Washington Total Loss Appraisal Clause Disputes

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

In Seattle, Washington, facing a total loss scenario can be daunting, whether due to an accident, theft, flood, or other unforeseen events. When an insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss, they often calculate a settlement based on their assessment of the vehicle’s pre-accident value. This is typically done using valuation tools like CCC One, Mitchell, JD Power, VSS, or similar market valuation reports, which can significantly undervalue your vehicle—especially if it is a rare model such as an older diesel truck, has unique features, special options, or is a classic car.

At Leverage Auto Appraisals in Seattle, we offer a value dispute appraisal—an impartial, independent evaluation of a vehicle’s market value before it was involved in an accident. This type of appraisal is crucial for challenging an insurer’s low valuation following a collision. It serves as a powerful tool to negotiate a more equitable settlement with your insurance provider.

Here’s how you can leverage the appraisal clause in your insurance policy, with the help of our certified auto appraiser, Ken Nix:

Obtain an auto appraisal at your own expense.
Your insurance company conducts its appraisal at their expense.
In case of a disagreement over the vehicle’s value, both appraisers select an umpire, with the costs split equally.

Whether your vehicle has been damaged in a storm, involved in an accident, or stolen, Leverage Auto Appraisals in Seattle provides comprehensive, unbiased appraisal services to ensure you receive a fair valuation. This is vital when repair costs approach or exceed the market value of your vehicle.

Don’t settle for less. If you’re in Seattle and facing a total loss situation, and want to dispute your insurance company’s offer, trust Leverage Auto Appraisals for precise, reliable, and fair auto appraisal services. We are committed to ensuring your vehicle’s value reflects its true worth in the Seattle market, helping you navigate these challenging times with confidence.

Seattle

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 129 reviews

Kim Beason

Ken was wonderful to work with and to have on my side. The insurance company was trying to lowball our totaled vehicle and after reaching out to him he did all the work and got us a substantial amount above what insurance was " willing to pay". He is also a wealth of knowledge and very passionate about his customers.

Skyler Mcclure

Went out of his way to help me and give me knowledge about some Oregon Laws that I was able to help.use againt my Claim Very Thankful for someone who's isn't all about the money!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Skyler. I actually started advocating for consumers back in 2005 when I realized I was justifying everything I did, no matter how bad it was. I didn't want my kids to grow up like that person, so I started helping people on forums first, then started my own forums where I helped people for free. In 2010, I moved to doing this professionally. I'm by no means rich, with the exception of my family and friends, which I could be compared to Elon there. LOL But, I make a nice living and it's a huge bonus to be able to help people along the way, even if I don't get paid. My son sent me a meme today, that was about how all the material things we cherish will either be trash or belong to someone else in 100 years. Family, Friends, Relationships and being your best should be on everyone's top priority. I'm a true believer in Karma, you reap what you sow. 'nuff said. - ('Nuff Said credit to Stan Lee who believed in fighting for the underdog.)

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

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

Babak Jabbari

If you want to talk about professionalism, experience, and honesty Ken is the man. He helped me understand the accident claim process and total loss comps and how insurance companies come up with payout amounts. He put me on ease to accept my settlement deal and move on. Thanks Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Babak. It's not very often I run up on a claim that is actually a good deal for the policyholder, but in your case, it was. I'm glad I could provide you with the information for you to make a well informed decision. It was really nice of you to take the time to write a review even though I wasn't able to help you achieve a higher settlement. If just everyone I helped get $3,000 or more on their claims wrote me a reviews, I'd have literally thousands of reviews instead of 80. So again, thank you VERY much to taking the time to provide your input.

Yosef Damena

I had an excellent experience with Leverage Auto Appraisals! Ken Nix and the team was professional, efficient, and incredibly knowledgeable. They provided a detailed, accurate appraisal of my vehicle and made the entire process seamless. The communication was clear, and they really took the time to explain everything to me. I highly recommend their services if you’re looking for reliable and trustworthy auto appraisal experts!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting Leverage Auto Appraisals! I’m thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience. We take pride in providing detailed, accurate appraisals and ensuring our clients fully understand the process. Clear communication is a priority because insurance claims can be confusing, and too many companies take advantage of that lack of knowledge. I’m glad we could make the process seamless for you. If you ever need assistance in the future, whether it’s another appraisal or just advice on dealing with insurance claims, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your recommendation means a lot, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Thanks again! —Ken

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!

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

Aaron Williams

Ken is a bulldog! If the insurance companies are putting the screws to you, Ken will help you get you claim right!
Ken is friendly, knowledgable, thorough and trustworthy!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the awesome review! I appreciate the kind words and am glad I could help secure an **$8,395 increase** on your **State Farm total loss claim**. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but I make sure my clients don’t get shortchanged. Thorough research, market knowledge, and persistence are key to getting a fair settlement. I truly appreciate your trust in me to handle your claim and fight for what you deserved. If you ever need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for your support! —Ken

Viviana Rojas

Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5 stars Vivian. That was very nice of you. I'm sorry we didn't get to work together, but very happy things worked out for you. Best Wishes - Ken

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!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience! This was definitely a tricky claim, and the negotiation with the opposing appraiser was particularly tough, but I’m glad we were able to secure a **$7,006 increase**—bringing your total settlement from **$47,056.80 to $54,063.00**, a **14% higher appraisal award**. It’s also important to mention that if you had used the **"FAIR"** company, they would have charged **$300 upfront** for the appraisal and then taken **15% of the increase**—which in your case would have been an additional **$1,050.90**. That means you would have lost **$1,350.90** from your final settlement, and **Progressive would have only been required to reimburse you for the $300 appraisal fee**. The rest would have come straight out of your pocket. In my personal opinion, I feel this is akin to a **bait-and-switch scam**—they lure people in with a low initial fee, but once they secure an increase, they take a significant percentage of the payout. Meanwhile, they market themselves as a no-risk option, when in reality, clients end up paying far more than they should. By choosing me, you **kept 100% of the increase**, and **Progressive was required to reimburse you for the full cost of our appraisal** as per **Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240**. That’s how it should be—fair, transparent, and in the best interest of the policyholder. I appreciate you trusting me to fight for a fair valuation, and I’m glad we could achieve this strong result. If you ever need assistance again, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for your review and for choosing me to handle your claim! —Ken

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

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