Get the Loan. Get the Title Bond. Get the Deal Done.
Lenders require a certified appraisal before they write a loan against a classic vehicle. Same-day delivery from $149 — accepted by banks, credit unions, and specialty lenders nationwide.
ASCAA-CERT-4246
Certified appraiser credential
USPAP Compliant
Prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP 2025–2026
Since 1993
Appraising vehicles for 30+ years
Why Banks Require a Classic Car Appraisal
A classic vehicle is not a depreciating asset — it's a collectible. Banks and credit unions can't use standard book values like KBB or NADA to underwrite a loan on a 1969 Camaro Z/28 or a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. The lender needs a certified, documented appraisal that establishes fair market value before they'll approve the loan.
American Classic Appraisals prepares reports in substantial conformity with USPAP. Our certified appraisals are accepted by banks, credit unions, SBA lenders, and specialty classic car lenders nationwide. Our reports include comparable sales data, condition documentation, and a signed appraiser certification — everything your loan officer needs to move the file forward.
We also handle title bond appraisals for vehicles with missing or defective titles. If your state requires a surety bond to obtain a replacement title, the bond amount is based on the vehicle's appraised value — and we produce the certified appraisal the bonding company requires.
Accepted by lenders including:
Not sure if your lender accepts our format? Call us before you order — we'll confirm.
What Lenders Actually Look for in a Classic Car Appraisal
A generic appraisal won't move a loan file. Here's what JJ Best Banc, Woodside Credit, and SBA underwriters require — and what every American Classic Appraisals report includes.
USPAP conformance statement
Loan officers at specialty lenders require the appraiser to certify that the report was prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP. Our reports include this certification on every document.
Comparable sales data
Lenders need to see what similar vehicles actually sold for — not list prices. We pull auction results from Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and Bring a Trailer, plus private and dealer sales.
Condition documentation
The report must document the vehicle's actual condition — not just a grade. We describe paint, chrome, interior, mechanical condition, and any modifications in writing, supported by photos.
Appraiser credentials
JJ Best Banc, Woodside Credit, and most SBA lenders require the appraiser to hold a recognized credential. Shawn Owens holds ASCAA-CERT-4246 and is on Hagerty's approved appraiser list.
Signed certification page
Every report includes a signed certification page with the appraiser's name, credential number, and statement of independence — the document your loan officer files in the credit package.
When You Need a Bank Loan Appraisal
Classic vehicle financing covers more situations than most collectors realize.
New purchase loan
Buying a classic vehicle with financing? Your lender needs a certified appraisal before they'll write the loan. We deliver same-day so the deal doesn't stall waiting on paperwork.
Refinance an existing loan
If your vehicle has appreciated since you bought it, a new appraisal can support a refinance at a higher value — potentially lowering your rate or unlocking equity.
Title bond (missing title)
Most states require a surety bond to obtain a replacement title on a vehicle with a missing or defective title. The bond amount is set by the appraised value — we produce the certified appraisal the bonding company requires.
Equity loan or line of credit
Using a classic vehicle as collateral for a personal loan or line of credit? Lenders require a certified appraisal to establish the collateral value before approving the credit.
SBA or business loan collateral
Classic vehicles used as collateral for SBA loans or business financing require a certified appraisal. Our prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP reports meet SBA documentation standards.
Estate or trust asset financing
Financing against a vehicle held in an estate or trust requires certified documentation of value. We produce appraisals accepted by estate attorneys and trust administrators nationwide.
RV & motorhome loan
Vintage and classic motorhomes don't have standard book values lenders can rely on. We appraise Class A, B, and C motorhomes, vintage travel trailers, and specialty RVs for bank loan collateral — same-day delivery.
Farm equipment financing
Agricultural lenders and Farm Credit Services require certified appraisals for tractors, combines, and implements used as loan collateral. Our USPAP-conforming farm equipment appraisals are accepted by Farm Credit district offices and ag lenders nationwide.
Motorcycle & powersports loan
Classic Harley-Davidson, Indian, vintage European motorcycles, and collector powersports vehicles require a certified appraisal for credit union and bank financing. Standard book values don't capture collector market prices — a certified appraisal does.
How It Works — Same Day
Submit your vehicle details online
Fill out our online form with year, make, model, VIN, mileage, condition details, and upload up to 12 photos. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. If your lender has specific format requirements, note them in the comments field.
We research and document value
Our certified appraisers research comparable sales from auction results, dealer listings, and private sales. We document the vehicle's condition, modifications, and market position — producing a report your loan officer can act on.
Receive your certified appraisal
Your signed, prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP appraisal is delivered the same day — a professional document your bank, credit union, or specialty lender will accept. We're available by phone if your lender has follow-up questions.
Bank Loan Appraisal FAQ
Does Navy Federal Credit Union require an appraisal for a classic car loan?
Yes. Navy Federal requires a certified appraisal for classic, collector, and non-standard vehicles before approving a loan. Standard book values (KBB, NADA) don't apply to collector vehicles, so Navy Federal needs a USPAP-conforming certified appraisal to establish collateral value. Our same-day appraisals are accepted by Navy Federal and other military-affiliated credit unions nationwide.
Does USAA require an appraisal for a classic car or collector vehicle loan?
USAA and other military-affiliated lenders require certified documentation of value for classic and collector vehicles before approving financing. Our USPAP-conforming appraisals provide the signed, credentialed documentation USAA loan officers need to process the loan. Same-day delivery keeps your loan timeline on track.
Can I get an appraisal for an RV or motorhome bank loan?
Yes. We appraise vintage and classic motorhomes, RVs, and travel trailers for bank loan collateral. Lenders financing older or non-standard RVs require a certified appraisal because standard NADA RV guides don't capture collector or specialty value. Submit photos and vehicle details online and receive a certified appraisal the same day.
Do lenders require an appraisal for a farm equipment loan?
Yes. Banks, Farm Credit Services, and agricultural lenders require a certified appraisal for farm equipment used as loan collateral — tractors, combines, implements, and specialty equipment. Our USPAP-conforming farm equipment appraisals are accepted by agricultural lenders and Farm Credit district offices nationwide.
Can I get an appraisal for a motorcycle or powersports loan?
Yes. We appraise classic and collector motorcycles — Harley-Davidson, Indian, vintage European bikes — and powersports vehicles for bank loan collateral. Credit unions and specialty lenders financing collector motorcycles require a certified appraisal because standard book values don't reflect collector market prices. Same-day delivery available.
Do banks require an appraisal for a classic car loan?
Yes. Banks, credit unions, and specialty lenders cannot use standard book values (KBB, NADA) for classic and collector vehicles. They require a certified appraisal from a qualified appraiser to establish fair market value before approving the loan.
What is a title bond appraisal?
A title bond (surety bond) is required in most states when a vehicle has a missing or defective title. The bond amount is set by the vehicle's appraised value. We produce the certified appraisal the bonding company requires to issue the bond and obtain a replacement title.
How quickly can I get a bank loan appraisal?
Our online appraisals are delivered the same day in most cases. Submit your vehicle details and photos through our online form and we return a certified, signed appraisal document the same day — keeping your loan timeline on track.
Which lenders accept your appraisals?
Our certified appraisals are accepted by banks, credit unions, SBA lenders, and specialty classic car lenders including Navy Federal, USAA, JJ Best Banc, Woodside Credit, Southeast Financial Credit Union, Randolph-Brooks FCU (RBFCU), Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU), Security Service FCU, Amplify Credit Union, Capital Farm Credit, Farm Credit Bank of Texas, and Collector Car Lending. If your lender has specific requirements, contact us before you order and we'll confirm compatibility.
Can I use the same appraisal for insurance and a bank loan?
In most cases, yes. Our certified appraisals are accepted for both insurance agreed value coverage and bank loan collateral. Some lenders or insurers may have specific format requirements — contact us if you need a report tailored to both purposes.
What vehicles qualify for a bank loan appraisal?
We appraise classic American muscle cars, vintage trucks, European sports cars, exotics, customs, restomods, motorcycles, RVs, motorhomes, farm tractors and equipment, and collector vehicles of all types. If it has collector value and a lender is willing to finance it, we can appraise it.
Want the full breakdown?
Read our in-depth guide: How to Use a Classic Car Appraisal to Secure a Bank Loan
Ready to Move Your Loan Forward?
Order online and receive your certified appraisal the same day. Call us if you need to discuss your lender's specific requirements.