Total Loss Appraisal in Virginia

Under Virginia law, a vehicle is generally treated as a total loss when the estimated cost to repair collision damage exceeds 75% of its Actual Cash Value (ACV). At that point, the vehicle typically qualifies as a salvage vehicle and is subject to Virginia’s salvage and title-branding rules. You can see how Virginia compares to other states here: total loss laws by state.

ACV is your vehicle’s fair market value immediately before the crash. Insurers should look at comparable vehicles actually selling in Virginia markets like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Roanoke, and nearby areas—not just national averages. ACV should reflect year, trim, mileage, options, condition, and local demand. For more detail, see: Fair Market Value & ACV.

Ask the insurer for the full valuation report they used (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex, or similar). Review each comparable vehicle for: wrong trim, missing options, incorrect mileage, condition mismatches, or out-of-area listings that don’t reflect Virginia prices. Many drivers and law firms rely on an independent SnapClaim Virginia total loss appraisal to present a higher, data-backed value: order a Virginia total loss appraisal.

Virginia’s 75% threshold is tied to when a vehicle is treated as salvage and when a salvage certificate is required. In practice, if repairs are more than 75% of ACV, insurers usually declare the vehicle a total loss and move it into the salvage process. Carriers can sometimes total a vehicle even below that line if repairs are not economically reasonable, but once the 75% mark is reached, Virginia’s salvage title rules generally apply.

When a vehicle is declared a total loss in Virginia, the insurer or owner usually must apply for a salvage certificate. A vehicle with an active salvage certificate cannot be registered or driven on Virginia highways. If the vehicle is later repaired and passes the required Virginia safety and anti-theft inspections, it may qualify for a rebuilt or branded title before it can be registered again. That brand stays with the vehicle and can affect resale value.

Often, yes. If you decide to retain the salvage, the insurer typically pays you the ACV minus your deductible (if any) and the vehicle’s estimated salvage value. You keep the damaged vehicle, which will have a salvage brand and must go through Virginia’s rebuild and inspection steps before it can be titled and driven again. A strong valuation file helps you confirm that both the ACV and salvage value are reasonable: talk to our Virginia appraisal team.

In Virginia, a proper total loss settlement should generally include applicable state and local sales or use tax and certain title and license-transfer fees needed to replace your vehicle, subject to your policy and how the claim is handled. Always request an itemized breakdown that lists ACV, taxes, title/registration fees, and any deductions so you can verify the numbers.

If your loan payoff is higher than the settlement, you have negative equity. The remaining balance is usually your responsibility unless you purchased GAP coverage or a similar add-on that can cover some or all of the shortfall. Because of this, having a properly supported ACV is critical—it can directly reduce how much you still owe after the claim.

Virginia has specific statutes of limitations that set deadlines for bringing vehicle damage and injury claims. These time limits can span several years, but the exact period depends on your type of claim and may change if laws are updated. Missing a deadline can affect your rights, so it’s important to consult a 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 Virginia reports are used.

Many Virginia auto policies 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 determine 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 the appraisal clause: Virginia total loss appraisals.

SnapClaim covers all of Virginia—from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Richmond to Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Lynchburg, Centreville, Dale City, Reston, and Charlottesville, plus surrounding small towns and rural areas. Our reports use hyper-local comparable listings so your valuation reflects the real market where the vehicle is garaged, not just a regional average. You can start from our Virginia overview and choose your city: SnapClaim Virginia hub.

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

SnapClaim builds a Virginia-specific valuation file using verified comparable vehicles, mileage and condition adjustments, options, and market corrections for your area. The report clearly explains how ACV should be calculated and points out where the insurer’s number may be too low, giving adjusters and attorneys concrete support for a higher settlement: learn how our fair market value reports work.