Total Loss Appraisal in West Virginia

Under West Virginia law, a vehicle is generally considered a total loss when it has sustained damage equal to at least 75% of its market value as determined by a nationally accepted used-car value guide. Once that 75% threshold is met, the vehicle typically falls under the state’s salvage and branding rules. You can see how West Virginia compares to other states here: total loss laws by state.

ACV is the fair market value of your vehicle right before the crash. In West Virginia, insurers should look at similar vehicles actually selling in markets like Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, and surrounding areas. ACV should reflect year, trim, mileage, options, condition, and local supply and demand—not just a generic national average. For more on how ACV is calculated, see: Fair Market Value & ACV.

You can start by requesting the full valuation report (CCC, Mitchell, or similar) from the insurer. Review every comparable for: incorrect trim or options, wrong mileage, condition mismatches, and out-of-area listings that don’t reflect West Virginia pricing. Many drivers and law firms use an independent SnapClaim West Virginia total loss appraisal to support a higher, market-correct ACV: order a West Virginia total loss appraisal.

West Virginia law uses several terms:

• A total loss vehicle has damage equal to at least 75% of its market value or meets other definitions in the statute (for example, certain flood-damaged vehicles).
• A salvage vehicle is a total loss that the insurer or owner treats as repairable, so it receives a salvage certificate and must pass inspection before being retitled.
• A cosmetic total loss is a vehicle where the damage is largely cosmetic and it can still be safely operated, but the title will carry a “cosmetic total loss” brand instead of a standard salvage brand.

If you’re unsure which category applies to your vehicle, ask your adjuster how they are classifying the loss and what title brand they intend to request from the DMV.

When an insurer pays a total loss claim in West Virginia, the original title is usually surrendered and replaced with a salvage title or, in some cases, a cosmetic total loss title. If the vehicle is repaired and passes any required inspections, it may later qualify for a reconstructed, rebuilt, or cosmetic total loss brand before it can be registered again. These brands stay with the vehicle and can affect resale value, so it’s important to understand what will appear on the title before finalizing your settlement.

In many cases, yes. If you choose to retain the salvage, the insurer typically pays you the ACV minus your deductible (if any) and the vehicle’s estimated salvage value. You then keep the vehicle, which will be branded in accordance with West Virginia law (salvage, cosmetic total loss, or nonrepairable). You’ll be responsible for repairs and any necessary inspections before the vehicle can be titled and driven again. A solid appraisal helps you confirm both the ACV and salvage values are reasonable: talk to our West Virginia appraisal team.

Many insurers include applicable taxes and certain mandatory fees in a total loss settlement so that you can reasonably replace the vehicle. However, the details depend on your policy and how the claim is handled. Ask for a written, itemized breakdown that shows ACV, sales or privilege tax, title and registration fees, and any deductions. If something is unclear or missing, you can raise it with the adjuster or your attorney.

If your loan payoff amount is higher than the total loss settlement, you’re dealing with negative equity. The remaining balance is typically your responsibility unless you have GAP coverage or a similar add-on that can cover all or part of the shortfall. Ensuring that your ACV is accurately calculated can reduce the gap and the amount you still owe after the claim.

West Virginia has specific statutes of limitations that set deadlines for bringing vehicle damage and injury claims after a crash. These deadlines can span multiple years, but the exact timing depends on your situation and can change if the law is updated. Missing a deadline can affect your rights, so it’s important to consult a West Virginia attorney if timing might be an issue. SnapClaim focuses on providing a clear valuation file that your attorney or adjuster can use during negotiations: see how our West Virginia reports are used.

Many auto policies used in West Virginia include an appraisal clause that applies when you and your insurer disagree about your vehicle’s value. Typically, each side selects an appraiser; if they can’t agree, a neutral umpire reviews both positions and helps determine the settlement amount. This process usually applies when you’re making a claim under your own policy (first-party claim). A detailed SnapClaim report can support your position if you decide to invoke appraisal: West Virginia total loss appraisals.

Yes. SnapClaim works across all of West Virginia—from Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown to smaller cities like Beckley, Martinsburg, and Bluefield, plus rural communities throughout the state. Instead of relying on generic regional averages, we pull hyper-local comparable listings that match your vehicle and reflect the real market where you live or garage the car. You can start from our West Virginia overview: SnapClaim West Virginia hub.

Most West Virginia total loss appraisals are completed the same business day after we receive your claim details and supporting documents—often within about an hour. That quick turnaround helps you push back on a low offer before the claim drags on for weeks. Get started here: request a West Virginia total loss appraisal.

SnapClaim builds a West Virginia-specific valuation file using verified comparables, mileage and condition adjustments, options, and market corrections for your part of the state. The report clearly explains how ACV should be calculated and pinpoints where the insurer’s number may be too low. That level of detail makes it easier for adjusters and attorneys to justify a higher settlement: learn how our fair market value reports work.