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Most total-loss offers come from a valuation report generated by software, such as CCC's Market Valuation Report, Mitchell's WorkCenter Total Loss, or Audatex's Autosource. The software does the math, but the inputs and adjustments come from people and rules you can check. These are the errors worth looking for, roughly in the order they appear on the report.
What it looks like: the vehicle line on page one says a lower trim, or a different engine, battery or drivetrain from the one on your window sticker.
Why it matters: trim drives both the base value and which comparables the software picks. A VIN decode doesn't always settle it. For some makes the VIN doesn't encode the trim, and NHTSA notes that a blank field in its decoder doesn't mean a feature is absent [2].
What to send: window sticker, build sheet or purchase contract, and ask for a re-run as the correct trim with same-trim comparables.
What it looks like: an odometer reading higher than the car actually had, often taken from an old service record or an estimate.
What to send: a dated odometer photo or your latest service invoice.
What it looks like: factory packages, wheels, driver-assistance features or a sunroof missing from the equipment list.
Why it matters: regulations in some states expect comparables to have similar options, with fair adjustments for differences [3][4]. If the insurer doesn't know you had an option, it won't credit it.
What it looks like: "fair" or "poor" ratings for tires, paint, body or interior, each with a dollar deduction, sometimes without a pre-loss inspection.
Why it matters: California's rule says the cost of a comparable may not include a condition deduction unless the loss vehicle's documented condition is below average for its year, make and model, and adjustments must be measurable, itemized and supported [3]. Washington requires itemized and verifiable adjustments and requires insurers to consider information you supply [4].
What to send: recent photos, receipts (tires, brakes, detailing), and a request for the basis of each deduction.
What it looks like: every comparable's list price is reduced by a line item labeled "projected sold adjustment" (seen in Mitchell reports used by Progressive) or "typical negotiation adjustment" (seen in Audatex Autosource reports used by State Farm).
Why it matters: class actions have alleged that Progressive's projected sold adjustments, applied through Mitchell's software, were arbitrary and not based on market data [5]. These are allegations, and courts have split on whether such cases can proceed as class actions. In April 2026 the full Sixth Circuit reversed class certification in a case challenging a typical negotiation adjustment. The opinion distinguished a Ninth Circuit case, Jama v. State Farm, which involved a Washington regulation read to categorically prohibit negotiation adjustments [6]. Individually, you can still ask what data supports the deduction for your market, and ask for it to be removed if it isn't supported.
What it looks like: comparables that are a different trim or model year, have very different mileage, or are hundreds of miles away.
Yardsticks: Washington generally caps the comparable search at 150 miles from where the car was garaged and requires vehicles available within 90 days of the loss [4]. California requires the same or newer model year and similar options and mileage, in the local market within 90 days, with each comparable identifiable by VIN, stock number or plate plus the seller's contact details [3].
What it looks like: a deduction for "prior damage" unrelated to this loss. California's rule allows deductions for prior or unrelated damage [3], so the question is whether the damage was real, pre-existing and correctly priced. Ask for photos and the basis.
What it looks like: a note that sales tax, title or registration fees are "not included." Whether they must be added depends on your state and policy. California and Washington require applicable taxes and fees to be part of the settlement [3][4]. Class settlements have also involved claims of unpaid sales tax and title fees [5].
TotaledRight's free error check reads your insurer's valuation report and flags common problems. The full report ($49) adds local comparables, a value range and a ready-to-send letter. Join the waitlist.
TotaledRight is not a law firm, appraiser or public adjuster. This guide summarizes public sources as of the review date; regulations change. Check your own policy and your state insurance department.