Total loss settlement increased from $8,500 to $13,200 - heres how

Insurance totaled my 2019 Civic and offered $8,500. I knew that was too low because the same car was selling for $12,000-$14,000 in my area.

What I did: pulled 10 comparable listings from Autotrader, Carvana, and local dealers. Made a spreadsheet showing year, mileage, trim, condition, and asking price. Wrote a formal rebuttal letter with all the comps attached.

Sent it to the adjuster and they came back with $11,400. Still low. I pointed out that their comps included cars with higher mileage and accident history while mine was clean. They revised to $13,200 and I accepted.

Always negotiate a total loss offer. The initial number is almost never fair.