Washington Total Loss Appraisal Clause Disputes

Call Now for a Free Claim Review – 503.567.8900 Email: leveragepdx@gmail.com

In the aftermath of a car accident or in cases of theft, flood, Stolen vehicle or other unforeseen events, your vehicle might be declared a total loss by your insurance company. This term typically implies that repair costs are either equivalent to or surpass the vehicle’s retail market value. At Leverage Auto Appraisals, we believe you deserve the full retail market value for your car, inclusive of any relevant Tax, Title, and Licensing Fees, especially in Washington where you have the legal right to dispute the insurance company’s offer if it seems unjustifiably low.

The key lies in the appraisal clause of your full coverage policy. This provision enables you to hire an independent auto appraiser, like Ken Nix, a certified expert in Washington, to challenge what might seem like a lowball valuation from your insurer. If your insurance policy includes an appraisal provision, it typically follows these steps:

Obtain an auto appraisal (at your expense).
Your insurance company conducts its own appraisal (at its expense).
Should there be a disagreement on the vehicle’s value, both appraisers select an umpire. The costs for the umpire are split equally between you and the insurance company.

At Leverage Auto Appraisals, we stand by your side in these critical moments. Whether your car has been involved in an accident, suffered damage from a storm, or been stolen, we provide a thorough, unbiased auto appraisal to ensure you receive a fair valuation. This is particularly crucial when the cost of repairs approaches or exceeds your vehicle’s market value.

In summary, don’t settle for less. If you’re facing a total loss situation in Washington and want to dispute the insurance company’s offer, rely on Leverage Auto Appraisals for accurate, reliable, and fair auto appraisal services. Your vehicle’s true car value or vehicle value should always reflect its worth in the market, and we’re here to make sure that happens.

Washington

Our all-inclusive auto appraisal service provides everything you need to determine the cash value of your vehicle. With us you can have peace of mind and confidence in your claim. Other companies may claim to be the best auto appraisers in the Pacific Northwest, but we don’t work for insurance companies like they do. Haven’t you already dealt with enough misdirection and manipulation from your insurance company?

Is there an auto appraiser near me? I cover all of Washington, specializing in helping consumers with Washington total loss insurance claims as an Washington Certified Auto Appraiser since 2010.
Washington Total Loss Laws. Unfortunately, Insurance companies in Washington do not have to reimburse you for the cost of the total loss appraisal. Although, normally since you get an increase in your taxes with an increase in the value, this normally will cover at least part of the cost of the appraisal.
How can I negotiate with car insurance adjusters for my car’s total loss. YOU DON’T HAVE TO. Under your policy’s appraisal clause, you’re allowed to hire a vehicle appraiser and he can negotiate the claim for you.
How much more can I get? My average increase this year, is $5,768.19 or 44.78 percent of the vehicle’s value. .
When’s the best time to invoke my appraisal clause? The sooner the better. Ken has over a decade of experience working appraisal clause claims. Many insurance companies are known to give claimants a list of things to do if they want a higher value. Most of the times, this is just a ploy to get you to waste time while your vehicle goes down in value, so they can gain an even bigger advantage.

We Can Help! We specialize in Washington Total loss Insurance claim disputes. If your vehicle has been declared a total loss and your insurance company is not providing a fair offer, and you need help, we can provide… LEVERAGE to get the value you should be receiving. Don’t go it alone, our Licensed Auto Appraiser, Ken Nix, can help you recover your full value by producing an appraisal under the appraisal clause of your insurance policy and negotiations with your insurance company.

Excellent

Leverage Auto Appraisals |Total Loss Appraiser4.9

Based on 182 reviews

Jordan Schreiber, L.Ac.

I had just bought a beautiful 2015 BMW X5 35d a month prior to hitting a deer and having Progressive call it a total loss. I knew the offer from Progressive was not going to allow me to replace the l X5 that I was just getting to know when, after some searching online, found Ken. I filled out the form on his website and heard back from him the next day saying he'd take my case on and that he could help. The entire process took about a month total, from hiring Ken to finally getting my payout. At times, it took a few days for Ken to get back to me and time for insurance to respond. It was stressful, but made much easier by Ken's re-assuring and calm easy going demeanor. As soon as Progressive, got Ken's letter of arbitration, they offered me over $4000 more, the next morning! Partly this was because Progressive was trying to get out of arbitration and didn't want to reimburse Ken's fee to me, but they eventually did. While it didn't happen overnight, it was the holidays, Ken made the whole process much easier and I would hire him again if I ever needed to and have recommended him already. I think it was about $4300 total more that Ken helped negotiate! Thank you Ken

Response from the owner:I really appreciate you sharing this, thank you. And yes, that was a sharp BMW, definitely a tough one to see go so soon after you picked it up. Unfortunately, that is when a lot of people first realize how far off insurance valuations can be. You did exactly the right thing by questioning the offer and reaching out. As a licensed auto appraiser here in Oregon, I see it all the time where vehicles like yours are undervalued through automated reports. I am glad we were able to step in, invoke the appraisal clause, and ultimately help you secure about $4300 more on your total loss settlement. That is money that makes a real difference when trying to replace a vehicle like that. I know the process can feel stressful at times, especially with a little waiting involved, but I am glad I was able to help make it more manageable along the way. Thank you again for your trust, your patience, and for recommending me to others. That means everything. Kind regards, Ken

Bret Levick

I can’t recommend Leverage Auto Appraisers enough. My son had what can only be described as a “unicorn” car — a pristine 2011 Subaru Forester with just 60k miles and a flawless service record. We searched long and hard to find it, and it was absolutely perfect for him. Less than two months later, while it was parked, a huge tree branch fell on it, breaking the windshield, side-view mirror and damaging the door. GEICO immediately totaled it and then tried to lowball us based purely on the age of the car. Anyone who’s tried to buy a Subaru in Oregon knows the market is completely different — you simply cannot find low-mileage, well-maintained Subarus at the prices GEICO wanted to use. That’s when we hired Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisers. Not only is he genuinely a nice, easy-to-work-with guy, but he handled everything professionally and knew exactly how to deal with the insurance process. He ended up increasing the payout by around 30%, which was enough for us to buy a comparable replacement vehicle without going too deep out-of-pocket. Even better, because of Oregon law, his fee was reimbursed — so if you hire him, make sure you request that reimbursement from your insurer. Ken truly saved us in a stressful situation. Worth every penny, and then some.

Response from the owner:Bret, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review, I truly appreciate it. And thank you for providing so many photos, that really helps more than most people realize. It helps others understand that comprehensive losses like tree damage, falling limbs, or even mudslides can absolutely be disputed when the valuation comes in low. And I have to say again, that Forester was a unicorn. Finding a 2011 with only 60k miles and that kind of history here in Oregon is no easy task. The market for Subarus out here is completely different, and those insurance valuations rarely reflect what these vehicles are actually worth. That situation with the tree branch was just brutal, especially after all the effort you put into finding the perfect vehicle for your son. I am really glad we were able to step in and secure over a $3,000 increase, roughly 30 percent more than the original offer, so you could get into a comparable replacement without taking a big financial hit. Thank you again for your trust, your kind words, and the recommendation. It was truly awesome working with you, and I am always here if you ever need anything in the future. Kind regards, Ken

Gwen Tomac

I highly recommend working with Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals. We were a bit lost after we were rear-ended and our insurance company declared our vehicle totaled. The payout was much less than the vehicles value and we were overwhelmed. Ken explained OR state laws around this and what he would do on our behalf. It was not a quick process, but it was definitely worthwhile. In the end, Ken was able to get us a settlement much closer to the vehicles value. We are incredibly grateful to him and would 100% recommend him.

Response from the owner:Gwen, thank you so much for the wonderful review. I truly appreciate you and your family trusting me during such a stressful time. I am especially glad we were able to increase the value of your 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited from $49,415 to $56,077, resulting in an additional $6,662 for your family. I know the appraisal clause process is not always fast, but I believe it is far better to take the time to pursue a fair settlement than to simply accept a low offer. I'm grateful we were able to get much closer to the true market value of your vehicle, and I appreciate your patience throughout the process. Also, if you have not yet received reimbursement for the full cost of the appraisal, please let me know. Under Oregon law, if the appraisal results in an increase over the insurance company's last offer, they are required to reimburse your reasonable appraisal costs. I want to make sure you receive every dollar you are entitled to. Thank you again for your recommendation and your trust. It was a pleasure working with you, and I wish you and your family all the best. Kind regards, Ken

Chris LaPointe

I can't recommend Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals highly enough. When my insurance company declared my vehicle a total loss, their initial valuation was not near to the value of my vehicle. I knew something wasn't right and reached out to Ken. From our first conversation, it was clear that he genuinely cared about helping me receive a fair settlement. He took the time to explain the appraisal process, answered all of my questions, and handled the negotiations with professionalism and confidence. His knowledge of vehicle values and the insurance claims process was impressive, and his persistence and knowledge made all the difference. Thanks to Ken's hard work and dedication, he was able to negotiate a settlement that was much closer to the true market value of my vehicle. Without his expertise, things would have resolved differently. If you're dealing with a total loss claim or feel your insurance company has undervalued your vehicle, don't hesitate to call Ken. He is honest, knowledgeable, responsive, and truly fights for his clients. I'm incredibly grateful for everything he did and would recommend Leverage Auto Appraisals to anyone looking for someone who will advocate for them every step of the way.

Walt Jg

After my daughter was in an accident in our Mini Countryman, the insurance company low-balled the total-loss payout for our fully insured vehicle. Unfortunately, this seems to be standard practice. We were forced to hire an appraiser to exercise the legally mandated appraisal clause in our policy to recover the disputed value amount. I was fortunate enough to connect with Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals. Ken has been doing this a long time--he knows where all the bones are buried (as they say), his process is refined, he's personable, friendly and he devotes a lot of attention to his cases. Ken increased the payout I received from the insurance substantially, as expected. It would seem that Ken's purpose in this life is to hold these crooked insurance companies accountable. Kudos Ken. Thank you!!!

Response from the owner:Walt, thank you so much for taking the time to write such an incredible review, I truly appreciate it. And thank you for including the photos, that was a really severe front end collision. Seeing that kind of damage really puts things into perspective, and I am just glad your daughter is okay. Vehicles can be replaced, people cannot. I am really glad we were able to step in and help you through that situation. Unfortunately, what you experienced with the insurance company is all too common. These total loss valuations are often low right out of the gate, and most people do not realize they have the right to challenge them through the appraisal clause. That is where I come in, making sure people are not stuck accepting less than what their vehicle is truly worth. And yeah… I guess you could say I do know where a few of the bones are buried. Ha ha. I have been doing this a long time, and over the years I have built a strong network of dealers and industry contacts. A lot of those relationships go back to when I worked with Reynolds and Reynolds and during my time helping run a large automotive forum network for about 10 years. Even now, I will call a dealer about a comparable and hear someone in the background say, “Is that Ken Nix?” after not talking for 10 or 15 years. It is pretty cool, and those relationships really help when it comes to getting accurate real world market data and holding these valuations accountable. I am grateful you trusted me with your claim, and I am really glad we were able to get you a substantially better outcome. Thank you again for the kind words, they truly mean a lot. Kind regards, Ken

Jennifer Estrada

Ken did an amazing job on getting more money from our insurance on my daughters car. I highly recommend Ken and his team.

Shawn Penny

I highly recommend Ken with Leverage Auto Appraisals. They were instrumental in my total loss claim process. The insurance company initially offered me $16,500 for my vehicle, but thanks to Leverage’s professional appraisal, I was able to secure a settlement of $19,950. Their service was professional, effective, and well worth it."

Response from the owner:Shawn, thank you so much for the great review and for trusting me with your total loss claim. I am glad we were able to increase your settlement to $19,950. Claims like yours are a good reminder that the first offer from an insurance company is not always the fair market value of a vehicle. My goal is never to create the highest appraisal possible. It is to produce the most accurate appraisal possible and then defend that value during negotiations. That approach helped us reach a settlement that was much closer to what your vehicle was actually worth. I truly appreciate your recommendation and the opportunity to help. Hopefully you never need an independent appraiser again, but if you do, I will be here. I wish you all the best, and thank you again for choosing Leverage Auto Appraisals. Kind regards, Ken

Nick Rucker

Ken nix and his team helped me out tremendously with my 2007 Subaru. Limited edition STI and my total loss claim. He was able to appraise over $5000 above what state farm had originally submitted. I'm so grateful and thankful for Ken Nix and his team and his services. Excellent job and excellent service. I will definitely suggest and recommend using them for any total loss claim.

Response from the owner:Nick, thank you so much for the awesome review and for trusting me with your 2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited. I am really glad we were able to increase the value by **more than $5,000** over the original offer. Vehicles like yours deserve someone who understands what makes them special, and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to fight for its true market value. While I am happy with the appraisal result, I also know our work is not completely finished. I have always believed that just because the appraisal is over does not mean I stop helping my clients. Whenever I think there is something more that can be done, I will continue to point people in the right direction, help research information, and do whatever I reasonably can to help them move forward. I cannot provide legal advice, but I will always do my best to help you understand the process and the options available to you. Thank you again for your recommendation and your trust. Clients like you are the reason I enjoy what I do. Hopefully you never need me again, but if you ever have questions down the road, do not hesitate to give me a call. And even though I have no ablity to negotiate the salvage, I'll continue to be here for you until we get the issue resolved. Kind regards, Ken

Bob Gallagher

Leverage Auto appraisals owner Ken handled my disputed claim with Progressive Insurance. He got me $5,000 additional dollars for my totaled dodge ram 2018 truck. I would use this company any time to fight for me. He is an expert in the industry

Response from the owner:Bob, thank you so much for the great review, I truly appreciate it. And I have to say, I had a lot of fun working with you as well. It always makes the process that much better when I get to work with good people. That $5,000 increase on your Ram was as strong as bear's breath, and exactly why it is so important to push back when the insurance company comes in low. I am really glad we were able to get you where you needed to be. Also, thank you for taking the time to include a photo. That really means a lot. It helps other people see that these are real situations with real results, not just a bunch of fake bullcrap like I see on some of these review sites. I genuinely appreciate you going the extra mile to do that. Thanks again for your trust and your kind words. I am always here if you ever need help again. Kind regards, Ken

Araceli Carranza

My car was hit while parked on the street outside my house and it became a total loss! Ken help me out and appraised my highlander higher than what my insurance appraised it at. My settlement was 2,340.66 more than what my insurance originally offered me. Im so thankful that i found Ken and did not go with the low offer that my insurance appraised my car at. I would totally recommend Ken to anyone! He’s definitely a pro at what he does and i will definitely use him again if ever needed! Thanks Ken! Insurance Offer: $11,659.34 Settlement: $14,000.00 Increase: $2,340.66

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the awesome review, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Getting hit while parked is frustrating enough, and after seeing the photos you provided, that was some serious rear damage. Definitely not something anyone expects when their car is just sitting outside their home. I am really glad we were able to step in and help turn things around for you. That increase from $11,659.34 to $14,000 is exactly why it is so important to question those initial insurance valuations. Too often they come in low, and without pushing back, people end up leaving money on the table. We were able to use the appraisal clause process here in Oregon to get you closer to the true market value of your Highlander. Thank you again for your trust and the recommendation. It means a lot, and I am always here if you ever need help again. Kind regards, Ken

Matthew Hutchinson

Very happy to join Ken’s list of success stories and satisfied customers here 😁. When our family’s 2019 Mazda CX-9 was hit and totaled, USAA’s appraisal came in well below the cost to replace it. I tried to prove our case to the insurance company, but they put up more obstacles and excuses, claiming our comps were too old, then they were too new, then they were not the exact same trim, etc. Having been a member in good standing for over 30 years, this was both disappointing and costly process for our family. Ken got to work immediately and provided very clear insight on the process and his experience. Within one month, USAA sent us a check for an additional $5,500 to make up the difference for the revised and substantiated appraisal. Thank you Ken!

Response from the owner:Matthew, thank you so much for the awesome review, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was great working with you, and I am really glad we were able to turn that situation around for your family. What you described is something I see all the time. The back and forth on comps being too old, too new, or not quite right is one of the most common tactics used, and it can be incredibly frustrating for people trying to handle it on their own. That is exactly where I step in, to cut through all of that and focus on what actually reflects the true market value. Getting that additional $5,500 for your CX-9 is stronger than a skunk in a phone booth, and I am glad we were able to get you closer to what it would actually cost to replace your vehicle. That is the number that really matters. Thank you again for your trust, your patience, and for being great to work with. I truly appreciate it, and I am always here if you ever need help again. Kind regards, Ken

Jared Kuenzi

Ken Nix is a miracle worker. He got me over $4,373 over what my insurance was offering. He clearly explained the process to me. I have great confidence in his work and would recommend him to anyone.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. Miracle worker might be a little generous, but I will gladly accept it and try not to let it go to my head. I like to think of myself more as BATMAN. lol My goal is always to explain the process clearly so you know what is happening and why the insurance company’s offer may not reflect the true value of your vehicle. I also appreciate you providing the photo of your Infiniti. Details matter in a total loss insurance claim, and every piece of information helps tell the full story. I am very happy we were able to increase your settlement by $4,373 and help get you a much fairer result. Kind regards, Ken

Oregon Total Loss Vehicle Appraisals

Has your Insurance Company deemed your vehicle a total loss? Are they not offering enough for your totaled car or truck? In your insurance policy, you have what is called an appraisal clause. The appraisal clause section is devised to allow you to dispute the offer your insurance company is providing.

If you do not agree with the value your own company offers, your policy may include an appraisal provision. Appraisal processes vary. Check your policy or ask the claims representative or contact us for help.

Typically:

You get an appraisal (you pay).
The company gets an appraisal (it pays).
If the appraisers don’t agree on the value, the two appraisers agree on an umpire. You and the company each pay half of the umpire’s cost.

The first thing you need to do, is determine if it is a good decision to invoke your appraisal clause. LEVERAGE can help you by providing a free, no charge review of your total loss claim. This will provide you with the information to make a well informed decision as to whether you need to move forward with disputing your claim or not.

LEVERAGE specializes in Total Loss appraisals in Oregon and Washington. Unlike many large companies that use low generic staff to produce and negotiate your claim, with LEVERAGE, you get a highly qualified auto appraiser and negotiator to work with you to negotiate a fair claim so you can replace your vehicle, and move on with your life. Ken Nix works every claim himself to ensure we recover the maximum fair market value for you.

Why Hire Us?

Licensed Auto Appraiser for over 13 Years

Over 35 years Experience as a Professional Negotiator

Over 18 years Automotive sales Experience. Experience with all types of vehicles. Not just an ex estimator or adjuster.

Over 40 years of Automotive Experience

Professionally Trained One on One by Zig Ziglar, Grant Cardone, and Tom Stuker.

Worked with Hundreds of Dealer, GM's, and GSM's in Oregon, Washington and Idaho while employed with Reynolds and Reynolds.

Whether you're in Seattle, Bend, Eugene or Portland, Ken knows you're Used Car Market.

Vehicles We Sevice

We produce total loss appraisals for Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Corvette, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, International, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mini-Cooper, Mitsubishi, Oldsmobile, Peterbilt, Plymouth, Pontiac, Porsche, RAM, Rolls Royce, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Shelby, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.

As well as older Diesel 1 ton and 3/4 ton Trucks with Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax Engines. We also provide Sprinter Van, Ram Promaster, VW Camper Vans, and other Conversion Van Total Loss Appraisals.

We also work Total Loss Claim Disputes on other specialty vehicles such as Heavy Trucks, Semi Trucks, Motorcycles, Classic Cars, Muscle Cars, Collectible Vehicles, Exotic Cars, Motor Coaches, Work Vans, Commercial Vehicles, and many more.

WHO IS KEN NIX

Ken Nix is a local Oregon Certified and Licensed Vehicle appraiser since April of 2010 has been authorized by ODOT to appraise vehicles in Oregon for over 12 years.
Ken started in the automotive industry in the 1980s and has sold and appraised tens of thousands of vehicles including late model cars and trucks, Exotics, Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Vintage, Classics, Street Rods, Camper Conversions, and even Japanese right-hand drive vans while working for multiple franchises over 20 years. Ken is the independent appraiser chosen by Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo for independent vehicle assessments.
Previously employed by Diversiform and Reynolds and Reynolds. Ken worked with local Automotive Dealers, Sales, Service and Body shops to market vehicles. Hundreds of Dealership owners, managers, and staff know and trust him. Ken also worked with Lanphere Enterprises, and many other local dealers to provide digital solutions for automotive marketing.
Ken is the founder of Volkswagen Owners Club, My GTI, and Jetta Junkie and was an Administrator for Autoguide.com for over 10 years.
Ken’s wife jokes that sometimes she’s married to Liam Neeson because Ken has a very particular set of skills, skills he’s acquired over a very long career.

OREGON LICENSED AUTO APPRAISER for over 13 years

Ken has actual long term automotive sales, appraisal and negotiation experience. Beware long term businesses with inexperienced vehicle appraisers claiming decades of experience because a relative founded the business. Make sure your automotive appraiser has the real world experience to back up their claims.
Ken’s background in training salespeople on Product Knowledge, combined with auto body repair assessment experience and his computer background provides negotiating leverage over opposing appraisers. The ability to spot bad repairs from prior damage on an opposing appraiser’s comparables to discrediting salt state and flood damaged vehicles used by your insurance company’s valuations from CCC One and Mitchell / J.D. Powers to lowball your vehicle.
Expert Negotiator. Personally trained one on one by Zig Ziglar, Tom Stuker, and Grant Cordone. Over 45 years experience as a professional negotiator.
Ken’s Automotive, Computer Technology, Legal Reseach, and Negotiating background provides a very specific skill set that makes him a nightmare to opposing appraisers.

Recent Total Loss Claim Dispute Recoveries

G. Genauer – Total Loss Dispute
Insurance Company: State Farm

Portland, Oregon
Vehicle: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI
Offer: $16,174
Settled Value: $20,500
Increase: $4,326.00

S. Mead – Total Loss Dispute
Insurance Company: Geico

Prineville, Oregon
Vehicle: 5th Wheel Toy Hauler 2016 Keystone
Rv M-387 CARBON
Offer: $42,079
Settled Value: $51,700 – May 13, 2022
Increase: $9,621

S. Arkelian – Total Loss Dispute
Insurance Company: Progressive

Portland, Oregon
Vehicle: 2018 RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Diesel 2500
Offer: $59,152.21
Settled Value: $65,625 – May 11, 2022
Increase: $6.472.79

M. Smith – Total Loss Dispute
Insurance Company: Liberty Mutual

Portland, Oregon
Vehicle: 2003 Ford Super Duty F-250 King
Ranch Crew Cab
Offer: $14327.00
Settled Value: $19,995 – May 13, 2022
Increase: $5,668

C. Wilkinson – Total Loss Dispute
Insurance Company: Progressive

Portland, Oregon
Vehicle: 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4 Door Crew Cab
Offer: $22,024.90
Settled Value: $31,500 – May 4, 2022
Increase: $9,475.10

K. Johnson – Total Loss Dispute
Insurance Company: Progressive

Portland, Oregon
Vehicle: 1995 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
Offer: $20,653.83
Settled Value: $29,500.00
Increase: $8,846.17

LEVERAGE

Auto Appraisals

(503) 420-3001

Location

Portland, OR. 97225

Email

leveragepdx@gmail.com

Open Hours

Mon:8am – 8pm
Tue: 8am – 8pm
Wed: 8am – 8pm
Thur: 8am – 8pm
Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 8am – 8pm