The plan for today did not involve some sort of auto accident. Even so, you now have to deal with the aftermath. That includes filing a claim with the insurance provider and hoping things can be resolved quickly. In the meantime, it makes sense to look into what appraisals can do in terms of preparing and evaluating car accident claims Winnetka CA so you know things are being done properly. Here are some of the ways that an appraisal will help.
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Determining Prior to Loss Value
While you do want to know about what the vehicle is worth now and what it will be worth once the repairs are made, there’s another piece of the puzzle that’s needed. You want to know the prior to loss value. This is important to your pending insurance claim for a specific reason.
With this figure in hand, you’re in a better position to identify the diminished value of your vehicle. Depending on what sort of compensation the insurance provider extends, you may find that seeking a diminished claim is in your best interests. Thanks to the fact you know what the vehicle was worth prior to the event and what it’s worth now, you have documentation from a certified authority to make that claim.
Providing a Base Figure for Evaluating Provider Offers
Depending on the type of auto insurance you carry, more than one type of offer may come your way. One would be to cover all or most of the costs or repair. That’s often when the repairs would be significantly less than the cost of replacing the car with something of similar value.
The provider may also offer to total the vehicle This is true when the damage is so extensive that it would cost more to try repairs than the vehicle is actually worth. If you have an appraisal that confirms totaling the vehicle makes the most financial sense, then you will know accepting this offer is the right way to go.
The Appraisal Can Aid in Negotiating With the Insurance Provider
There’s no rule that says you have to take the offer made by the insurance company at face value. Depending on the appraisal results, you may find it inadequate in some manner. If so, it is possible to file counterclaims to car accident claims Winnetka CA and possibly end up with a better offer.
The key is that the appraisal must be done by a recognized authority with the proper certification. In this case, there’s a chance that your insurance provider will take a second look at the offer in light of the appraisal details and final figure. If so, you may end up with the ability to negotiate an offer that’s more to your favor.
Helping You Feel More in Control
It’s not unusual to feel helpless after some sort of accident leaves the vehicle inoperable. There’s the matter of arranging alternate transportation, waiting to find out what the insurance provider will do, and possibly how long it will take to repair the damage. In the meantime, you feel as if the only thing you’re able to do is wait for others to tell you what will happen.
Opting to have the vehicle appraised does help you feel more in control. The results give you some foundation for deciding what you think of the offer made by the insurance company. Instead of feeling as if you have little to no say in the outcome, the appraisal helps you feel like an important part of the decision making.
If you’re vehicle is involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to have an appraisal made. What you learn could make a difference when it comes to deciding if the claim settlement offered by the provider is reasonable.
