To determine if you are offered a fair settlement from your car insurance company, you can calculate your car's actual cash value and fair market value. Additionally, the best way to ensure you are being offered a fair settlement for your totaled car is to have your vehicle appraised by a qualified professional. Many insurance companies have their own in-house appraisers who work for the company and not for you. As a result, these appraisers may be biased and lowball you on the value of your vehicle.