Pre-accident market value (PAMV)

Pre-accident market value, often shortened to PAMV, is what a vehicle was reasonably worth in the open market immediately before the accident that damaged it.

Insurers use this figure, not the original purchase price or the cost of a same-model replacement today, as the ceiling for a total loss payout in Malaysia. How this valuation is worked out is explained in how insurers value a total loss.

Insurers usually rely on market guides and comparable listings to reach a PAMV figure, so it is worth checking those sources yourself if the offered amount looks low.

Two similar cars of the same age and model can still carry different PAMV figures, since mileage, condition and service history all affect the number. Asking the insurer to show its comparable listings is a fair request if the figure seems disconnected from the local market.