SnapClaim FAQ Center

Diminished value is the loss in your vehicle’s market value after it has been repaired. Even if the bodywork looks perfect, buyers and dealers pay less for a car with an accident on its history report. A diminished value appraisal from SnapClaim quantifies that loss using local comparable vehicles, repair severity, mileage, and market conditions.

Most people pursue diminished value when: • They were not at fault in the crash • The vehicle is newer or higher-value (often under 8–10 years old) • Repairs are completed and show up on a history report (Carfax, AutoCheck, etc.) • There is a clear loss in market value compared to similar undamaged vehicles. Eligibility rules vary by state and policy language, so your situation may be different.

We start by estimating your vehicle’s fair market value before the accident using real-world comps, then compare it to the value of the same vehicle after repairs with an accident history. Our method considers build, options, mileage, prior condition, repair scope, and local demand. The difference between these values becomes your diminished value figure, documented in a detailed report you can submit to the insurance company.

Not always. Many people use a SnapClaim report to negotiate directly with the at-fault insurer. However, for larger claims or if the insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith, a personal-injury or property-damage attorney can help escalate your case. Our reports are designed to support either path.

A car is typically considered a total loss when the estimated repair cost plus salvage value is higher than a percentage of the vehicle’s pre-accident value. That percentage (or formula) is set by state law or company guidelines and can vary state to state. The key is the fair market value before the accident—if that number is too low, the payout will be too.

ACV (Actual Cash Value) is the amount the insurer says your car was worth immediately before the crash, usually based on their internal valuation system. Fair market value is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in your local market for a similar vehicle. SnapClaim focuses on fair market value, using real listings and market data to challenge low ACV totals.

Our total-loss appraisals document a defensible pre-accident value using local comps, options, mileage, condition, and current market trends. Policyholders often recover thousands more than the first offer when they present a credible, data-driven report and are willing to negotiate—or invoke the appraisal clause when available.

Once you sign a release of claims and accept payment, it can be difficult or impossible to reopen the total-loss valuation with the insurer. If you think the offer is low, it’s best to get an independent valuation before agreeing to final settlement. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation.

For diminished value, we recommend waiting until repairs are complete so we can see the final repair order and parts used. For total loss, you should order the report before accepting any settlement, typically after you’ve received the insurer’s initial offer. That way, our valuation can be used directly in negotiations.

Turnaround time depends on the case complexity and how quickly we receive complete documentation. In most cases, reports are delivered within the same business day.

For most reports, we ask for: • The accident date and claim number • Vehicle information (VIN, mileage, options, prior condition) • The insurer’s estimate or valuation report • Final repair invoice (for diminished value) Our platform walks you through each item step by step.

SnapClaim’s role is to provide a high-quality independent appraisal. We do not act as your attorney, adjuster, or claims representative. You (or your attorney) will use our report to negotiate with the insurer, invoke the appraisal clause, or pursue other remedies your state allows.

Many firms treat our reports as a case cost that is passed through to the client at settlement. Others choose to absorb the cost as part of their value-add for property-damage claims. We can invoice on a per-report basis or through subscription plans for firms handling a higher volume of cases.

If, after using our appraisal, your final property-damage settlement doesn’t increase by at least $1,000 , we refund our fee. To review eligibility under this guarantee, we’ll ask you to provide your final settlement offer along with a copy of the signed property-damage release form. This guarantee is designed to reduce risk for both individual clients and law firms, and the specific terms, time limits, and documentation requirements will be clearly outlined when you order your report.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with personal-injury and property-damage attorneys. Your lawyer can share case documents, request specific valuation scenarios, and integrate our report into their settlement strategy. We remain neutral as an independent appraiser and do not provide legal advice.

Each state can set its own total-loss threshold (or formula), which influences when an insurer must total a vehicle instead of repairing it. Some states use a fixed percentage; others use a total loss formula that combines salvage value and repair costs. That’s why your friend’s experience in another state may look very different from yours.

Many policies include an appraisal clause, which is a built-in dispute process for disagreements over the vehicle’s value. If you invoke it, you select an independent appraiser, the insurer selects theirs, and—if needed—a neutral umpire helps decide the final number. A detailed report from SnapClaim can serve as the foundation for your side of that appraisal.

No. SnapClaim provides valuation services, not legal advice. We can help you understand how valuation typically interacts with state rules, but only a licensed attorney in your state can advise you on your legal rights and options. If you need that level of guidance, we recommend talking with a qualified lawyer.