Root Valued My Totaled F-150 at $9,977. The Appraisal Came Back $5,010.74 Higher

When Root Insurance declared my 2015 Ford F-150 a total loss, they valued my truck at $9,977.00.

At first, I wasn't really sure what I was supposed to do with that number. The insurance company had completed its valuation, so I assumed there weren't many options if I disagreed.

But I knew my truck, and I didn't believe $9,977.00 represented what it was actually worth.

Instead of accepting the valuation, I reached out to an appraiser and public adjuster to get another opinion. That's when I learned that my insurance policy included an appraisal clause and that I had the right to use it when there was a disagreement over the value of my vehicle.

So, I invoked my Right to Appraisal.

Having someone who understood the process represent me made a huge difference. I didn't have to try to figure out valuation reports, comparable vehicles, or how to argue my case with an insurance company on my own.

Once the appraisal process was completed, the value of my F-150 was determined to be $14,987.74.

That's a difference of $5,010.74 from Root's original valuation.

What bothers me most looking back isn't just the difference in the numbers. It's knowing that if I hadn't asked questions and found someone who understood the appraisal process, I very easily could have accepted $9,977.00 and moved on without knowing any different.

That's why I think more people need to know about the Right to Appraisal. Most of us aren't insurance professionals. When an insurance company hands us a valuation, it's easy to assume that's the final answer.

Sometimes it isn't.

I'm thankful I asked questions before accepting mine. That one decision made a $5,010.74 difference in my claim. Know what's in your policy. You may have more options than you realize.