Sales tax and fees in a total loss

Whether sales tax, title and registration fees are part of a total-loss settlement depends on your state and policy — and they are easy to miss on the report. Here is where they appear and what to ask; the free check flags when they are missing.

Where to lookWhat to askFree check flags it

Where to look

On a CCC report the summary page lists taxes and fees between the adjusted vehicle value and the total; some versions show fees retained by the insurer on a separate page. Mitchell reports show them near the settlement value.

What you can ask for

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Upload the valuation report your insurer sent you. In about a minute you see which items may not add up — free. The full review report with a draft letter you edit and send yourself is $79.

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Frequently asked questions

Is sales tax included in a total loss settlement?

It depends on your state’s rules and your policy. Check whether your report lists sales tax, and ask the insurer if it doesn’t.

What about title and registration fees?

Treatment also varies. If the report doesn’t list them, ask whether they are part of your settlement.

What this is — and isn’t