Total Loss Disputes
A total loss dispute arises when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss and the settlement offered does not reflect the vehicle’s true market value. These situations are often confusing and frustrating for vehicle owners — particularly when the vehicle is well maintained, modified, rare, or part of the enthusiast or collector market.
At Motorcars of Western New York, Inc., all total loss dispute work is handled through our dedicated division, Total Loss Solutions, which focuses exclusively on helping owners navigate and resolve these claims.
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Total Loss Disputes
What Is a Total Loss?
A vehicle is typically declared a total loss when the cost to repair it meets or exceeds a percentage of its value as defined by state law or insurance policy guidelines.
Once this determination is made, the insurance company must establish the vehicle’s Actual Cash Value (ACV) — the amount they believe the vehicle was worth immediately prior to the loss.
Disputes most often arise when:
The settlement offer seems lower than expected
Comparable vehicles used by the insurer don’t accurately reflect the subject vehicle
Condition, options, or modifications are overlooked
Enthusiast or specialty market factors are not properly considered
Contact us to speak to an IAAA certified Appraiser today.
Why Total Loss Disputes Are Common?
Insurance valuation systems are designed to handle large volumes of average vehicles. Enthusiast, performance, and collector cars often fall outside of those assumptions.
As a result, issues can occur such as:
Use of distant or poorly matched comparables
Reliance on generic pricing models
Incorrect option or trim identification
Inaccurate condition ratings
Failure to consider current market demand
A total loss dispute allows the vehicle owner to challenge these issues and seek a fair, market-supported value.
Contact our Team to determine your vehicle’s value.
How Total Loss Solutions Helps
Total Loss Solutions was created to specialize in this exact scenario. Our role is to act as an independent expert on behalf of the vehicle owner and provide a clear, well-supported analysis of value.
Our involvement may include:
Reviewing the insurance company’s valuation report
Identifying errors or unsupported assumptions
Conducting independent market research
Preparing a detailed appraisal and position summary
Communicating with the insurance carrier as needed
The goal is to ensure the vehicle is evaluated based on what it actually was — not what a generic system assumes.
Need a vehicle inspected? Sit back and let us do the legwork.
Vehicles We Commonly Assist With
Total loss disputes frequently involve:
Enthusiast and performance vehicles
Modified or upgraded vehicles
Low-mileage or exceptionally well-kept cars
Limited-production or specialty models
Classic and collector vehicles
These vehicles often require a more nuanced evaluation than standard valuation tools provide
Is your vehicle critically damaged from an accident? We can help with insurance negotiations.
What to Expect From the Process
While every case is different, the process generally includes:
Initial review of the claim and settlement offer
Independent analysis of the vehicle and market
Preparation of supporting documentation
Submission of findings through the appropriate insurance channels
Throughout the process, our focus is on clarity, professionalism, and accuracy
Contact us to speak to an IAAA certified Appraiser today.
About Total Loss Solutions
Total Loss Solutions is the dedicated total loss dispute and diminished value division of Motorcars of Western New York, Inc. It was created to provide focused expertise for clients dealing with complex insurance valuation issues.
By operating as a specialized division, we are able to devote the time and attention required for these cases while maintaining the same professional standards and client-focused approach
Get Started
If your vehicle has been declared a total loss and you have questions about the settlement offer, Total Loss Solutions can help you understand your options.
👉 Request a Consultation to begin, or contact us to discuss your claim and next steps.