Questions & answers · Car insurance
How long do I have to dispute an auto total-loss settlement, and what is the appraisal process?
Car insurancePaid too littleChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: Texas Department of Insurance View original ↗
In short
- These sources give no deadline, so your policy and state law set it.
- Appraisal uses two appraisers and a third as umpire [1].
- Ask for that clause before you sign anything.
What this means
There is no single national clock here, and these sources give none. The time limit comes from your own policy and from the law of your state. So ask the insurer in writing for two provisions: the appraisal clause and the suit-limitation clause. Read both before you sign a release.
The appraisal route itself is written down. The Texas Department of Insurance says your policy may include an appraisal process to resolve complaints. It begins with you and the company each hiring an appraiser, and the two appraisers then choose a third appraiser as the umpire [1]. These are Texas pages, so other states may run this differently.
For the value itself, bring what the department asks for: what the car would sell for in your area, quotes from used car dealers, prices online and local ads for similar vehicles, and any special features or custom parts [2]. Send your counter-offer in writing, with dates. Do you want to keep the car? Say so, because the company will subtract the salvage value from what it was planning to pay you [3].
Your next step
Ask the insurer in writing today for two policy provisions: appraisal and suit limitation. Do not sign a release until you have read them [1]. Send your counter-offer with local listings and receipts attached [2]. Do you want to keep the car? Say so now, because salvage value is subtracted [3]. These sources give no deadline, so your own policy's wording is the clock to work from.
Check it yourself
Open the Texas page What if my insurance is not paying enough and read Request appraisal [1]. Then open My car was totaled and read the negotiating part and Can I fix it [2][3]. Then find the appraisal and legal-action paragraphs in your own policy. What deadline your own state sets: "Don't know yet" here.
Where this comes from (3)
[1] Texas Department of Insurance · checked 2026-11-06
If you still disagree, you have several options to challenge your insurer's decision. Request appraisal Your policy may include an appraisal process to resolve complaints. The appraisal process begins with you and the company each hiring an appraiser. The two appraisers then choose a third appraiser as the umpire.
[2] Texas Department of Insurance · checked 2026-11-06
If you think your car is worth more than what the insurance company decided, you can try to negotiate. Be prepared to show what the car would sell for in your area. Get quotes from used car dealers. View prices online and look for local ads for similar vehicles. Document any special features or custom parts on your car.
[3] Texas Department of Insurance · checked 2026-11-06
If you want to keep your car, let the insurance company know as soon as possible. The insurance company will subtract the car's salvage value from the amount it was planning to pay you.
How we found this
We matched your question to 3 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
Related answers
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- My car was declared a total loss and I think the insurer's value is too low. What can I ask for?
Answer id CQ2131. Spotted an error? Tell us.