How the indicated ACV is calculated
A transparent, locked method. Comparables are mileage- and trim-adjusted to the subject vehicle's odometer, ranked by trim match and mileage proximity, then averaged.
We adjust every listing to the subject vehicle's odometer using a value-scaled per-km rate, rank by trim match and how close the odometer is to the subject, then average the adjusted prices. The appraiser always has the final say.
Canada is searched first; the United States is available via the header toggle. This is a research aid — not a formal appraisal, settlement offer, or guaranteed payout.
The method, step by step
- 01
Subject vehicle
The unit being appraised. We record its year, make, model, trim, and kilometres (or miles).
- 02
Gather comparables
Currently listed, similar vehicles from AutoTrader, CarGurus, and Kijiji. Canada is searched first; the United States market is available from the header toggle.
- 03
Adjust to the subject's odometer
Each listing price is mileage-adjusted to the subject's odometer using a flat per-km rate (default $0.02/km, adjustable $0.01–$0.04/km). More km than the subject lowers the price; fewer km raises it.
- 04
Rank by trim, mileage & market
Rank 1 is the closest trim match and smallest odometer gap to the subject — not the cheapest asking price.
- 05
Average the adjusted
The indicated ACV is the mean of the adjusted figures only. We do not average raw asking prices.
Worked example
Illustrative only — not a real listing or actual ACV. Prices in CAD.
Subject vehicle
2021 Toyota RAV4 · 72,000 km
Comparable A — Listed $20,000 · 48,000 km
Rank 2Delta from subject: 48,000 − 72,000 = −24,000 km (fewer km)
Rate (default, adjustable $0.01–$0.04/km): $0.02/km
Mileage adjustment: +24,000 × $0.02 = +$480 (fewer km → price up)
Adjusted price: $20,000 + $480 = $20,480
Odometer gap from subject: |48,000 − 72,000| = 24,000 km → Rank 2
Comparable B — Listed $21,000 · 85,000 km
Rank 1Delta from subject: 85,000 − 72,000 = +13,000 km (more km)
Rate (default, adjustable $0.01–$0.04/km): $0.02/km
Mileage adjustment: −13,000 × $0.02 = −$260 (more km → price down)
Adjusted price: $21,000 − $260 = $20,740
Odometer gap from subject: |85,000 − 72,000| = 13,000 km → Rank 1
Note: Comparable B costs more ($21,000 vs $20,000) but ranks #1 because its odometer is closer to the subject. Rank is by trim match and odometer proximity, not by lowest asking price.
Adjustable rate: the appraiser can set the per-km rate between $0.01 and $0.04/km (default $0.02/km) directly in the report; adjusted prices and the Indicated ACV recalculate live. Above 120,000 km the v2 engine softens the rate, and the total mileage adjustment is capped at 30% of the listing price. Trim differences can be adjusted manually per comp.
Ranking is by trim match and odometer proximity
Rank 1 is the comparable whose trim matches and whose kilometres are closest to the subject vehicle — not the one with the cheapest asking price. A more expensive listing can rank above a cheaper one if its odometer is closer. Tie-breaks: closer trim match, then in-province over out-of-province, then closer model year.
This is a research aid. It is not a formal appraisal, settlement offer, or guaranteed payout. Condition, options, prior damage, location, and negotiation are still the appraiser's judgment.
What the result looks like
| Price Listed | KMs | Mileage & Trim Adjusted | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject: 2021 Toyota RAV4 · 72,000 km | |||
| $21,000 | 85,000 | $20,740 | 1 |
| $20,000 | 48,000 | $20,480 | 2 |
| Avg = $20,610 | |||
Illustrative only — two comps shown for brevity. A real run targets five to ten comparables.
Frequently asked questions
- How are comparables adjusted?
- Each comparable's asking price is adjusted to the subject vehicle's odometer using a flat per-km rate — default $0.02/km, adjustable $0.01–$0.04/km in the report. More km than the subject lowers the price; fewer km raises it. Above 120,000 km the v2 engine softens the rate, and the total adjustment is capped at 30% of the listing price.
- How are comparables ranked?
- By trim match first, then odometer proximity to the subject vehicle, then market relevance. Rank 1 is the comp whose kilometres are closest to the subject's — not the cheapest asking price.
- Is the indicated ACV a guaranteed payout?
- No. It is an indicated value from asking-price comparables, mileage- and trim-adjusted. It is not a binding insurance settlement, policy limit, or guaranteed payout.