Insurance totaled my car - tips for getting a fair payout?

"Then, I made sure to highlight any recent repairs or upgrades I'd done (new tires, brakes, etc.)."

Great strategy there - insurance companies love to overlook those fresh tires and shiny new brake pads. Another tip I've seen work well is requesting the valuation report they used to determine your payout. Sometimes you'll spot errors like incorrect mileage or missing features. Pointing those out can nudge them upward. And hey, a little charm and humor never hurts - just remind them gently you're not trying to fund a yacht, just replace your wheels...

Requesting the valuation report is especially useful because it gives you something concrete to challenge, such as wrong mileage, trim, options, or comparable vehicles. If you still can’t agree on the actual cash value, check your policy for its appraisal or independent-valuation process, and look up the applicable state regulations. Some policies spell out how each side selects an appraiser and how disagreements are handled, so it’s worth following that procedure before accepting the offer.

One caveat on highlighting repairs and upgrades: keep the receipts, invoices, photos, and maintenance records, but don’t assume they’ll be reimbursed dollar for dollar. Actual-cash-value rules and policy language vary, and some improvements may add little to the vehicle’s market value. Ask the adjuster how each item was treated in the valuation report, then check your policy and local rules before relying on those costs in a counteroffer.