{"id":"8be5b4b6-528b-43f8-ae20-b93866d06d93","task":"Automate total-loss valuation: VIN decode plus vehicle valuation workflow","domain":"insurance-general","steps":["Decode the VIN using the NHTSA vPIC public API: GET https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/vehicles/decodevin/{VIN}?format=json — no API key required; extract make, model, model year, body style, and trim.","Pass the decoded vehicle attributes (year, make, model, trim, mileage, condition) to a vehicle valuation provider (e.g., Mitchell TotalLoss, CCC One, or J.D. Power/Autovio — consult each provider's partner portal for their specific endpoint and auth) to obtain the Actual Cash Value (ACV).","Compare the ACV to the repair estimate: if the repair cost plus salvage value exceeds ACV (consult your carrier's total-loss threshold formula, as it varies by state and carrier guidelines), classify the vehicle as a total loss.","Generate the total-loss settlement offer: ACV minus applicable deductible, plus tax, title, and license in states that require TT&L reimbursement (state law governs this — verify for each loss state).","Issue the settlement to the policyholder and obtain a signed title/release; report the total loss to the DMV in the loss state within the required timeframe (deadlines vary by state — consult state DMV regulations).","File the total loss with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) through an approved data provider as required by federal and state law."],"gotchas":["NHTSA vPIC returns make/model/trim but not market value or condition adjustments — VIN decode is only the first step; a separate valuation API call is mandatory for the ACV.","Total-loss threshold percentages vary by state (some states have a statutory threshold, others leave it to carrier guidelines); hardcoding a single percentage causes regulatory violations in states with different rules.","Comparable-vehicle selection methodology used by valuation providers is scrutinized in bad-faith litigation; document the valuation report, comparables list, and any adjustments made before issuing the settlement."],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-06-12T06:28:48.276Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":{"status":"sampled","method":"legacy-file-sample","at":"2026-06-13T18:44:12.974Z"},"url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/8be5b4b6-528b-43f8-ae20-b93866d06d93"}