CONSUMER-ONLY APPRAISERSWashington · Independent vehicle appraisal
Washington total loss appraisal & independent auto appraiser
We work for you. Never for the insurance company. We review your total loss offer, research your vehicle’s value and work directly with the insurer’s appraiser. One flat fee. No percentage of the increase.
Free initial review · $550 flat representation fee
We do not accept insurance-company assignments.
Vehicle details, condition, and market comparables.
Appraisal disputes under your own policy.
From offer to appraisal
How Washington total loss appraisal reviews your offer
A missed package, the wrong drivetrain or an unexplained deduction can leave you with the wrong value. Send the full report. We will review it before you decide whether to hire us.
Understand the offer
We check the insurer’s valuation, your vehicle details, and the evidence behind the number.
Research your vehicle’s value
If appraisal fits, we research comparable vehicles and prepare an independent appraisal.
Work through appraisal
We communicate with the appointed appraiser and work toward a supported award.
Your Washington appraisal-clause rights
You can dispute the insurer’s total loss value
The carrier’s report is evidence, not the final word. If you and your insurer cannot agree on the amount of loss, your appraisal clause provides a way to have the value reviewed by appointed appraisers.
Washington requires an appraisal clause in auto policies with first-party physical-damage coverage issued or renewed effective on or after January 1, 2026. Older policies can also include one. Send the policy and endorsements that covered the loss so we can check the wording.
- Under Washington’s required clause, either party may demand appraisal in writing.
- Each side has 10 days to select a competent, disinterested appraiser and notify the other side.
- The appraisers complete and exchange their work, then discuss the differences directly.
- If they cannot agree, an umpire can consider the remaining differences. Agreement by any two is binding.
Read Washington’s appraisal-clause law or see the full appraisal-clause guide for deadlines, costs and policy questions.
Ask before you hire
“Do you work for insurance companies?”
We do not. Our only appraisal clients are vehicle owners. We prepare an independent value and work directly with the insurer’s appraiser.
You do not need to know the right value before calling. Send the full report and last written offer. We will review the claim before you pay.
Get a free claim reviewCall (971) 666-1646Full representation, start to finish
What happens when you hire your Washington appraiser?
- Pay the retainer. We send the $550 invoice. After payment, we send a letter of representation identifying Total Loss Northwest as your appraiser.
- Provide the documents. Send the requested receipts, photos and vehicle records. We research comparables and account for equipment, mileage, condition, history and location.
- We handle the appraisal discussions. The insurer appoints its appraiser. We exchange the appraisal work and discuss the differences directly.
- Receive the award. When the appraisers agree, they sign an award. If they cannot agree, we explain the umpire process and possible additional cost. The insurer then applies the award to the settlement.
Most cases take one to three weeks once both appraisers are assigned. Rare vehicles, missing records, carrier response time or an umpire can add time. You receive updates when there is progress, a request for information or a decision to make. Tell us immediately if the carrier asks for a signature or vehicle release.
One flat fee
Washington total loss appraisal cost and guarantee
The initial review is free. Full appraisal-clause representation is $550, with no hourly billing and no percentage of the increase. An umpire’s fee is separate if one is needed.
If the final vehicle value does not increase by at least our fee over the carrier’s last pre-appraisal offer, the representation fee is refunded, subject to the engagement terms. We explain those terms before you pay.
The appraisal resolves the disputed amount of loss. Rental coverage, storage charges, liability, loan payoff and GAP benefits are separate questions. A preliminary value estimate is not the final award.
Start your free Washington claim review or call (971) 666-1646.
Washington service areas
Washington city and neighborhood total loss appraisals
Find appraisal-clause answers for your city, neighborhood or nearby county community.
Seattle
A Seattle address is the starting point, not the whole market.
King County · Puget SoundBellevue
Confirm the exact package before accepting the comparison.
Pierce County · Puget SoundTacoma
A truck or SUV comparison needs the right configuration.
Spokane County · Eastern WashingtonSpokane
Document why a comparable is local—or why the search expanded.
Snohomish County · Puget SoundEverett
A north-of-Seattle search should still match your vehicle.
Clark County · Southwest WashingtonVancouver
Keep vehicle value separate from settlement taxes and fees.
Before you accept the offer
Washington appraisal clause and independent appraiser guides
Understand your appraisal clause
Washington appraisal-clause rights: written demands, appraiser selection, deadlines and umpire questions. Consumer-only help. Call 971-666-1646.
Review a low total loss offer
Dispute a low total loss offer in Washington. Check valuation errors and learn when independent appraisal can help. Free review. Call 971-666-1646.
Check the comparable vehicles
Washington total loss appraisal comparables: review seller locations, dates, vehicle details and adjustments. Consumer-only help. Call 971-666-1646.
Questions, answered
Washington total loss appraisal costs and service questions
Do you work for insurance companies?
No. Total Loss Northwest is consumer-only. We prepare independent, evidence-based vehicle appraisals for vehicle owners.
Can you negotiate with the other driver’s insurer?
Our total loss representation is for first-party appraisal-clause disputes under your own policy. We do not take third-party total loss negotiations.
How much does representation cost?
The current flat representation fee is $550. Start with a free review and confirm the engagement terms, any guarantee, and any separate umpire expense before hiring.
Will an appraisal definitely increase my offer?
No appraisal result can be promised before the evidence is evaluated. A preliminary review is an estimate, not the final actual cash value.
Meet your appraiser · Consumer-only
Your independent auto appraiser for Washington
Total Loss Northwest was founded by Nico Nix, an independent auto appraiser with deep roots in the Northwest car community and a lifelong passion for vehicles. Nico grew up in the industry—his dad owns Leverage Auto Appraisals in Oregon, and his brother runs Diminished Value of Oregon. Appraisals aren’t just a business for the Nix family—they’re a legacy of helping drivers get what’s fair.
Nico’s love for cars started early, spending weekends in the garage and attending classic car shows. Today, he’s a proud member of a local car club and continues to host events that bring enthusiasts together. That same passion and knowledge now fuel every appraisal he completes for his clients.
Independent auto appraisal for vehicle owners throughout Washington.
Free review · Consumer-only
Washington total loss claim review
Send your insurer’s valuation and latest written offer. We’ll review the report and discuss whether appraisal makes sense before you pay.
Upload your documents in the form below. For help, call (971) 666-1646.
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