How to Read the Comparables in a Total-Loss Valuation

For each comparable, the report lists the vehicle (year, make, model, trim), its mileage, where it is and how far from you, the dealer or source, when it was listed, and its price. It then shows the adjustments applied and the adjusted value.

The adjusted values are combined into your car's base value. If one comparable is wrong, the base value is wrong with it.

Go through the comparables one at a time and ask:

• Is it the same car? Same trim, body style, engine, and drivetrain. A base trim standing in for a higher one understates your car.
• Is it local? Prices differ between markets. A comparable hundreds of miles away may reflect a cheaper market than yours.
• Is it current? Listing dates should be close to the date of loss. An old listing may reflect an older market.
• Is the price real? Check whether the listed price is the advertised price or a reduced 'projected' price, and whether any other deduction was applied to it.

Each adjustment should make the comparable more like your car. A comparable with more miles than yours should be adjusted up; one with options your car lacks should be adjusted down; one missing options your car has should be adjusted up.

Recompute a few adjustments yourself. If a comparable's adjusted value does not look like a fair price for your car, ask how it was reached.

Ask the adjuster to remove or replace it, and say why: wrong trim, too far away, outdated listing, or reduced price.

Offer better comparables: current listings near you for the same trim, with the VIN, mileage, price, date, and a screenshot or link for each. Keep copies of everything you send.