Vehicle Appraisal & Insurance Valuation in Louisiana

Louisiana R.S. 22:1807.13 establishes a statutory appraisal framework for qualifying insurance claims. The statute provides for the selection of independent qualified appraisers by each party and, where the appraisers cannot agree, the selection of an independent qualified umpire.

Under R.S. 22:1807.13, if the parties cannot agree on an umpire, the statute provides a mechanism for judicial selection of the umpire. The appraisal process produces an itemized decision or award. Agreement of any two of the three participants — the two appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire — establishes the amount of the loss within the scope of the appraisal.

R.S. 22:1807.13 applies to qualifying insurance claims within its statutory scope. The applicability of this statute to a specific automobile physical-damage claim must be evaluated based on the current statutory text and the facts of the claim. The statute should not be applied to every automobile insurance dispute without evaluating whether the claim falls within its scope.

The appraisal process under R.S. 22:1807.13 addresses the amount of the loss — it does not determine coverage questions. Questions about coverage should be directed to a qualified attorney in Louisiana.

Louisiana's automobile total-loss settlement rules address how insurers must determine the value of a total-loss vehicle. Permitted valuation methods include local dealer surveys, recognized databases and guidebooks, and independent appraisals under qualifying circumstances.

ACV is the fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the loss. The determination considers the vehicle's year, make, model, trim, mileage, condition, and equipment, as well as comparable vehicles available in the local market.

An independent appraisal can examine the same evidence and develop an objective opinion of value. Depending on the evidence, an independent appraisal may produce a value that is higher, lower, or similar to the insurer's valuation.

Louisiana R.S. 9:2800.17 addresses diminution in value as a component of third-party tort damages when proven. This is a third-party damages rule — it applies in the context of a tort claim against a responsible party, not as a universal first-party insurance coverage rule.

R.S. 9:2800.17 is a third-party damages rule — it applies in the context of a tort claim against a responsible party, not as a universal first-party insurance coverage rule. First-party physical-damage coverage and third-party tort damages are distinct legal frameworks. Whether a specific Louisiana claim supports a diminished-value recovery depends on the type of claim, the applicable policy, and the facts.

Questions about the legal right to recover diminished value in a specific Louisiana claim should be directed to a qualified attorney in Louisiana.

Louisiana has seen legislative activity in 2026 involving mandatory automobile appraisal. Any bill that has not been enacted into law is proposed or pending legislation — not current law. Proposed provisions should not be blended into descriptions of current R.S. 22:1807.13.

As of the current date, any 2026 Louisiana legislation that has not been enacted does not create current legal rights or obligations.