Vehicle Appraisal & Insurance Valuation in Vermont

Vermont's Fair Claims Practices Regulation I-79-2 governs automobile total-loss settlement for applicable physical-damage and liability claims. The regulation addresses comparable vehicle cost, applicable taxes, registration fees, and transfer fees in the total-loss settlement context.

Vermont's regulated framework addresses the use of comparable vehicles and documented valuation methodology in establishing ACV. An independent appraisal can examine the same evidence and develop an objective opinion of value.

Vermont's Department of Financial Regulation has issued 2026 guidance addressing total-loss reconditioning and condition deductions. The guidance addresses requirements for condition deductions in total-loss valuations.

Vermont DFR's 2026 guidance indicates that condition deductions must be detailed and justified. Specified condition deductions require appropriate inspection support. Normal wear and tear must be distinguished from excess condition issues.

Vermont DFR's 2026 guidance is regulator requirements — it establishes what the DFR expects of insurers with respect to condition deductions. The guidance does not establish that any particular insurer's deductions are improper in a specific claim; it sets the standard against which deductions should be evaluated.

ACV in Vermont is the fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the loss. Vermont's regulated framework requires the use of comparable vehicles, documented valuation methodology, and justified condition adjustments.

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. Vermont's regulated framework does not establish a universal statutory automobile Right of Appraisal independent of policy provisions.