Why can’t I have my friend, mechanic?

      Anyone can set a value on a car
          

BUT will it stand up to a challenge? Some insurance companies are well known for challenging vehicle values when a claim is made. It does not matter if they accepted it when you bought the insurance or that you have been paying a premium on the value. It is easy for an insurance company lawyer to challenge any value set by anyone who may have any possible conflict of interest. This is not uncommon and many agreed or specified values have been challenged in court and the car owner has lost, allowing the insurance company to set any value they want. To avoid this, it is important to use an independent Vehicle Appraiser that only does appraisals. Appraisals by people who are associated with firms that buy, sell, restore, transport or repair vehicles opens the door for having the value challenged!  
 

Why cant a  club member appraise my car

Even having a club member, show judge or other person familiar with your car does not mean the value will not be challenged. The person setting the value must also have considerable credentials and experience in setting vehicle values. To date, a Certified Vehicle Appraisal has never lost to a insurance company challenge. Many values set by others have been set aside.         

Don’t take the chance - Get a Certified Vehicle Appraisal.
 

Is the appraisal fair market value what I can sell my car for?

Not necessarily The fair market value is based on sales of vehicles like yours in the overall market. The point of a fair market value is to set what it would the average cost for you to replace your current vehicle with one similar and of the same condition. Sales prices vary around the country and as the market and demand Vs supply fluctuates. The price you can sell your vehicle is based on what someone is willing to pay for it as illustrated by the prices at some of the auctions. Many cars sell for more OR less than the fair market value at the auctions. The value of a Certified Vehicle Appraisal is that it sets a documented value point based on the condition of your vehicle. This gives you a starting point to determine the price you wish to sell the vehicle for and make it in line with the market place.

Is the value of my vehicle the same as the auction prices?

   No, Not Really! If you have ever attended or seen the big auctions on TV, you can see that some vehicles sell at prices way beyond what the average sales price would be. This can be due to many reasons such as “Auction Fever”. Go to any type of auction and watch what happens when 2 or more people seek to win an item. The real market value goes out the door and egos and competition take over. Also, the condition rating of the vehicles at the auctions are not posted so it is impossible to determine what condition rating the car up for auction really is. Also note, that auction information is what was given to the auction house by the owner and is NOT verified! Auction prices can have an impact on the fair market value when a trend appears like the current “HEMI” prices but remember, auction prices do NOT set the market values. The market values are determined by the actual sales as reported to the various pricing guides. A Certified Vehicle Appraisal is your best guide since it sets the fair market value and documents the condition based on the definition set by the industry.

What should I look for in an appraiser

How much experience do they have.  Do Insurance companies recognize there work. How much of your appraisal business is made up of value appraisals of old cars? Do you own a car from that period yourself? What does your appraisal entail? How detail are they . Keep in mind appraisers are like any professional  you would hire to do work there are a few good ones that every one wants and there is every one else.

Are all appraisals the same are they done the same way and is price the only thing I  have to consider.

No all appraisals are not done the same way many appraisers provide 1 or 2 page reports with very minimal detail with a couple of pictures. There is no verification to where the information was found. Remember you only get what you pay for. The busy people will stay busy every one else will fade away.

Is the appraiser been approved by the Courts why is that important

If I suffer a loss has the appraiser already been recognized as an expert with the court system if they have not there report and qualifications may also be in question . So what you thought you had is like having nothing at all .

What are condition ratings?

Condition Ratings are definitions of the car’s condition as set buy the pricing guides. They vary a little from pricing guide to pricing guide but overall they are fairly standardized on the 1-6 rating.

    * A concourse level show car is above a # 1 they are usually determine by points and are car that are not driven except  on and off a trailer

    * A #1 A close to perfect original or a very well restored vehicle. Generally a body-off restoration, but a well done body-on restoration that has been fully detailed may qualify. The vehicle is stunning to look at and any flaws are trivial and not readily apparent. Everything works as new. All equipment is original, NOS, or excellent quality reproductions. Note: This is NOT a 100 point trailered show car.  See show car description in How to Use section. car is close to a concourse level show car but is driven sparingly.

 

    * A #2 is an extremely presentable vehicle showing minimal wear, or a well restored vehicle. Runs and drives smooth and tight. Needs no mechanical or cosmetic work. All areas (chassis not required, but may be) have been fully detailed. Beautiful to look at but clearly below a #1 vehicle.  The car is a show car, not of #1 condition but is driven usually less than 1000 a year and can compete for top honors if a #1 car is not present at a judged show

 

    * #3 condition. Presentable inside and out with some signs of wear. Not detailed but very clean. Body should be straight and solid with no apparent rust and absolutely no rust-through anywhere. Shiny, attractive paint but may have evidence of minor fading or checking or other imperfections. Runs and drives well. May need some minor mechanical or cosmetic work but is fully usable and enjoyable as is. These cars are driven and may show some wear when closely examined. They usually look very good from 20 feet or so away, but close inspection shows imperfections or wear.

 
 

    * A #4 car is a car that even from 20 feet away, need restoration. It usually is a “driver” that someone really enjoys. It is complete.

 

    * A #5 car may or may not run, needs a total restoration and all the parts are there.

 
 

    * A #6 car is a parts car.