Think Your Insurance Write-Off Valuation Is Too Low? Here’s What to Do
If your vehicle has been written off under a Market Value policy and you don’t agree with the valuation you’ve been given, you’re not stuck with it. A valuation is an assessment, not a fixed figure, and you’re entitled to see how it was reached and provide further information if it’s missing key details about your vehicle.
This guide explains what a proper valuation should include, and what to do if yours doesn’t.
Ask to see the valuation
Your insurer doesn’t determine your vehicle’s market value. Instead, the settlement offer is based on a valuation prepared by a registered motor vehicle trader. You’re entitled to ask to see it, rather than just accepting the final figure.
This is important because the quality of the valuation can directly affect the settlement you’re offered. If the valuation doesn’t fully reflect your vehicle’s specification, condition or history, the settlement may not accurately reflect its market value.
When you do, check whether the report actually comments on and justifies the figure using details specific to your vehicle, rather than a generic make and model. A well-supported report will generally explain the assessed value by reference to your vehicle’s specific details, for example, things like its exact trim level, odometer reading, condition, any modifications, and service history.
If the report is light on detail and doesn’t explain how the figure was reached in relation to your specific vehicle, it’s worth going back to your insurer and asking what was taken into account. The more specific and detailed a valuation is, the more accurately it reflects what your vehicle was actually worth, so if a valuation is missing detail that could reasonably affect the figure, that’s worth raising.
What to do if the valuation is missing detail
If you look at the valuation and notice it doesn’t mention something relevant, such as a modification, recent mechanical work, or a specific trim level, provide that information directly to your insurer. Where possible, back it up with evidence:
- Service records or invoices for recent work
- Photographs showing condition, modifications, or features
- Documentation confirming specifications or modifications
The more detailed and well-supported the information you provide, the better placed your insurer is to reassess the valuation accurately.
If you’re still not satisfied
If you’ve provided this information and still believe the valuation doesn’t reflect your vehicle’s true value, you’re entitled to obtain an independent pre-accident valuation. This is a separate, dedicated assessment that you can present to your insurer as supporting evidence.
Request an independent pre-accident valuation
What if you’re not satisfied with an independent valuation either?
The same standard applies to any valuation. If you obtain an independent valuation and you’re not entirely satisfied with it either, you’re entitled to ask how the figure was reached and to question anything that doesn’t appear to reflect your vehicle’s specific details or condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I entitled to see how my insurer’s valuation was calculated?
Yes. You can ask your insurer to explain how the valuation was reached.
What if my insurer’s valuation doesn’t mention my vehicle’s modifications or recent work at all?
This is worth raising directly. Provide the information along with any supporting evidence you have, and ask your insurer to reassess the valuation in light of it.
Does providing more information guarantee a higher settlement?
No. It improves the accuracy of the assessment, and if your vehicle genuinely has features or condition that add value, a more detailed valuation should reflect that. But there’s no guarantee of a specific outcome.
Is this only relevant to Market Value policies?
Yes. If you have Agreed Value cover, your settlement amount was fixed when you took out or renewed your policy, so this doesn’t apply in the same way.