Car Appraisal Cost

Typical costs:

• Car appraisals are available for $100-$500 or more, but a detailed appraisal that includes photos, a thorough inspection and a written report typically costs $175-$350, depending on location, travel time or if the vehicle is brought to the appraiser. For example, Classic Appraisals[1] in Wisconsin charges $175 if a classic car is brought to them or $225 to travel within the Milwaukee metropolitan area for a "bumper to bumper analysis" with several color pictures; body tag or VIN decoding (vehicle identification number, with digits that if correctly interpreted can identify where and when the vehicle was manufactured, and with which factory-issued features); factory production statistics; comparable sales; and general comments. AutoAppraise.com[2] , with appraisers in 48 states, charges $350 plus $65 an hour travel time for a detailed pre-purchase inspection including an initial and final consultation; 80-150 or more photos of the vehicle section-by-section; and written results from a test drive. Diminished Value of Georgia[3] charges $175 in the Atlanta area to appraise a totaled or stolen car and $225 for a diminished value appraisal of a vehicle that has been repaired to pre-accident condition.
• If the appraiser does not physically inspect the vehicle, the evaluation is technically not an appraisal but an assessment, which can cost $80-$125. For example, Diminished Value of Georgia[4] charges $95 for an assessment based on facts provided by the client and USA Auto Appraisers[5] in Nebraska offers a "simple email auto appraisal" for antique, classic or or custom automobiles for $99.

• A vehicle appraisal should include the date and location of the inspection, the date of the valuation, a full description of the vehicle, the methods used to establish value, the purpose of the appraisal, a description of the appraiser's qualifications and the appraiser's signature plus any certification or registration marks. TheAutoAppraiser.com in California explains what should be included.
• Before an appraisal, clean, wash and wax the vehicle and complete all basic maintenance (change oil, add windshield wiper fluid, have a full tank of gas). Do a brief inspection and consider replacing any worn belts, filters or windshield wipers.

• If the vehicle appraisal is part of a legal dispute or an insurance claim, having the appraiser provide expert testimony typically costs $200-$300 an hour. For example, Auto Appraisal Network[6] in California charges $250 an hour, with a four-hour minimum.

• Ask about discounts for seniors, military personnel or others. Diminished Value of Georgia[7] offers a $25 discount for AAA members or military personnel.
• For a rough estimate, free pricing information is available through sites like NADA Guides[8] , Hemmings[9] , Kelley Blue Book[10] , Edmunds[11] or AutoTrader[12] .

• For classic, antique or custom cars, appraisals are typically available at shows or exhibitions, or ask for recommendations from a car club specializing in that particular model or type of car. For insurance valuations, attorneys specializing in car accidents typically have recommendations for auto appraisers.
• There is no single national organization that certifies auto appraisers, and there are no formal training requirements[13] . Most states do not require vehicle appraisers to be licensed, although a few have licensing requirements for appraisers who assess damages for insurance purposes. For example, appraisers in Pennsylvania must pass the state's Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser exam; Massachutsetts requires proof that the person worked for a licensed car appraiser and completed an approved appraisal course; Oregon[14] requires two years experience with a licensed appraiser; and Vermont[15] says the applicant must pass a test and be employed by a licensed appraiser. Check with the secretary of state's office about appraiser requirements.
• Ask about the appraiser's training process and experience, and how and when any certifications were earned or awarded. Classic Auto Appraiser in California lists what to consider[16] when choosing a car appraiser.

1.  www.classicappraisals.biz/Our-Appraisals.php
2.  www.autoappraise.com/pre-purchase-auto-inspections.htm
3.  diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/auto-appraisal-price-order/
4.  diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/auto-appraisal-price-order/
5.  www.usaautoappraisers.com/
6.  www.autoappraisalnetwork.com/expert-witness.html
7.  diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/auto-appraisal-price-order/
8.  www.nada.com/
9.  www.hemmings.com/
10.  www.kbb.com/
11.  www.edmunds.com/
12.  www.autotrader.com/
13.  www.bls.gov/ooh/Business-and-Financial/Claims-adjusters-appraisers-examiners-and-i...
14.  www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/dealers/abandonedvehapp.aspx
15.  www.dfr.vermont.gov/insurance/producer-licensing/auto-damage-appraiser-license-info
16.  www.classicautoappraiser.com/choosing.php

Check Out All Costs for Personal Finance		How Much Does Closing a Home Cost?		How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Attorney Cost?		How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options. Getting ready for school? Many schools now require uniforms. Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost