How it works

The appraisal process, step by step

The appraisal clause gives you a contractual path to challenge a lowball total loss offer. Here's exactly how we help you use it.

  1. 01

    Review Your Offer

    Send us your insurer's total loss valuation report (CCC ONE, Mitchell, or Audatex). We review it at no cost and identify whether the offer undervalues your vehicle.

    We look for missing options, incorrect condition adjustments, questionable comparable vehicles, and local market factors the automated report overlooked.

  2. 02

    Cost

    We do not charge for our service unless you receive an increased settlement. We will discuss our fee once we have reviewed the insurers valuation report.

    Due to a large difference in vehicle types, options, availability, locations of vehicles we are not able to offer flat rate pricing as the complexity and amount of time varies greatly for different vehicles. We only charge based on the amount the settlement was increased by.

  3. 03

    Invoke the Appraisal Clause

    If your policy includes an appraisal clause and the numbers justify it, you would need to send an email to your adjuster appointing Bailey Appraisal Service as your appraiser for the appraisal clause.

    The appraisal clause is a binding dispute-resolution process written into most auto policies. Invoking it triggers each side to name an independent appraiser.

  4. 04

    Independent Appraisal

    We prepare a thorough, market-based appraisal of your vehicle's actual cash value using real comparable sales and true condition.

    Our valuation is documented and defensible—built to stand up against the carrier's numbers rather than simply accept them.

  5. 05

    Negotiate the Difference

    Our appraiser works directly with the insurer's appraiser to reconcile the valuations. If they can't agree, a neutral umpire decides.

    This is where experience matters most. We advocate for your vehicle's value with data, not guesswork.

  6. 06

    Fair Settlement

    Once an amount is agreed by two of the three parties, it becomes binding—and you receive a settlement reflecting your vehicle's real worth.

    Many owners recover meaningfully more than their carrier's initial offer through this process.

Close-up of vehicle damage documented for a claim

Good to know

What is the appraisal clause?

The appraisal clause is a provision found in most auto insurance policies. When you and your insurer disagree on the value of a total loss, either party can invoke it to settle the dispute outside of court.

Each side selects a competent, independent appraiser. The two appraisers work to agree on the vehicle's actual cash value; if they can't, they select a neutral umpire. An agreement between any two of the three is binding.

It's a powerful, underused right—and having an experienced appraiser in your corner can make all the difference.

No obligation

Think your total loss offer is too low?

Send us your CCC or Mitchell valuation report and we'll tell you—free of charge—whether it's worth invoking the appraisal clause.

Free Claim ReviewUpload Your CCC or Mitchell Report