Questions & answers · Car insurance
My car was declared a total loss and I think the insurer's value is too low. What can I ask for?
Car insurancePaid too littleFloridaTexasChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: TDI View original ↗
In short
- Your car will likely be called totaled when the fix costs about what it is worth.
- Ask the insurer, in writing, what source it used for the value.
- If you think it is worth more, show prices for cars like yours nearby.
What this means
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says an insurer will likely treat a car as totaled when the repair cost is about the same as or more than the car's value, and that you can ask the insurer what source it used to decide your car's value [1].
If you think the car is worth more, TDI says you can try to negotiate and be ready to show what the car would sell for in your area: quotes from used car dealers, online prices and local ads for similar vehicles, and records of special features or custom parts [1].
In Florida, the statute lists the methods an insurer must use for a first-party total loss settled on actual cash value: for example the cost of two or more comparable vehicles in the local market within the preceding 90 days, a recognized industry source, or two or more licensed dealer quotes [2]. When the offer is reduced for betterment or depreciation, the deductions must be itemized in dollar amounts and explained to you in writing if you ask [3].
If you keep the car, TDI says the insurer subtracts the salvage value from what it planned to pay you [1].
Your next step
ask the insurer in writing for the valuation source and, in Florida, for the itemized deductions. The sources above do not state a deadline for this request; check your policy.
Where this comes from (3)
[1] TDI · checked 2026-11-05
If the cost to repair the car is about the same or more than the value of your car, the insurance company will likely consider it totaled. … You can ask the insurance company what source it used to decide your car's value. … 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 deale…
[2] Florida Statutes · § 626.9743(5)(a) «Claim settlement practices relating to motor vehicle insurance» · checked 2026-11-05
When the insurance policy provides for the adjustment and settlement of first-party motor vehicle total losses on the basis of actual cash value or replacement with another of like kind and quality, the insurer shall use one of the following methods: (a) The insurer may elect a cash settlement based upon the actual cost to purchase a comparable motor vehicle … 1. When comparable motor vehicles are available in the lo…
[3] Florida Statutes · § 626.9743(6) · checked 2026-11-05
When the amount offered in settlement reflects a reduction by the insurer because of betterment or depreciation … Deductions shall be itemized and specific as to dollar amount … The basis for any deduction shall be explained to the claimant in writing, if requested
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 2026-11-05.
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
- My insurer offered $8,000 for my totaled car but Kelley Blue Book says $12,000. What can I do?
- How long do I have to dispute an auto total-loss settlement, and what is the appraisal process?
- The at-fault driver's insurer paid my claim but not the full repair cost. Can I get the rest?
- They totaled my car. How is the amount set, can I keep the car, and what happens to the title?
Answer id CQ01. Spotted an error? Tell us.