DIY Guide: Challenge Your Valuation

Everything you need to know to do this yourself - completely free

You Can Do This Yourself

When your insurance company offers a settlement for your written-off or stolen vehicle, you have every right to challenge that valuation if you believe it's unfair. This guide will teach you exactly how to do it yourself, step by step.

Important: This is a completely free educational resource. We're here to teach you the process, not sell you a service.

The Complete Process

1

Gather Your Evidence

Research comparable vehicles and document everything.

  • Search AutoTrader, eBay Motors, and other marketplaces
  • Find 5-10 vehicles matching your make, model, and spec
  • Document asking prices, mileage, and locations
  • Take screenshots before listings disappear
  • Record your vehicle's unique features and extras
2

Build Your Case Document

Organize your evidence professionally.

  • Create a simple spreadsheet or document
  • Table showing all comparable vehicles
  • Calculate average market value from your research
  • Highlight your vehicle's unique value-adds
  • Use our letter template to write your submission
3

Submit & Escalate

Present your case and know your options.

  • Email your evidence to your insurer's claims department
  • Request response within 10 business days
  • If they reject, escalate to their complaints team
  • If still unresolved, go to Financial Ombudsman (free)
  • Know your rights throughout the process

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

1.1 Find Comparable Vehicles

The foundation of your case is proving that similar vehicles are priced higher than your offer.

Where to Search:

  • AutoTrader - UK's largest marketplace
  • eBay Motors - Good for rare or modified vehicles
  • Motors.co.uk - Aggregates multiple dealers
  • PistonHeads - Enthusiast vehicles
  • Facebook Marketplace - Private sellers

What Makes a Good Comparable:

  • Same make, model, and year (or within 1-2 years)
  • Similar mileage (within 10,000 miles)
  • Same specification level (trim, engine size)
  • Similar condition (before your incident)
  • Similar location (regional prices vary)
  • Listed within last 30 days (current market)
Pro Tip: Aim for at least 5-10 comparable vehicles. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.

1.2 Document Everything

For each comparable vehicle, record:

Vehicle Details
  • Make, model, variant
  • Registration year
  • Mileage
  • Specification/trim level
  • Key features and options
Listing Information
  • Asking price
  • Seller location
  • Date of listing
  • URL of the listing
  • Screenshots (in case it's removed)

1.3 Understand Your Vehicle's Unique Value

Document anything that adds value to YOUR specific vehicle:

  • Optional extras - Leather seats, panoramic roof, upgraded sound system
  • Recent maintenance - New tyres, recent service, MOT with no advisories
  • Modifications - Approved upgrades that add value
  • Low mileage for age - Significantly below average
  • Full service history - All stamped by official dealers
  • Single owner - Particularly valuable for some buyers

Step 2: Build Your Case

2.1 Create Your Evidence Document

You don't need expensive software. A simple spreadsheet or document works perfectly:

Your Document Should Include:

Section 1: Executive Summary
  • Your vehicle details
  • Insurer's offer amount
  • Your researched market value
  • The difference you're claiming
Section 2: Comparable Vehicles Table

Create a table with columns for:

  • Vehicle details (make, model, year, mileage)
  • Asking price
  • Location
  • Source/URL
  • Date found
Section 3: Market Analysis
  • Average price of comparables
  • Price range (low to high)
  • How your vehicle compares (condition, mileage, spec)
Section 4: Your Vehicle's Unique Features
  • List all optional extras with estimated values
  • Recent maintenance/improvements
  • Any factors that add value
Section 5: Conclusion
  • Fair settlement figure you're requesting
  • Summary of evidence supporting this

2.2 Write Your Submission Letter

Keep it professional, factual, and concise. Here's a template:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Insurance Company Claims Department]
[Address]

Re: Claim Number [XXXXX] - Vehicle Valuation Challenge

Dear [Claims Handler Name],

I am writing to formally challenge the valuation of £[OFFER] for my [Year] [Make] [Model] (Registration: [REG]) following [incident type] on [date].

While I appreciate your initial assessment, I have conducted comprehensive market research that demonstrates the current market value for comparable vehicles significantly exceeds your offer.

Evidence Summary:
I have identified [NUMBER] comparable vehicles currently advertised for sale with similar specifications, mileage, and condition. The average asking price across these comparables is £[AVERAGE], with a range of £[LOW] to £[HIGH].

Please find attached my detailed market analysis document, which includes:

  • Table of [NUMBER] comparable vehicles with full specifications and asking prices
  • Source citations and URLs for verification
  • Analysis of my vehicle's specification and unique features
  • Fair settlement calculation based on current market evidence

Requested Settlement: £[YOUR FIGURE]

This figure represents the fair market value supported by current advertised prices for vehicles of equivalent specification and condition.

I trust you will review this evidence and provide a revised offer that accurately reflects the market value. I would appreciate a response within 10 working days.

If you require any additional information or wish to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Contact Number]
[Email Address]

Tone Matters: Stay professional and factual. Don't be confrontational or emotional. Present your case as a business negotiation based on evidence.

Step 3: Submit & Escalate If Needed

3.1 Submit Your Challenge

How to Submit:

  • Email is best - Creates a paper trail with timestamps
  • CC yourself - Keep records of everything sent
  • Request read receipt - Know when they've opened it
  • Reference your claim number - In subject line and letter
  • Keep it organized - Attach evidence document as PDF

3.2 Expected Timeline

Day 1
Submit your challenge
5-10 Days
Typical response time
8 Weeks
Complaint response deadline
6-8 Weeks
Ombudsman review

3.3 Possible Responses

Best outcome! They review your evidence and offer a higher settlement.

  • They may not match your exact figure but will move closer
  • Consider whether the new offer is fair based on your research
  • You can negotiate further if there's still a significant gap

They may argue your comparables aren't equivalent or advertised prices don't reflect true value.

  • Ask for their reasoning - What makes your evidence invalid?
  • Request their data sources - What are they basing their valuation on?
  • Refine your evidence - Find even closer comparables if possible
  • Stand firm - If your evidence is solid, don't back down

Sometimes they'll dismiss your challenge without genuinely considering the evidence.

  • Escalate to complaints - This is now a formal complaint
  • Reference FCA requirements - Insurers must treat customers fairly
  • Document everything - You'll need this for ombudsman
  • Stay professional - Don't let frustration show in communications

3.4 Escalating to the Financial Ombudsman

If your insurer doesn't engage meaningfully, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) - and it's completely free for you.

When to Escalate:

  • Your insurer has had 8 weeks to respond to your complaint
  • They've issued a "final response" letter that you disagree with
  • They're not engaging with your evidence in good faith

How to Complain to FOS:

  1. Go to: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
  2. Complete online form - It's straightforward and guided
  3. Upload your evidence - All the documents you prepared
  4. Explain the dispute - Summarize your case clearly
  5. State desired outcome - The settlement figure you believe is fair
Good News: The FOS is independent and impartial. They'll review all evidence objectively. If your case is solid, they have the power to force the insurer to pay a fair settlement.

3.5 What the Ombudsman Considers

  • Is your evidence credible? - Real listings from reputable sources
  • Are comparables genuinely similar? - Like-for-like comparisons
  • Is the requested amount reasonable? - Within market range
  • Did the insurer engage properly? - Fair treatment requirements
  • What's industry practice? - How similar claims are typically handled

Tips for Success

📝

Document Everything

Keep copies of all communications, evidence, and responses. A paper trail is invaluable if you need to escalate.

🎯

Be Specific

Vague claims don't work. Precise data, specific comparables, and exact figures make your case credible.

💼

Stay Professional

Treat this as a business negotiation. Emotion and confrontation harm your case; facts and professionalism strengthen it.

⏰

Act Quickly

Market data becomes stale. Gather fresh evidence and submit promptly while it's current.

🔍

Be Realistic

Your evidence must support your claim. Don't inflate figures beyond what the market shows.

✅

Know Your Rights

You have the right to challenge, the right to see their valuation basis, and the right to escalate if treated unfairly.

Common Questions

Gathering evidence and creating your document: 2-4 hours. Initial insurer response: 5-10 days. If escalated to FOS: Add 6-8 weeks. Total average if smooth: 2-3 weeks. If escalated: 2-3 months.

For rare vehicles, widen your search: include similar models from the same manufacturer, check specialist forums, look at sold prices on auction sites, and consider the previous year/next year of the same model. Even 3-4 good comparables can build a case.

No. You have a legal right to challenge valuations and present evidence. It's standard practice in insurance claims. As long as you remain professional and your evidence is genuine, there's no negative consequence.

Trade guides (CAP, Glass's) are starting points, not gospel. They can lag behind market movements and don't account for specific features or condition. Current market evidence trumps guide prices. Politely explain you're providing real-world data that reflects actual market conditions.

It varies widely based on your evidence. Common outcomes range from £500 to £3,000 increases on mid-range vehicles. High-spec or rare vehicles can see larger adjustments. If your evidence is strong, expect at least a partial increase even if not your full request.

No. The process is designed for consumers to handle themselves. The FOS is free and doesn't require legal representation. Save your money and follow this guide - you can absolutely do this on your own.

You've Got This

Thousands of vehicle owners successfully challenge their valuations every year. With solid evidence and professional presentation, you have every chance of achieving a fair settlement.

Remember: This is your right. You're not being difficult - you're being diligent. Stand firm on fair value.