Modern Vehicle Appraisal FAQ

Question 1

Do you appraise modern and late-model vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We appraise late-model cars, trucks, SUVs, and new vehicles — not just classics. Our certified appraisals cover insurance total loss disputes, bank loans, refinancing, and pre-purchase inspections for any vehicle type.

Question 2

How much does a modern vehicle appraisal cost?

Accepted Answer

Our online certified appraisals start at $149 and are delivered the same day. Pre-purchase inspections start at $349. In-person appraisals vary by market — call or email for a quote.

Question 3

My insurance company totaled my car for less than I owe. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Contact us before accepting any settlement. Our insurance negotiation service challenges underpaid total loss valuations with certified documentation. We offer a money-back guarantee — if we don't improve your settlement, you don't pay.

Question 4

Can I use an appraisal to dispute a gap insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A certified appraisal documenting the vehicle's actual cash value at the time of loss can support a gap insurance dispute. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Question 5

Can I use an appraisal for a bank loan or refinance on a modern vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Banks and credit unions accept our certified appraisals for loan collateral and refinancing on late-model vehicles.

Question 6

What does a pre-purchase inspection cover on a modern vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Our 365-point inspection covers VIN and title verification, paint and bodywork, frame and structural integrity, engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and all electronic systems. You receive a written report with 100+ photos, a walkaround video, a test drive video, and a buy/walk/renegotiate recommendation.

Question 7

Do you inspect certified pre-owned and dealer vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We inspect CPO vehicles, dealer inventory, and private-party listings. A dealer's CPO certification is not a substitute for an independent inspection.

Question 8

How long does a modern vehicle appraisal take?

Accepted Answer

Online appraisals are delivered the same day you submit photos and vehicle details. Pre-purchase inspections are typically completed within 24–48 hours of scheduling.

Question 9

Are your appraisals accepted by State Farm and other major insurers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our certified appraisals are accepted by State Farm, Farm Bureau, Progressive, GEICO, and all major carriers for total loss disputes and agreed-value documentation.

Question 10

Do you cover all 50 states?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our inspectors cover all 50 states and Guam. Online appraisals are available nationwide with same-day delivery.

Question 11

What is the appraisal clause and how does it work for a modern vehicle total loss?

Accepted Answer

The appraisal clause is a provision in most auto insurance policies that allows either party — you or the insurer — to demand an independent appraisal when there is a dispute over the vehicle's value. Each side selects an independent appraiser, and if they disagree, an umpire resolves the difference. Invoking the appraisal clause costs the insurer time and money, which is why a certified appraisal from us often prompts a revised settlement offer before the formal process begins.

Question 12

How does prior accident history affect a modern vehicle's appraised value?

Accepted Answer

Documented accident history — visible on a Carfax or AutoCheck report — reduces a vehicle's market value through what appraisers call 'diminished value.' A car with a clean title but a reported accident is worth less than an identical car with no accident history. We document prior accident history, assess the quality of any repairs, and account for diminished value in our appraisals. If your insurer has not compensated you for diminished value after a not-at-fault accident, a certified appraisal is the foundation for that claim.

Question 13

Can you appraise an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We appraise EVs and hybrids — including Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt, and all major hybrid models — for insurance, bank loans, and pre-purchase inspections. Battery health is a critical value factor for EVs; we document the state of health (SOH) percentage where accessible and note any battery degradation in our reports.

Question 14

What is diminished value and can I claim it after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Diminished value is the reduction in a vehicle's market value caused by its accident history, even after repairs are completed. Most states allow you to claim diminished value from the at-fault driver's insurer. A certified appraisal documenting the before-and-after value is required to support the claim. We provide diminished value appraisals for modern vehicles across all 50 states.

Question 15

What should I look for when buying a modern vehicle sight-unseen online?

Accepted Answer

Buying a modern vehicle online — from Facebook Marketplace, Cars.com, or a remote dealer — carries real risks: odometer fraud, undisclosed accident damage, flood damage, and title issues are all common. Before you wire a deposit, send an inspector. Our 365-point pre-purchase inspection puts a certified inspector at the seller's location to verify the VIN, check the title history, inspect for hidden damage, and give you a straight buy, walk, or renegotiate recommendation. We cover all 50 states.

Modern Vehicle Appraisal FAQ

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