How Comparable Vehicles Are Used in an Ontario Total-Loss Appraisal
A comparable vehicle should provide useful evidence of the subject vehicle's market—not simply share a similar make and model.
What Makes a Comparable Relevant?
In an actual cash value review, appraisal evidence often includes market listings or transactions for vehicles that could reasonably inform the value of the insured vehicle immediately before the loss. Selection depends on the date, vehicle specifications, location and reliability of the evidence.
- Exact configuration: model year, trim, drivetrain, body style, engine and material factory packages.
- Kilometres: compare odometer readings and explain relevant market differences rather than treating every kilometre equally.
- Condition and history: consider supported pre-loss condition, accident history, reconditioning and documented upgrades where they genuinely affect the market.
- Location and market depth: prefer relevant local evidence where available; explain any broader search when the vehicle is scarce.
- Evidence quality: record the listing date, asking or transaction price, equipment and source; avoid relying on unavailable or materially mismatched examples.
Adjustments and Valuation Reasoning
Differences in kilometres, equipment, trim, condition and local market conditions may warrant adjustments, but each meaningful adjustment should be justified. A listing price is not automatically the final transaction value, and an appraisal should explain the limitations of available evidence.
Common Errors in Insurer Valuation Reports
Check whether the report correctly identifies the model, options, relevant vehicle history and comparable listings. Ask for the complete valuation materials if you cannot determine why deductions were applied. A report with inconsistent or unexplained comparables may merit a closer appraisal review; it does not automatically prove an incorrect offer.
Documents to Prepare
Gather the insurer's complete written valuation report, current written offer, VIN, trim and option evidence, condition photographs, service records and any relevant equipment invoices. Our total-loss offer checklist explains the broader review process.
Independent Appraisal and Section 128
Where applicable, an Ontario vehicle valuation disagreement may involve the Insurance Act Section 128 appraisal process and the terms of the applicable policy. Not every complaint is an appraisal dispute. Consider the relevant policy provisions and seek legal or regulatory guidance when needed. Read the Section 128 guide.
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General valuation education, not legal advice. Last editorial review: 7 November 2026.