Aftermarket Parts and Upgrades in a Total-Loss Payout

Valuation reports start from the VIN, which describes the car's factory build. Parts added later, such as wheels, lift or leveling kits, audio, lighting, or bed covers, do not show up there, so they are often left out unless you raise them.

Many auto policies limit coverage for custom or aftermarket equipment unless you added coverage for it. The limit and the definition of custom equipment vary, so check your declarations page and any endorsements.

These are treated differently.

• Factory options should be credited from the VIN's build. If one is missing, point to the build sheet or window sticker.
• Dealer-installed accessories may not be in the VIN data. Show the purchase paperwork.
• Aftermarket parts need their own documentation: receipts, installation invoices, and photos.

Collect receipts and installation invoices with dates and costs, photos showing the parts on the car, the window sticker or build sheet, and your policy's declarations page and endorsements. Send them together, with a list of each item and its cost.

Insurers generally pay a depreciated value for upgrades, not what you paid. Some changes add less market value than they cost, so expect the value of each part to be weighed on its own.