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Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

When your insurance company's estimate doesn't cover the full cost of a proper repair, you have the Right to Appraisal. Most people never use it and end up paying the difference out of pocket.

Insurance companies write estimates to minimize what they pay, not to fix your car right

It's common for an insurance estimate to come in 15-40% lower than what a qualified repair facility needs to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. They may skip procedures, use aftermarket parts instead of OEM, or cut labor times. You don't have to accept that. Your policy has an appraisal clause for exactly this situation.

What is the Right to Appraisal (RTA)?

Most auto insurance policies include an appraisal clause. When you and your insurer disagree on the cost of repairs, either party can invoke this clause. You each hire an independent appraiser. If the two appraisers can't agree, they pick an umpire who makes the final call. The result is binding, and in most cases the payout goes up significantly.

RTA Loss Calculator

See what accepting the insurance estimate really costs you

1
What did the insurance company write?
The estimate your insurance adjuster or DRP shop provided
$
VS
2
What does a proper repair actually cost?
The estimate from your chosen certified repair facility
$
3
Estimated appraisal costs (if you invoke RTA)
These are typical ranges. Your actual costs may vary.
$
$

Get your RTA analysis emailed to you

We will send you a breakdown you can reference when talking to your insurance company or appraiser.

The Gap Between Estimates
Insurance Estimate
Actual Repair Cost
What You Lose
If You Don't Invoke RTA
If You Invoke RTA

Full Cost Comparison

Actual repair cost
Insurance company's estimate
Repair gap (underpayment)
Your appraiser fee
Your half of umpire fee
Total RTA cost to you
Net savings by invoking RTA

How the Right to Appraisal Works

1
You notify your insurance company in writing that you're invoking the appraisal clause in your policy. Check your policy for the exact language. It's usually in the "Conditions" or "Settlement of Claim" section.
2
Each side hires a competent, independent appraiser. Your appraiser inspects the vehicle and writes an independent estimate based on what it actually takes to repair it correctly: OEM parts, proper procedures, correct labor times.
3
The two appraisers try to agree. If they reach an agreement, that amount is binding. If they can't agree, they jointly select an umpire.
4
The umpire makes a binding decision. Agreement by any two of the three (your appraiser, their appraiser, and the umpire) sets the final amount. In the vast majority of cases, the final number comes in significantly higher than the insurance company's original estimate.
5
Each party pays their own appraiser. The umpire fee is typically split 50/50. Even with these costs, the net gain almost always exceeds what you'd lose by accepting the original estimate.

We can help you get the repair your vehicle deserves

As an I-CAR Gold certified shop, we write thorough, line-item estimates that document exactly what your vehicle needs. A proper estimate from a certified facility is your strongest tool when invoking your Right to Appraisal.

Get a Proper Estimate →

This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Actual RTA outcomes depend on your specific policy language, state regulations, damage complexity, and the appraisers involved. Not all states require an appraisal clause, and some policies may have different dispute resolution mechanisms. The appraisal process typically recovers a significant portion of the gap, but results vary. Consult your policy and consider speaking with an attorney or public adjuster for guidance specific to your situation.