Total Loss Appraisal in Utah

Utah generally follows a 70% total loss threshold. If the cost to repair your vehicle reaches about 70% or more of its Actual Cash Value (ACV), insurers usually classify it as a total loss. Market risk, safety concerns, and hidden damage may also influence the final decision. You can compare Utah to other states here: total loss laws by state.

ACV is your vehicle’s fair market value immediately before the accident. This should reflect real Utah market prices from areas like Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Orem, Sandy, St. George, Ogden, and nearby regions—adjusted for trim, mileage, options, and condition. Learn how ACV should be calculated here: Fair Market Value & ACV.

Request the insurer’s full valuation report (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex, etc.). Review each comparable for incorrect trim, missing options, mileage errors, condition issues, and out-of-area comps that don’t reflect Utah pricing. Many drivers rely on an independent SnapClaim Utah total loss appraisal to support a higher value: order a Utah total loss appraisal.

Yes. Utah generally applies a 70% threshold. When estimated repairs reach or exceed about 70% of the vehicle’s ACV, insurers typically declare a total loss. Hidden structural damage and safety risks may also push a vehicle into total loss territory even below that percentage.

When a vehicle is declared a total loss in Utah, the title is usually converted to a salvage title. If the vehicle is later repaired and passes the required state inspections, it may qualify for a rebuilt or branded title before it can be legally driven again. That branding remains on the title and may reduce resale value.

In many cases, yes. If you choose to retain the salvage, your insurance payout is typically reduced by the vehicle’s salvage value. You keep the damaged vehicle, which must go through Utah’s inspection and rebuilt title process before returning to the road. A proper valuation helps ensure both the ACV and salvage deduction are fair: talk to our Utah appraisal team.

Many Utah total loss settlements include applicable sales tax and certain title and registration fees, but this varies by insurer and policy. Always ask for a fully itemized settlement breakdown showing ACV, taxes, fees, and deductions.

If your loan balance exceeds the total loss payment, you have negative equity. You’re responsible for the remaining balance unless you carry GAP insurance. Ensuring your ACV is accurate can significantly reduce this shortfall.

Utah has specific statutes of limitations for property damage and injury claims. These deadlines vary by claim type and can change over time. Missing a deadline may affect your legal rights, so consult a Utah attorney if timing is a concern. SnapClaim provides valuation support for negotiations: see how our Utah reports are used.

Many Utah auto policies include an appraisal clause to resolve disputes over ACV. Each side selects an appraiser, and if they cannot agree, a neutral umpire helps decide the value. This usually applies when you are filing under your own policy. A detailed SnapClaim appraisal can support your position: Utah total loss appraisals.

SnapClaim works across all of Utah—including Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Provo, Orem, Sandy, St. George, Ogden, Layton, Logan, and rural areas. Our reports rely on hyper-local comparable vehicles so values match real Utah market conditions. You can explore our Utah coverage here: SnapClaim Utah hub.

Most Utah total loss appraisals are completed the same business day after we receive the required claim information—often within about an hour. This allows you to respond quickly to a low offer. Get started here: request a Utah total loss appraisal.

SnapClaim creates a Utah-specific valuation file using verified comparables, mileage and condition adjustments, options, and market corrections. The report clearly shows how ACV should be calculated and where an insurer’s value may be too low—giving both drivers and attorneys a strong foundation for negotiations: learn how our fair market value reports work.