Vehicle Appraisal & Insurance Valuation in Ohio

Ohio Admin. Code 3901-1-54 is Ohio's primary administrative regulation governing automobile total-loss settlement. The regulation establishes standards for how insurers must determine the value of a total-loss vehicle in applicable first-party physical-damage claims.

Under 3901-1-54, the primary total-loss valuation method is the actual cost to purchase a comparable automobile in the local or proximate market. The regulation addresses the use of comparable vehicles, permitted alternative valuation methods, and the documentation required to support the valuation.

The regulation addresses applicable taxes, license fees, and ownership-transfer fees in the total-loss settlement context. Betterment and condition deductions must be itemized and supported. Ohio Admin. Code 3901-1-54 sets out the specific requirements applicable to a given claim.

ACV in Ohio is the actual cost to purchase a comparable automobile in the local or proximate market. Ohio's regulated framework requires the use of comparable vehicles, documented adjustments for condition and mileage differences, and itemized support for any deductions.

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.

Ohio does not establish a universal statutory automobile Right of Appraisal independent of policy provisions. If the applicable policy contains an appraisal clause, that contractual provision governs the availability and procedure of the appraisal process for disputes about the amount of a loss.