Knowledge. Guidance. Clarity.

A valuation normally starts with the vehicle’s exact configuration and pre-loss condition. Market listings are then screened for relevance. Similarity is more important than volume: a smaller group of well-matched comparables may be more informative than many weak matches. Mileage, equipment, condition and geographic differences should be explained, not hidden inside an unexplained final number.

• Confirm the exact trim and drivetrain
• Review the full insurer valuation, not only the offer page
• Check whether comparables actually match the vehicle
• Document material condition and equipment differences

General educational information only. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, evidence, policy and assignment purpose.

A review may be appropriate when the valuation uses incorrect vehicle information, weak comparables, unsupported adjustments or omits material equipment and condition evidence. The first step is to request the complete valuation and identify specific, supportable issues. A disagreement alone is not evidence; the strongest dispute is organized around verifiable facts and relevant market data.

• Obtain the complete valuation report
• List factual errors separately from opinion differences
• Gather maintenance, condition and equipment evidence
• Use relevant market comparables rather than asking prices alone

General educational information only. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, evidence, policy and assignment purpose.

Actual cash value generally refers to the vehicle’s value immediately before the loss, subject to the applicable policy and claim facts. It is not automatically the original purchase price, replacement cost or outstanding loan balance. Vehicle specifications, mileage, condition, options and the relevant market can all affect the analysis.

• Verify whether the stated value is before or after applicable tax
• Separate the vehicle value from deductible and other claim items
• Review how mileage and condition were treated
• Ask for an explanation of material adjustments

General educational information only. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, evidence, policy and assignment purpose.

Mileage can influence value because buyers commonly associate lower use with remaining service life and condition. A proper mileage adjustment should consider the vehicle class, age, market evidence and the size of the mileage difference. A flat adjustment used without explanation may not reflect the actual market effect.

• Compare odometers at the same vehicle age
• Avoid treating every kilometre as having identical value
• Consider whether the market already reflects mileage in listing prices
• Explain the adjustment method clearly

General educational information only. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, evidence, policy and assignment purpose.

Factory options and packages can materially change both original specification and used-market demand. The effect depends on the vehicle and market: some packages add meaningful value, while others have limited resale impact. Accurate VIN-based or build-sheet verification is preferable to assumptions based on photographs alone.

• Confirm trim before evaluating options
• Distinguish factory equipment from aftermarket additions
• Check whether comparables have similar packages
• Avoid adding original option cost dollar-for-dollar

General educational information only. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, evidence, policy and assignment purpose.

A relevant comparable should be similar in model generation, trim, drivetrain, model year, mileage, equipment and condition, and should come from a market that reasonably reflects where the vehicle would have been bought or sold. Listings with major differences can still be informative, but those differences must be addressed.

• Prioritize similarity over the lowest advertised price
• Check listing status, seller type and location
• Remove duplicates and obvious data errors
• Explain why each comparable is relevant

General educational information only. The correct approach depends on the vehicle, evidence, policy and assignment purpose.

Ontario automobile policies may provide a formal appraisal process when the insurer and insured disagree about the amount of loss. The exact steps depend on the policy, the claim facts and whether the disagreement is properly documented.

• Obtain the insurer’s complete valuation and settlement breakdown
• Identify factual errors and unsupported adjustments
• Prepare vehicle-specific market evidence and documentation
• Review the applicable OAP 1 wording before starting a formal appraisal process

General educational information only. This content is not legal advice and does not replace the wording of the applicable policy.