Total Loss Appraisal in North Dakota

By law, a vehicle that is damaged in excess of about 75% of its retail value is treated as a total loss for salvage-title purposes in North Dakota. Insurance companies commonly use this 75% damage threshold when deciding if it is no longer economical to repair the vehicle and instead pay its value. You can compare North Dakota’s rules with other states here: total loss laws by state.

ACV is your vehicle’s fair market value immediately before the crash. It should reflect what similar vehicles are selling for in North Dakota markets like Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo, Williston, Dickinson, and nearby communities—adjusted for year, mileage, options, and condition. For a deeper explanation of ACV and how it should be calculated, see: Fair Market Value & ACV.

First, request the full valuation report the insurer used (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex, or similar) and review: incorrect trim level, missing options, wrong mileage, unrealistic condition ratings, or out-of-area comparables pulled from cheaper markets. Many drivers and law firms use an independent SnapClaim North Dakota total loss appraisal to support a higher, data-backed value: order a North Dakota total loss appraisal.

North Dakota is a percentage-threshold state. When damage exceeds about 75% of the vehicle’s retail value, the vehicle must be reported as a total loss for salvage-title purposes. Insurers may also consider repair feasibility and safety, but the 75% threshold is the key legal trigger for branding.

When a vehicle is damaged beyond North Dakota’s total loss threshold, the title must typically be surrendered and a salvage certificate of title is issued. If the vehicle is later repaired and passes all required inspections, a regular title may be reissued, but it will carry a brand such as “previously salvaged”, which remains on the record and can affect resale and financing.

Often, yes. If you choose to retain the salvage, the insurer usually pays your vehicle’s ACV and then deducts the estimated salvage value, while you keep the damaged car. The vehicle will be branded as salvage and must go through North Dakota’s inspection and re-titling process before it can be registered and driven again. A solid appraisal helps ensure that both ACV and salvage value are fair: talk to our North Dakota appraisal team.

Many total loss settlements in North Dakota include applicable sales tax and certain title and registration fees needed to replace your vehicle, but practices vary by insurer and policy. Always request an itemized settlement breakdown that lists ACV, taxes, fees, and any deductions.

If your loan payoff is higher than the total loss check, you have negative equity. You’re typically responsible for that remaining balance unless you purchased GAP coverage or a similar product that helps cover the shortfall. Because of this, having a properly supported ACV is critical—it can directly reduce how much you still owe after the claim.

North Dakota law sets specific statutes of limitations for vehicle damage and injury claims. These deadlines can span multiple years, but the exact time frame depends on your situation and may change if the law is updated. Missing a deadline can affect your rights, so it’s important to consult a North Dakota attorney if timing might be an issue. SnapClaim’s role is to provide a clear, data-driven valuation that your attorney or adjuster can use during negotiations: see how our North Dakota reports are used.

Many auto policies used in North Dakota include an appraisal clause for disputes over vehicle value. Typically, each side hires an appraiser; if they cannot agree, a neutral umpire reviews both positions and helps set the amount. This process usually applies when you’re making a claim under your own policy. A detailed SnapClaim report can support your position if you decide to invoke appraisal: North Dakota total loss appraisals.

SnapClaim covers all of North Dakota—including Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo, Williston, Dickinson, and smaller towns and rural areas. Our reports rely on hyper-local comparable vehicles so your valuation reflects real North Dakota market conditions, not generic national averages. You can start from our state overview: SnapClaim North Dakota hub.

Most North Dakota total loss appraisals are completed the same business day after we receive your claim information and supporting documents—often within about an hour. That speed helps you respond quickly to a low offer instead of letting the claim stall. Get started here: request a North Dakota total loss appraisal.

SnapClaim builds a North Dakota–specific valuation file using verified comparables, mileage and condition adjustments, options, and market corrections for your part of the state. The report explains how ACV should be calculated and highlights where the insurer’s number may be too low, giving adjusters and attorneys a clear basis for pushing for a higher settlement: learn how our fair market value reports work.