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
Dick Dixon
Leverage Auto Appraisals did a great job for me! They were fast and concise. Thanks!
Washington
Jeremy Bittermann
I was recently involved in an accident which totaled my beloved 100 Series Land Cruiser. I consider myself to be a pretty good negotiator and figured I would be able to get a decent settlement from my insurance company.

I was WRONG. It was a gigantic, time-wasting headache. After spending a bunch of time gathering and submitting documentation to prove that their settlement offer was absurdly low they agreed and increased their offer by $500 - ridiculous.

At this point I engaged Ken to help. He was a steady hand through the entire process and provided a real education on how this whole dumb system works. In the end he was able to get the offer increased by over $8k (!) which made the final settlement much closer to what the value of the car was.

If you find yourself in a similar situation I suggest not wasting your time trying to do it yourself. Just hire Ken. He'll do a great job, take all the guess-work out of it and will almost definitely get you more money.

Also, if he gets the insurance company to increase their offer by any amount then they are obligated to reimburse you for Ken's fee!

Thanks Ken!
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
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!
Washington
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!
Washington
Nikki Graybeal
Ken did a great job. He increased my settlement considerably and made it all super easy. He's a genuinely nice guy helping people by providing a much needed service.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review! I’m glad I could **significantly increase your settlement** and make the process easy for you. State Farm, like many insurance companies, often undervalues vehicles, but I’m committed to ensuring my clients get what they truly deserve. Also, per **Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240**, **State Farm was required to reimburse you 100% of the appraisal fee**, so not only did you receive a higher payout, but your appraisal costs were fully covered as well. I appreciate your kind words and for trusting me with your claim. If you ever need help again, don’t hesitate to reach out! —Ken
Washington
Mike Stucky
I was told that Leverage was a good company to contact for a fair appraisal of a totaled vehicle. After speaking with Ken, I knew I had the right guy to advocate for me with the other appraiser hired by the insurance company to keep their payment to me as low as possible.
I knew that my truck had intrinsic value, and so did Ken.
A Pre-Def '06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Diesel. Those who Know, Know!
Well...Wow!!! Ken got me the amount that truck would have brought if I could have sold it.
An increase of 61% over what the insurance company had insulted me with in their initial offer.
A total increase of $12,800
If you need someone who understands what you're dealing with, and will fight to get you what you deserve from an insurance company bent on screwing you.
You need Leverage Appraisals and Ken Nix!
Washington
K.R.
I had a very positive experience with Leverage Auto Appraisals. Ken helped me dispute a total loss claim on my vehicle and I ended up getting a higher payout from my insurance company. The process was smooth, professional, and stress-free from start to finish. He was very responsive, explained everything clearly, and truly went above and beyond to make sure I was treated fairly. I would absolutely recommend Leverage Auto Appraisals to anyone dealing with a total loss or insurance dispute!
Washington
Connor
Great working with Ken! Very professional and knowledgeable. Did an excellent job explaining the whole process. Can’t recommend him enough.
Response from the owner:Thanks for giving me the idea to put together a video to explain the process better to clients. And, thank you again for choosing me as your auto appraiser! - Ken
Washington
Gabe Ritter
Ken is the absolute best in the business and a pleasure to work with. A true professional and knows his stuff. I highly recommend using him to get you the absolute best price for your total loss vehicle. He knows all the ins and outs of the insurance business. Do yourself a favor and hire him.
Response from the owner:Gabe, thank you so much for the generous review! You were such a pleasure to work with—truly one of the kindest folks I’ve had the chance to help. I appreciate your trust and your words more than you know. I’m glad we could put my knowledge of the appraisal clause and insurance world to good use and get you the result you deserved. It means a lot that you’d recommend me so highly. You made the process smooth and enjoyable, and I’m always here if you or anyone you know needs help down the road. Kind regards, Ken
Washington
mona chandler
I had a no-fault total loss vehicle claim, and dealing with the at-fault driver's insurance company (USAA) was an absolute nightmare. They only offered me $4,296.00, and the process was incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, Ken stepped in and worked his magic, securing $8,999.00 for me—way beyond what I had anticipated! If I ever find myself in this situation again, I’ll definitely turn to Ken without hesitation. I’ve already recommended him to all my relatives. Insurance companies might not have your back, but Ken certainly does!
Response from the owner:Mona, thank you so much for the kind review and for putting your trust in me during such a frustrating claim. That original $4,296 offer from USAA was, frankly, ridiculous. I’m proud we pushed back and got you $8,999, even if they were too stingy to throw in that final dollar. I guess leaving you one dollar shy of $9,000 made their day... but it made ours too, because we fought back and won big! It’s an honor to be your advocate when the insurance company won’t step up. I’m especially grateful you’re already recommending me to family—that's the best compliment I could ask for. Kind regards, Ken
Washington
dbowl36yahoo
Ken did very good job negotiating a settlement. It was a great experience and I got what I thought I deserved. Thanks again Ken!
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
Sat: 8am – 8pm
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