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 Appraiser

Based on 142 reviews

Troy Wohlgemuth

I’m 65 years old and recently retired. I had purchased this one owner extremely low mileage Chevy pickup a year before retirement. My expectation was it would last me through my retirement.
Unfortunately I was in an accident and the body shop and insurance company said it was a total loss. I did as instructed and was able to find two or three comps with similar mileage, year of MFG, and options in my area. My insurance company total loss agent used the same comps, but sent me a check for several thousand dollars less than the comps? The total loss agent told me the reduction was for depreciation of the comps ??
I tried to reason with the total loss insurance agent, and told him that, just like the cost of grocery’s and gas… inflation controls the cost of used vehicles also. Costs have appreciated not depreciated. The total loss agent still wouldn’t budge.
That’s when I called Leverage Auto Appraisals and spoke with Ken.
I hired Leverage Auto Appraisals and invoked the Appraisal Clause.
My truck was appraised for $4233 higher.
I received a check from the same insurance total loss agent that wouldn’t budge for $4233, and another from the same agent for total reimbursement of the appraisal fee.😊
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your emotions, stress and financial circumstances after a total loss.
Hire Leverage Auto Appraisals. It literally cost me zero and saved me thousands.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for including the pictures of your truck! I’m really glad we were able to secure a $4,233 increase on your Chevy pickup total loss claim with State Farm—especially after their total loss agent tried to justify an unfair depreciation adjustment on the comps. You’re absolutely right—vehicle prices, like groceries and gas, have appreciated, not depreciated. Yet, insurance companies often manipulate valuations by applying unnecessary deductions, hoping policyholders will just accept them. By invoking the Appraisal Clause and hiring me, you were able to get the fair value you deserved, and State Farm was required to reimburse you 100% of the appraisal fee, making it a win-win. I appreciate you trusting Leverage Auto Appraisals to handle your claim, and I hope your next truck serves you well throughout your retirement! If you ever need assistance again, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for the review! —Ken

Mario skoro

Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisal was fantastic! State Farm’s initial offer for my totaled car was much lower, but Ken stepped in and got me an additional $2,400 for my 2006 Lexus is350. I would’ve loved to get even more, but that’s no fault of Ken’s—he truly went above and beyond. He was professional, knowledgeable, and made the process easy and stress-free. His stories made the experience enjoyable, too! If you’re dealing with a total loss, don’t settle—reach out to Ken and his team. His fee is reimbursed by the insurance company, so it’s a win-win, and he does all the heavy lifting. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Mario. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope I didn't bore you too much. I try to provide a very transparent conversation so everyone is on the same page. Thank you again for choosing me as your auto appraiser. - Ken

Caleb Gilson

Ken Nix does an awesome job, great communication, great guy. He has negotiated with insurance values on two vehicles for me now. Wouldn't go to anyone else. He got me 4-5k more both times, dont let insurance lowball your cars value. Reminder: Oregon law requires insurance to reimburse your costs for an appraisal for just a penny in raised value and he will get it for you, so don't hesitate.

Beau Loid

Ken is a straight shooter. No BS. Very impressed with the service. I will definitely be using him in the future if needed. Thanks Ken!

Nathan Salyers

Ken was fantastic! He got us $6120 more than we were originally offered! I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to anybody in need of his service!

Response from the owner:Nathan, you rock. I’m grateful for the kind words and even more grateful for those 7 amazing truck photos you added to your review. Most people don’t think to do that, but it really helps others see the quality of vehicles we’re fighting to get properly valued. Your truck deserved that $6,120 boost and then some! Thank you again for your trust, your review, and your willingness to refer others my way. That kind of support helps keep the playing field a little more level when insurance companies try to shortchange people. I'm always happy to step in and make things right. Kind regards, Ken

Kepha Jones

Couldn't recommend Ken, or his company more highly! He's knowledgable, experienced, and passionate about what he does. He got me $11k more than the insurance company offered me. Trust this man and his process. It works!

Response from the owner:Thank you Kepha for the great review! I would like to address one thing I'm seeing from some other company reviews about how their appraiser picks up on the first ring. The majority of my calls go to my live answering service. I don't just sit around all day focusing on selling appraisals. I'm normally working on negotiating claims or conducting research to discredit the opposing appraiser's comps. Not, sitting around focusing on selling appraisals. I've had a lot of people ask why I put so much time and energy into fighting for my clients, and it's simple. I get to be "BATMAN". Protecting people from being taken advantage of. Shame on the insurance companies for using database valuations that are mostly crap in my personal opinion. Using comps with structural damage, branded titles or just claiming they're in "Excellent" shape and the insured's vehicle is AVERAGE "Private Party" at best then taking as much as an additional $2,000 off for condition, against vehicles that have as many as 50,000 more miles???? Of course, the comps are from a database, and have been sold and scrubbed from the internet. So you can't see that $2,000 current damage or the bad paint or improper repair from a collision. Not to mention giving the Lion's share of business to large appraisal companies that then have Hope for gain (getting more business) or fear of loss (losing a million dollar contract). It should be where insurance companies would have to hire a "true" independent auto appraiser. Where all available auto appraisers were put on a list and then selected in sequence instead of giving one company a large amount of business. Just my 2 cents. Thanks again Kepha! -Ken

Young

I live in Seattle and my 2014 Subaru Forester was totaled back in August. While I felt the offer from my insurance was fair for most of the car, there were a few things that I felt their offer didn’t capture (new tires). So I sat on their offer for 3 months before finding Ken Nix.

Ken has great communication considering how swamped appraisers are now. When I first spoke to him with concerns (before even hiring him), he took the time to answer all my questions in great detail. While no appraiser can guarantee how an appraisal will go, Ken assured me his services would be well worth the cost. And he was right! Less than 1 week after hiring him, I got an email from my claim agent stating they had increased my loss value by about $1800!

I’m so glad I didn’t just immediately accept my insurance’s offer, and I’m especially glad I found someone as reliable and professional as Ken!!

Tracker Bain

Hello everyone, hope you come out as good as we did. My daughter and I totaled out my truck, and hurt my trailer and early bronco pretty bad. Insurance took care of the bronco fair so far. But my 2005 Dodge Cummings 2500 with a six speed manual didn’t fair so well. My truck saved our lives by giving its own body in trade. I bought this truck new and it was still a well taken care of truck with a handfull of dents. Still had the original windshield in it. Well insurance didn’t see it like that. Trucks cost $70k to over $100k now a days and they think my truck was worth $12k. After arguing with a guy from State Farm about the unfair practices they use I was able to get them to finally sell me my truck back, which he said they couldn’t do. Plus give me $11k. This was still way below what these trucks sell for used. I called Ken and he said he would look into it. By the next morning he called me and said he found three trucks on the market worth around $27k. So I hired him and he started doing his thing. Now everyone wants upfront service with a smile. Ken did exactly that for us. It took 6 months to deal with State Farm at their pace. He stayed with them every step of the way. I ended up getting $22k for my truck after it was all said and done. It went from $16k to $22k. The best part is the insurance has to pay his fee for him being right on the price. This took some time so it’s not fun or easy, paying insurance on a truck that they owe you on it frustrating also. So give Ken a call and be patient. He can only work as fast as the insurance will go, which is snail speed. I don’t really know what I would have done without him, I would of ate $6k just to be done with the insurance company. I’m glad I called him, he’s always a pleasure to talk to and a super easy guy to approach. Thanks Ken!

Devin Rivera

Can't recommend enough.

Was hit by another motorist recently hard enough that my car was totaled. Travelers Insurance tried to low ball me on my total loss claim by 4k.

Ken went to bat for me against the new appraiser they hired for the appraisal clause. Ken was able to get me another 2k to help supplement the loss of my vehicle and the cost to get into another one.

If your car is totaled and the claim is under what the car is valued by a good amount, don't second guess - hire Ken to represent you.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Devin, for your review and recommendation—I truly appreciate it! Insurance companies often start with a lowball offer, hoping policyholders will accept it without question. In your case, they undervalued your vehicle by about $4,000. While the appraiser they hired out of Texas attempted to minimize the increase using questionable tactics, we still secured an additional $2,000—money that helps bridge the gap to a comparable replacement. Plus, they had to reimburse you 100% for the appraisal. Unfortunately, I’m seeing more insurance companies hiring appraisers who are more focused on limiting increases than providing fair market valuations. Many of these appraisers are out-of-state and unfamiliar with Oregon’s market, yet they determine values that impact local policyholders. Additionally, I’ve noticed several OUT OF STATE companies claiming to be “FAIR” yet they require policyholders to pay a percentage of the increase before finalizing the award—fees that insurance companies don’t reimburse. These tactics put consumers at a disadvantage. They also claim to have reviews, but are no where to be found online, neither is their actual true contact information. Not to mention, they're not licensed to appraise vehicles in Oregon, but certified by a company out of Texas that isn't certified by any government agency. I fight against these practices every day to ensure people like you aren’t shortchanged. I’m grateful you trusted me to handle your claim, and I’m glad we achieved a better outcome. If you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for your review! —Ken

Dick Dixon

Leverage Auto Appraisals did a great job for me! They were fast and concise. Thanks!

Michael Fletcher

Ken did with the insurance company, what we could not do, and that was get a "fair" (maybe not what we hoped for, but fair) value for very low mileage 2013 VW Golf, during a ridiculously busy time
with appraisers due to the recent on-slot of hurricane-damaged cars. He was patient in explaining the process and helpful in coming to a resolution with the insurance company.

Angelina Loredo

Ken is the absolute best. He’s nice to work with and works hard to get you a better payout. These insurance companies are swindlers and he evens the playing field. My car was stolen but he accepted affirm so I was able to pay his fee in installments. Totally worth it because he got me double what the insurance company was offering for my stolen vehicle! Now they also have to reimburse me for the money I spent on Ken’s services as well.

If you are wondering if it’ll be worth it, give him a call and he’ll look over your case and tell you if he thinks he can get you more.

Response from the owner:Don't know if I am the best, but I do my best to work for my clients. Thank you for taking the time to write a review Angel, and for choosing me as your auto appraiser. - 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