Free Property Damage Resources

We believe in providing value to people first. We hope you find our small library of property damage resources helpful as you navigate the post crash process.

Please click on the videos below to learn more about the topics you need help with. Our goal is to make complicated insurance and property damage concepts easier to understand so you can make informed decisions about your situation.

If you still have questions after watching, feel free to reach out. We do not charge for an initial guidance call.

Featured Videos and Topics (click on the title to be routed to a video)

PHASE I - IMMEDIATE CRASH BASICS

  • Understanding Your Insurance Options After A Crash

    This video explains the differences between using your own insurance versus the at fault driver’s insurance after a crash, including deductibles, liability investigations, total loss considerations, storage fees, rentals, and why moving the vehicle quickly is often one of the most important financial decisions you can make.

PHASE II - VEHICLE VALUE FOUNDATIONS

  • What Is Actual Cash Value?

    Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the fair market value of your vehicle immediately before a crash. Insurance companies typically use ACV to determine total loss settlement amounts. In this video, we explain how ACV is calculated, what factors affect vehicle value, and why understanding ACV is important when reviewing a total loss offer.

  • What Happens After Your Car Is Declared A Total Loss?

    Learn what happens after an insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss. This video covers salvage yards, vehicle valuations, settlement timelines, owner-retained vehicles, title transfers, and important steps to take before accepting a settlement offer.

  • Owner Retained Vs Insurance Retained

    Should you keep your totaled vehicle or let the insurance company take it? This video explains owner-retained settlements, salvage deductions, branded titles, and the pros and cons of keeping a totaled vehicle.

  • Gap Insurance Explained

    In this video, we explain how GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) coverage works after a vehicle is declared a total loss. You'll learn when GAP coverage may apply, what it can help pay for, common coverage limitations, and why it can be especially important for people who owe more on their vehicle loan than the vehicle is worth.

  • Recovering Personal Property Inside the Vehicle

    Learn how personal property claims are handled after a crash, including damaged phones, laptops, tools, work equipment, car seats, luggage, and other belongings. This video explains documentation requirements, proof of ownership, actual cash value versus replacement cost, depreciation, and why gathering evidence early can help support your claim.

PHASE III - VEHICLE VALUE DISPUTES

  • What is Diminished Value?

    Learn what diminished value is, why a repaired vehicle may still lose value after a crash, how accident history can affect resale value, and the important differences between first-party and third-party diminished value claims.

  • What Is A CCC Report?

    Learn how insurance companies use CCC reports to determine vehicle value after a total loss. This video explains comparable vehicles, mileage adjustments, condition adjustments, vehicle options, and common areas to review for potential valuation errors.

  • How Insurance Companies Undervalue Vehicles

    Just because an insurance company generates a valuation report does not necessarily mean the valuation is accurate. Learn some of the most common issues that can affect total loss valuations, including bad comparable vehicles, incorrect condition ratings, missing options, geographic pricing differences, and title history concerns.

  • Independent Appraisals Explained

    Learn how independent appraisals work, when they may make sense after a total loss, the difference between first-party and third-party claims, and why appraisal rights are typically found in your own insurance policy.

PHASE 4 — REPAIR PROCESS BASICS

  • OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

    Learn the differences between OEM parts, aftermarket parts, and LKQ recycled parts. This video explains how these parts are commonly used in repairs, why consumers have concerns about safety and value, and why replacement part rules vary by state.

  • DRP vs. Non-DRP Body Shops: What's the Difference?

    After an accident, your insurance company may recommend one of its preferred body shops—but do you have to use it? In this video, we explain the differences between Direct Repair Program (DRP) shops and independent repair facilities, discuss the advantages of each, and explain your right to choose the body shop you trust. Whether your vehicle needs minor repairs or significant collision work, understanding your options can help you make a more informed decision.

  • Repair Estimates and Supplements Explained

    It's common for additional vehicle damage to be discovered after repairs begin. In this video, we explain what insurance supplements are, why repair shops need authorization before disassembling your vehicle, how hidden damage is documented, and why insurance approval of supplements can affect repair timelines. Understanding this process can help you avoid surprises and better navigate your property damage claim.

  • What If You Don’t Want to Repair Your Vehicle?

    Repairing your vehicle isn't always the only option after an accident. In this video, we explain how insurance cash-out settlements work, how repair estimates are prepared, the risks of hidden damage, and important factors to consider before deciding to keep the insurance proceeds instead of completing repairs. Understanding your options can help you make an informed decision that's right for your situation.

PHASE 5 — ADVANCED PROPERTY DAMAGE KNOWLEDGE

  • What Happens If Liability Is Delayed?

    Liability investigations can significantly impact the timeline of a property damage claim. This video explains why claims are sometimes delayed, how insurance companies investigate fault, when using your own collision coverage may be beneficial, and how subrogation and arbitration can affect the final liability decision. Understanding the process can help you make informed decisions while your claim is still under review.