I've been through this twice within the last 2 years on totals and one repair with my current Benz. At least in CA the law requires the insurance companies to pay equal amounts for equivalent cars. If the car is really a cream puff (liked our parked 740T Volvo), they need justification to increase the payout. Service records, and a complete set of pictures BEFORE the accident are really helpful. Having a set of really good pictures of the car as it was before an accident goes a long ways to helping the "total loss adjuster" determine the value of the car OR to justify the extra payout. The Volvo was side swiped while parked, so it wasn't too hard to wash it, polish it and completely clean the interior so it was spotless. The good side of the car was evidence enough of condition. If the car isn't driveable AFTER an accident, this isn't always possible.

Just got my 300D back out of the body shop. The body shop doing the work also repainted this car 5 years ago (previous owner) with a $5,000 (2 part) paint job. They were close totaling it. Got some justification on that one.

Pictures Pictures Pictures beforehand.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)