Hand on heart. How time-consuming is it really to determine residual value in case of a third-party claim? You contact your local car dealers, body shops or buyers by phone, fax or e-mail. You describe and explain. And then you wait for the offer, that is often just verbal. The car expert will contact an average of three to six potential bidders per case. Processing time and effort that doesn't always pay off. Add to that the documentation required for legal cases. After all you want to be on the safe side.