Negotiating a total loss claim with Allstate Insurance or any other insurance company can be a challenging process, but it's important to ensure you receive fair compensation for your vehicle.
Some drivers assume the first offer the auto insurance company’s offer is a fair, accurate payout or that they can’t negotiate at all. However, it's important to check the details to make sure that everything about your car is correctly reflected in the insurance companies report. Small changes, like making sure your car’s electronic sunroof is captured in the report for example, can often improve your total loss settlement offer.
Here are steps to help you negotiate a total loss claim with Allstate Insurance:
Step 1:Request a Copy of Allstate Insurance's Valuation
- Assuming you have already submitted a claim, the first step after that is to request a copy of the Allstate Total Loss Department’s valuation. Allstate Insurance will assess the value of your vehicle based on factors like make, model, age, mileage, condition, and local market values. Ask Allstate Insurance for a copy of their valuation report to understand how they arrived at their offer.
Step 2: Review Allstate Insurance’s Report For Accuracy
- Review carefully to ensure all relevant information about your vehicle is accurate. For more on how to do that, you can read this article on understanding a CCC report. You can also research the market value of your vehicle using sources like Kelly Blue Book, NADA, or local classified ads.
Step 3: Consider Negotiating:
- If Allstate Insurances's initial offer is lower than you believe your vehicle is worth, you can prepare to negotiate. It’s important to present facts that support your claim. Evidence can include things like your vehicle's original window sticker, receipts from recent repairs or vehicle upgrades. Contact the dealer where you purchased the vehicle and ask for a list of your vehicle's features. You can also submit comparable vehicle listings. If you decide to negotiate, it's important to be polite, professional and firm. Insurance adjusters are very busy. They are more likely to work with you if you are cooperative and polite.
Step 4: Consider an Appraisal or Legal Help
- If you and Allstate Insurance cannot reach an agreement, some insurance policies include provisions for an appraisal processes to resolve disputes. Appraisal services can range in cost so consider whether the cost is worth it or get quotes from multiple appraisers.
- Finally, if you believe you are not receiving a fair settlement and you've exhausted all negotiation options, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims.
Remember that Allstate Insurance, like other insurance companies, has procedures in place to handle total loss claims. It's essential to be well-informed and persistent while negotiating, but always follow the terms and conditions of your insurance policy and local laws and regulations.
