several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars short.

This shortage might cause some body shops to eat the difference, or the shop may cut corners to stay profitable. Vehicle technology is increasing at a rapid rate designed primarily at improving the safety of the vehicle. Often the repairs necessary to inspect and test these systems get overlooked or are not understood. Ultimately, these labor procedures either don’t happen due to a lack of knowledge or insurance company’s denial to cover the cost.

We can help you recover the amount it takes to safely repair the vehicle, ensuring that all manufacturer recommendations and specifications are followed.

How can i use my right to appraisal to get the insurance company to pay the repair bill?

Shop Choice

You have the right to choose the shop of your choice and cannot be required to travel an unnecessary distance for an estimate. Click the icon above for a breakdown of statute by state.

File a complaint

A third option is to file a formal complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Click the icon above for a direct link to the Oklahoma Insurance department complaint form.

Litigation

One option file suit against the person who hit you. Most of these cases are in small claims and an attorney is not necessary. Oklahoma Small claims includes any civil case under $10,000.

Appraisal Clause

A final option is to invoke the appraisal and hire an independent appraiser to handle the discrepancy. Can only be used in first party claims and always carries come risk.

What if my car is a total loss?

The appraisal clause works to recover the full repair cost and can also help in the event your vehicle is declared a total loss. Even if your car was repaired, it could potentially be a total loss if all the damage was not addressed, improper repairs were made, or safety inspections or calibrations still need to be completed.

If your vehicle was declared a total loss, you could use your right to appraisal to recover your car’s fair market value. Insurance companies use third-party vendors that use software packages that rarely produce an accurate value for your vehicle. A third party appraiser can help to recover the actual price of your car in the event of a total loss.

Appraisal Clause Process

Hire an appraiser

First, hire a competent independent appraiser to calculate the value of your vehicle. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Inform your insurer

Inform your insurer in writing that you are invoking your right to an appraisal and who you have hired.

We handle the rest

We will work with your insurance company's appraiser to come to an agreement on the value of your vehicle.