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:

  1. Obtain an auto appraisal (at your expense).
  2. Your insurance company conducts its own appraisal (at its expense).
  3. 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. How much more can I get? My average increase this year, is $5,768.19 or 44.78 percent of the vehicle’s value. .
  5. 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.

Washington
Jacob Riopelle (Jake Riopelle)
I was working with State Farm insurance, and received an appraisal from CCC for $13,400 for my 2013 Sienna. The car only had 1 only owner before me and was declared a total loss. I gave Ken a call and he let me know that they were way under evaluating my vehicle like I suspected. He worked with my insurance and in about a week he had gotten me from that $13,400.00 up to $19,600.00. Absolutely worth every penny Ken was fantastic to work with. Definitely recommend his services to anyone who has a totaled vehicle. Per Oregon law if the appraisal that you get from Ken or any other appraisal company is a penny over what the insurance company’s first appraisal of your vehicle your insurance company is liable to pay Ken’s fee. So overall, you’re basically getting a fantastic free service and more value for your vehicle. I hope I don’t ever total another vehicle but if I do, I’m calling Ken.
Washington
John Jr Smith
My name is Daniel, I was overwhelmed after my total lost in Oct-2024. I thought that the insurance would screw me over, but I found Ken Nix from auto leverage locally owned in Oregon. In less than a month he made all his effort and it did work. I got a total value of $8,800 on Monday 27th 2025, amazing work that he did. The guidance he has and the quality customer service are unmatchable. Going on a vacation with that money thanks to Mr.Ken.
Washington
Jim Babbitt
Leverage Auto Appraisals and Ken Nix come highly recommended. When our pickup was totaled, Progressive insurance initially offered a settlement of $20,000. The vehicle's value was known to be higher, but navigating the insurance process can be difficult.
Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals provided expert assistance. He navigated the insurance process on the our behalf. Though the negotiation with Progressive took about a year, Ken's persistence led to a successful outcome. He negotiated a $26,000 settlement for the totaled truck, significantly higher than the original offer. I believe the key for us, in the negotiations, was to have patients and give Ken the space operate.
Ken was knowledgeable and communicative. If facing a total loss claim and believing the insurance company's offer is too low, consider contacting Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals.
Washington
Andrew Bertz
Having to go all the way to getting an appraisal was not something I wanted to do. But when my Insurance company low balled me and would not budge, I reach out to Ken.
He was great to work with and helped explain the process.
I was able to get over 10% more for my total loss claim thanks to Ken's work.
Washington
Ryan R
I had a tricky auto claim with my insurance. Ken spent lots of time working on our claim and negotiated a 14% higher appraisal award!
Washington
Dave W
Ken at Leverage did an outstanding job for us, the insurance company was trying to low ball the value of my daughter's Sienna van that was totaled by someone running a stop sign. Insurance comany's offer was ridiculous. I tried fighting them myself and got nowhere, they just shut me down. But Ken stepped in and got us almost 40% more, and the insurance had to reimburse me for his cost. Ken is a very pleasant guy, extremely knowledgable about his business, and great to work with. He definitely goes to bat for his customer, and he does not take a percentage of the settlement like most the other appraisers do. Highly recommend him. And he's a fun and interesting guy to talk to!
Washington
Mary Theophanes
Ken was amazing and got my husband and I $2,000 more than State Farm initially offered us for our 2015 Honda Civic. It really made the difference in shopping for another vehicle. Thank you Ken!!
Washington
Dick Dixon
Leverage Auto Appraisals did a great job for me! They were fast and concise. Thanks!
Washington
Sandy DeBano
Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisers is truly amazing. I was ready to give up in despair dealing with my claims specialist at State Farm, who was undervaluing our 2010 Toyota Highlander (which State Farm totaled after we hit a deer). Ken was a straight shooter, is extremely knowledgeable about the entire convoluted process, and helped every step of the way. Getting the appraisal from Ken was unexpectedly easy and fast (once State Farm assigned their appraiser, which took several weeks). Ken is a a pro and has real integrity! And he saved us over $2000!!!
Washington
Howard Bergman
I was greatly impressed with Ken at his company.
He immediately explain all of details on how it works and how do you insurance company use he gives you the low number? KEN WHEN'S ABLE TO GET ME OVER $9000 MORE THAN YOU INSURANCE COMPANY OFFERED? I WOULD DEFINITELY GIVE A 5 STAR REVIEW. AND WHAT? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HIM THANK YOU HOWARD BERGMAN.
Washington
Jessica Kittell
I cannot say enough good things about leverage auto appraisals. First off Ken is very kind and knowledgeable. We had never been in an accident before and he explained the process and what to expect. State farm gave us a total loss on our Dodge grand caravan and tried to offer us $12,233 after Kens hard work he got us back $17,950. He's fast and efficient. Our whole process took a total of 3 days. If you need an appraisal done I would highly recommend leverage auto appraisals.
Washington
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!!!
Washington

 

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?

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Licensed Auto Appraiser for over 13 Years

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Over 35 years Experience as a Professional Negotiator

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

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Over 40 years of Automotive Experience

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

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

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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

Oregon Total loss auto appraiser Ken Nix, specializing in Total Loss Appraisals for vehicles.

  • 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 Nix's current Oregon Auto Appraisers Certification and License issued by ODOT

  • 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

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Tue: 8am – 8pm
Wed: 8am – 8pm
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Fri: 8am – 8pm
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