Total Loss, Diminished Value and Right to Appraisal Experts! 954-709-9993
Florida's leading independent auto appraisers!
What Is the Right to Appraisal (RTA)?
Your Right to Appraisal (RTA)is a protection built into most auto insurance policies. It allows you to dispute your insurance company’s low estimate — whether it’s a short-pay repair estimate or a total loss valuation.
If you and the insurance company cannot agree on the amount of the loss, either party can invoke the Appraisal Clause. This clause requires both sides to hire their own independent appraisers to evaluate the vehicle. Once both appraisers complete their assessments, they work together to reach an agreed value.
If they still disagree, a neutral umpire reviews both sides and makes the final decision.
When Do You Use RTA?
You invoke your Right to Appraisal when:
- The insurance company undervalues your total loss
- A repair estimate is too low, incomplete, or unfair
- The insurer refuses to pay the proper amount for repairs
- Negotiations have stalled or the insurer “stands firm” on a number
How Collision Safety Consultants Helps
We serve as your independent appraiser.
We review the insurer’s estimate or valuation, perform our own assessment, and represent your interests during the appraisal process. This levels the playing field — you’re no longer fighting the insurance company alone. With over 35 years' experience in the automotive and collision industry, Collision Safety Consultants will work to earn your business, protect your assets and get you the compensation you deserve!
contact us for a free consultation 954-709-9993
What is Diminished Value?
When you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, your vehicle immediately becomes worth less — even after quality repairs. That’s because accident history shows up on Carfax, AutoCheck, and dealer inspections, and buyers pay significantly less for a vehicle with prior damage.
This loss is called Diminished Value. It’s the difference between what your vehicle was worth before the accident and what it’s worth after repairs. A diminished value claim allows you to recover that lost value directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The State of Florida Allows Diminished Value Claims!
Florida recognizes diminished value, and if you weren’t at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss in value.
You have 4 years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
What is a total loss evaluation?
A vehicle is considered a Total Loss when it’s damaged so severely that the cost to repair it is greater than the cost to replace it. In these cases, the insurance company essentially “buys” your vehicle from you by paying its Actual Cash Value (ACV). To justify the ACV, insurers must provide an appraisal report or market valuation.
You Don’t Have to Accept Their Number!
If you believe your insurer’s valuation is too low — and it often is — you have the right to challenge it. Using the "Appraisal Clause" in your policy you can hire an independent auto appraiser to produce a counter-valuation, essentially a second professional opinion.
This is where we come in! We create an independent appraisal report and dispute the insurer’s ACV. Most insurance valuations are conservative, and in many cases, our analysis results in a significantly higher total loss payout for our clients!