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7 Q. What is an appraisal provision? A. Most standard policies contain an appraisal provision, which can be helpful in the event there is a dispute regarding the amount being offered by the insurance company on a total loss settlement of your vehicle. Read your policy to see if it contains one. Un- der this provision, either of you can demand an appraisal. Each party selects a competent appraiser. The appraisers then select a neutral umpire. If the appraisers cannot reach a mutually agreed amount, their differences are submitted to the umpire. An amount that any two agree upon is binding. Each party pays its own ap- praiser; the umpire fee is shared. Q. How is the check or draft prepared? A. The check can be issued in the name of the insured and any lienholder, such as a bank or finance company. If the vehicle is deemed repairable, the company may also include the repair facil- ity as a payee. Q. Who is responsible for the balance of a car loan? A. The borrower is responsible for the balance of the loan, even if the vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair. If your claim payment is less than the loan balance, the lender will expect you to pay the difference. Coverage commonly referred to as “gap” in- surance can usually be purchased to protect against this situation. Q. Will the insurance company pay for a rental car while mine is being repaired? A. Yes, if you have purchased rental vehicle coverage. Review your policy before you rent a vehicle. Although policy limits vary, the company pays up to a specified amount per day for a speci- fied number of days. The coverage ends when your vehicle is repaired, the loss is paid or after the specified period, whichever comes first. If your vehicle is stolen, the policy may automatically provide trans- portation expenses. Again, review your policy to be sure. This type of coverage usually begins 48 hours after the theft and ends when your vehicle is recovered, the loss is paid or after a specified period, whichever comes first.