What is a written-off car appraisal?
A written-off car appraisal is a technical assessment carried out by a professional appraiser to determine the extent of the damage suffered by a vehicle after an accident. This report is essential for the insurance company to decide whether the car is declared a total loss or whether, on the contrary, it is repairable.
The appraiser examines the vehicle thoroughly, evaluating structural, mechanical and aesthetic damage, and issues a report that includes the car's market value and the estimated repair cost.
Who carries out the appraisal?
The appraisal can be carried out by different professionals:
- Insurance appraiser — appointed by the insurance company to assess the damage and determine the compensation.
- Independent appraiser — hired by the vehicle owner to obtain an objective valuation and compare with the insurance company's offer.
- Court-appointed appraiser — appointed by a judge in the event of a legal dispute over the vehicle valuation.
How is a car determined to be a total loss?
A car is declared a total loss when the repair cost exceeds the vehicle's market value. The general rule is that if repairing the car costs more than it is worth, the insurance company opts to declare it a total loss and offers compensation based on the market value.
For example, if your car has a market value of 5,000 € and the repair is estimated at 6,000 €, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and offer you 5,000 € (minus the policy deductible).
What if you disagree with the appraisal?
If you believe the appraiser's valuation does not reflect your car's actual value, you have the right to:
- Request a second appraisal — you can hire an independent appraiser to carry out a new valuation.
- Negotiate with the insurance company — providing evidence of your vehicle's actual value such as maintenance invoices or improvements made.
- Sell the car to a scrapyard — if the insurance company offers you a low price, you can choose to sell your written-off car to Desguaces Carend and get a better price.
How does the appraisal affect selling your car to a scrapyard?
The appraisal report can be useful when selling your car to a scrapyard, as it provides a professional assessment of the damage. However, at Desguaces Carend we carry out our own free valuation, taking into account not only the vehicle's condition but also the demand for its parts and spares. This means we can offer you a higher price than the insurance company would give you.
Request your free valuation now and find out how much you can get for your written-off car.