Comparison
Four ways to dispute a low total-loss offer
Independent appraisers, public adjusters, attorneys, and self-represented owners can each work an ACV dispute. Their scope, licensing, and cost structures differ. This page describes what each option is designed for — not which recovers more money.
| Criterion | Independent appraiser | Public adjuster | Attorney | Self-represented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Appraises vehicle value | Represents policyholder on claim | Legal representation | Self-represented |
| Regulated / licensed | Varies by state (some require licensing for auto appraisers; most do not) | Licensed in most states as a Public Adjuster | Licensed attorney (state bar) | Not applicable |
| Can invoke the policy Appraisal Clause on the owner’s behalf | ||||
| Can negotiate ACV disputes with the carrier | ||||
| Can file suit or a bad-faith claim | Only self-represented in small claims | |||
| Handles first-party property claims outside vehicles | ||||
| Typical fee structure | Flat or hourly, disclosed in writing before work | Percentage of recovery, capped by state statute in many jurisdictions | Contingency (commonly 25–40%) plus costs, or hourly | No professional fees |
| Typical turnaround for an ACV rebuttal | Days to weeks (depends on comp research) | Weeks (dependent on carrier response) | Weeks to months (depends on posture) | Owner-controlled |
Limitations of this comparison
- Licensing and scope of practice for public adjusters and auto appraisers vary by state. Confirm requirements with your state Department of Insurance before engaging any provider.
- Attorney contingency percentages and cost-shifting rules vary by jurisdiction and fee agreement. The 25–40% range is typical for personal-injury and property-damage matters and is not a fixed rate.
- Outcome estimates are not shown here. Recovery on any ACV dispute depends on the underlying facts (vehicle, options, comparables, condition documentation) and policy language.
- This page is informational, not legal advice. Whether to engage an attorney, public adjuster, or appraiser is the vehicle owner’s decision.
Sources: state Public Adjuster licensing directories maintained by each state Department of Insurance; National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) scope-of-practice guidance; state bar association fee-agreement rules. Auto-appraiser licensing is addressed state-by-state — see the per-state appraisal-clause guides for jurisdiction-specific rules.