VIN-Decoded Factory Options Request Letter (Template)
A focused written request for the insurer to credit factory options identified by NHTSA vPIC or the manufacturer's build sheet but missing from the carrier's report. Each missed factory option is typically worth $200-$1,500.
When to use this template
Use after you have decoded your VIN and identified factory options that the insurer's valuation report did not credit. Send to your adjuster (with supervisor cc'd if escalating) along with the build-sheet attachment.
The interactive form below is the same playbook we run for clients — given away free. If you'd rather we just do it (counter-valuation, letters, negotiation), our service is $199 for the valuation report plus $149/hour for research and negotiation, capped at 2 hours. Our clients average $3,260 in additional settlement value, and we only proceed when we believe we can secure at least $1,000 more — no charge upfront, and if we agree to be your appraiser and can't deliver that minimum, you pay nothing.
What this involves, honestly
Decode your VIN at vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov first; print the build sheet. Then list the factory options the carrier missed — each one is typically worth $200-$1,500 in adjusted value.
Fill it in
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[ADJUSTER NAME]Adjuster's name.
[INSURER NAME]Insurer's legal name.
[CLAIM NUMBER]Claim number.
[YEAR / MAKE / MODEL]Year, make, model.
[VIN]Vehicle VIN.
[YOUR FULL NAME]Your name.
[TODAY'S DATE]Today's date.
Live preview
Loading…Anything still wrapped in [BRACKETS] you haven't filled in yet — that's how you can spot what's left.
Subject: Missing factory options — Claim [CLAIM NUMBER] — [YEAR / MAKE / MODEL] [ADJUSTER NAME], I am writing to request that [INSURER NAME] revise the total-loss valuation report for the above claim to credit the factory options listed below. The attached NHTSA vPIC build sheet (decoded from VIN [VIN]) confirms each of the options as factory-installed by the manufacturer. Missing factory options: 1. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________ 5. _______________________________________________ Each option carries a market-value contribution that the carrier's valuation vendor (CCC ONE / Mitchell WorkCenter / Audatex Autosource) should be applying to the comparable adjustments as positive credits. Please confirm in writing within seven (7) business days that the valuation will be revised to reflect the factory build, and please provide an updated report with each adjustment itemized. Attachments: - NHTSA vPIC factory build sheet (PDF) - Photos of trim badges, interior, and equipment as installed Thank you, [YOUR FULL NAME] [TODAY'S DATE]
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If the carrier still won't credit the options, this email becomes Exhibit A in the supervisor escalation.