Auto Claims Glossary
Every term you'll see on a total-loss letter, appraisal clause demand, or diminished value report — defined in plain English.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Fair market value of your vehicle immediately before the loss.
Appraisal Clause
Policy provision that lets either party demand an independent appraisal when value is disputed.
Audatex Autosource
Solera's valuation report used by Geico and others.
Bad Faith
Insurer conduct that breaches the duty of good faith and fair dealing.
CCC ONE
Valuation tool used by most major insurers to set ACV.
Comparable Vehicles (Comps)
Recently listed or sold vehicles used to estimate ACV.
Competent and Disinterested Appraiser
Industry-standard requirement for an independent appraiser.
Condition Adjustment
Reduction applied to comps to reflect your car's pre-loss condition.
Diminished Value
Loss in market value after a repaired vehicle has an accident on its history.
DOI Complaint
Formal complaint to your state Department of Insurance.
First-Party Claim
Claim filed against your own insurance policy.
Gap Coverage
Optional coverage that pays the difference between ACV and loan balance.
Letter of Guarantee (LOG)
Lender's promise to release the title after payoff.
Loss of Use
Compensation for being without a vehicle.
Mitchell WorkCenter Total Loss
Mitchell's total-loss valuation product.
Owner-Retained Salvage
Keeping your wrecked vehicle after settlement.
Release of Claims
Document signed when accepting settlement.
Sales Tax & Title Fee Recovery
Reimbursement of sales tax and DMV fees on a replacement vehicle.
Salvage Value
What the wrecked vehicle is worth to a salvage buyer.
Stated Value
Value declared at policy inception, common for classics.
Third-Party Claim
Claim filed against the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
Title Status
Legal classification of the vehicle title after total loss.
Total Loss
Vehicle damage that meets or exceeds the insurer's total-loss threshold.
Umpire
Neutral third party in an appraisal who breaks ties.
Uninsured/Underinsured Property Damage (UMPD/UIMPD)
Coverage that responds when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.