TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE INFORMATION

Fabian’s Auto Body can provide a second opinion if SGI has deemed your vehicle a write off.

When your vehicle is damaged and can't be fixed, SGI will consider it a total loss. SGI will pay you for the market value of your vehicle less the deductible, if applicable.

When SGI writes off your vehicle, they base the decision on the:

  • cost to repair your vehicle

  • estimated salvage value of your damaged vehicle

  • market value of your vehicle right before the loss

  • loss of use costs, like a rental (if applicable)

Your adjuster also looks at original invoices for major repairs to your vehicle within the last year. For example, repairs to the:

  • motor

  • transmission

  • brakes

  • suspension

  • exhaust system

  • auto repainting

Normal maintenance like oil changes, tune-ups and belt/hose replacements don’t change the market value of your vehicle.

Determining market value

To determine the market value of your vehicle, your adjuster will:

  1. Look at your vehicle’s:

    • year, make, model and edition

    • exterior condition

    • interior condition

    • condition of mechanical parts

    • tire condition

    • after market equipment

    • options

    • mileage

  2. Go over the vehicle's condition and options with you to make sure both parties agree.

  3. Submit your vehicle information to Audatex and they will provide its Autosource market value.

    • Autosource is a comprehensive database from an independent provider of valuation services. It has valued millions of cars, trucks, and classic and specialty vehicles since 1981. We use the Autosource database because it offers values on over 30 million vehicles annually with over 750,000 vehicles added per week.

  4. Review the market value we get from the Autosource valuation.

  5. Provide you with a copy of the Autosource valuation package. This lets you see how your vehicle was valued and has examples of other similar vehicles that have been for sale.

Important: In most cases, Autosource will supply a market value report or valuation package but it is possible one may not be available.

Disagree with market value

If you disagree with the market value of the settlement, let your adjuster know and consider these steps:

  1. Work with your adjuster and explain why you feel the market value is not correct.

  2. Ask to have the supervisor or manager of the SGI claims centre review the market value.

  3. Proceed to the arbitration process.

Note: A customer can choose to withdraw their claim but the vehicle cannot be re-registered until it passes all required safety inspections due to the VIN being flagged as a total loss.

Arbitration

Different opinions on the market value of the vehicle can be resolved with arbitration.

During arbitration, you and SGI each choose an appraiser - someone who knows about vehicle values and repairs - or you can represent yourself. The two appraisers work toward an agreement on the market value of your vehicle. If they are unable to reach an agreement, they will appoint an umpire.

You and SGI have to cover the separate appraiser costs and split the umpire costs. If the two appraisers can’t agree on an umpire, they can apply for the courts to appoint someone.

To start this process, let your adjuster know and they’ll give you a package that explains the arbitration process.