Frequently asked questions

Made whole means that after a covered loss, you should be restored to the same financial position you were in before the incident — no better, no worse. In a total-loss claim, that means receiving the fair market value of your vehicle before the accident.

The principle of indemnity and made-whole doctrine appear in both insurance law and policy language, but the specific rights available to you depend on your state, your policy, and the facts of your claim. An appraisal clause in your policy is the most common enforcement mechanism short of litigation.

An appraisal clause is a provision in most auto policies that allows either party — you or the insurer — to demand an independent appraisal when there is a disagreement about the value of a vehicle. Each side selects their own appraiser; if the two appraisers disagree, a neutral umpire decides.

In most states, a properly completed appraisal process results in a binding award. Your insurer is required to pay the appraised amount even if it is higher than their original offer.

If you signed a release of liability, your options may be limited depending on the language of the release and your state's laws. If you have not signed, you still have options — and we can help you evaluate them.