Vehicle Appraisal & Insurance Valuation in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) provides consumer guidance on automobile total-loss valuation. DISB guidance addresses total-loss valuation in terms of the vehicle's actual worth immediately before the crash.

DISB consumer guidance addresses relevant market evidence involving similar make, model, year, and geographic market in establishing the vehicle's value. An independent appraisal can examine the same evidence and develop an objective opinion of value.

ACV in Washington, D.C. is the actual worth of the vehicle immediately before the crash — the fair market value considering the vehicle's make, model, year, condition, mileage, and comparable vehicles available in the applicable geographic market.

Washington, D.C. does not establish a universal statutory automobile Right of Appraisal independent of policy provisions. Where appraisal exists through policy language, it is a contractual mechanism. If the applicable policy contains an appraisal clause, that provision governs the availability and procedure of the appraisal process for disputes about the amount of a loss.

Washington, D.C. does not establish automatic diminished-value entitlement independent of applicable law and policy provisions. Whether a specific claim supports a diminished-value recovery depends on the applicable policy, the type of claim, and the facts. Questions about legal entitlement should be directed to a qualified attorney in the District of Columbia.