BMW total loss valuation › Washington
Washington total loss rules for BMW owners
Washington has its own rule on how an insurer values a total loss: WAC 284-30-391. Here is what it says, and what to do if the offer on your BMW looks low.
What the rules say
- Comparable vehicles. Washington WAC 284-30-391 requires the settlement to rest on comparable motor vehicles, with appropriate deductions or additions for options, mileage or condition, that are currently available or were available within 90 calendar days of the date of loss. The insurer must search within 150 miles of where the vehicle is principally garaged, widening the area in 25-mile steps where none is found; going beyond 150 miles needs the claimant's agreement.
- Adjustments. Every deduction or addition for options, mileage or condition must be itemized showing specific dollar amounts. A deduction for condition must be itemized in dollars and supported; prior unrepaired damage may be deducted only up to the actual decrease in value it causes.
- Dealer quotations. Quotations for the cost of a comparable motor vehicle from two or more licensed dealers within 150 miles of where the car is garaged are a permitted method of valuation.
- How to request the insurer's valuation report. On request the insurer must give you a true and accurate copy of the valuation report on which its offer rests. Ask the adjuster for it in writing, compare its comparables and adjustments with what cars like yours actually sold for, and keep a copy of the request and the response.
- If you cannot buy a comparable. If within 35 calendar days of the settlement you find a comparable vehicle at a higher price than the amount paid, the claim can be reopened.
- The appraisal clause. Under the policy's appraisal provision, you and the insurer each appoint a competent, impartial appraiser; the appraisers then agree a value or submit their differences to an umpire. Our report can be given to the appraiser you appoint as evidence of what cars like yours sell for.
- Where to complain. The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner takes complaints about claim handling (1-800-562-6900): https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint-or-check-your-complaint-status
If the offer on your BMW looks low
- Ask for the insurer's valuation in writing. It lists the comparable cars the offer rests on and every adjustment made to them.
- Check the comparables. They should be the same generation, body, gearbox and trim as your car, at similar mileage. Enthusiast and classic BMWs are where the software most often reaches for the wrong cars.
- See what cars like yours actually sold for. The valuation tool shows recorded Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids sales for your model, year and mileage. Free.
- Put the evidence in front of the adjuster. The Total Loss Market Valuation Report ($199) lays out comparable sales, adjustments in dollars and your state's rule, with a letter to your adjuster on the first page. The preview is free.
Questions
How is a totaled BMW valued in Washington?
Washington WAC 284-30-391 requires the settlement to rest on comparable motor vehicles, with appropriate deductions or additions for options, mileage or condition, that are currently available or were available within 90 calendar days of the date of loss. Every deduction or addition for options, mileage or condition must be itemized showing specific dollar amounts.
How recent and how close must the comparable cars be in Washington?
The insurer must search within 150 miles of where the vehicle is principally garaged, widening the area in 25-mile steps where none is found; going beyond 150 miles needs the claimant's agreement. They should also be the same generation, body, gearbox and trim as your car, at similar mileage; enthusiast and classic BMWs are where the software most often reaches for the wrong cars.
Can I get the insurer's valuation report in Washington?
On request the insurer must give you a true and accurate copy of the valuation report on which its offer rests. Ask the adjuster for it in writing, compare its comparables and adjustments with what cars like yours actually sold for, and keep a copy of the request and the response.
What if I cannot buy a comparable car for what the insurer paid in Washington?
If within 35 calendar days of the settlement you find a comparable vehicle at a higher price than the amount paid, the claim can be reopened. Our Total Loss Market Valuation Report lists what dealers are asking for comparable cars near you today, widening the search nationwide when it has to.
What if I still disagree with the insurer's offer in Washington?
Under the policy's appraisal provision, you and the insurer each appoint a competent, impartial appraiser; the appraisers then agree a value or submit their differences to an umpire. Our report can be given to the appraiser you appoint as evidence of what cars like yours sell for.
Where do I complain about a total loss claim in Washington?
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner takes complaints about claim handling (1-800-562-6900): https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint-or-check-your-complaint-status. Before you file, ask the adjuster in writing for the complete valuation report on which the offer rests, with each comparable and every itemized adjustment, and keep a copy of the request and the response.
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Total loss rules in other states
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