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. Garden all winter long with an indoor greenhouse. It's a good idea to have the furnace checked in the fall, before you need it. The CDC recommends it is more important than ever to get a flu shot this year. Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall.

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

Toilet Flange Replacement/ Toilet Reset Paid: 5294.00 (Break down of pricing was not initially provided and I had to call to speak with a manager to get exact pricing)... [more] -Gray Replacing a Toilet Cost ER visit for ear achech Paid: 2250.00 I was there in hospital only for 15 minutes. due to Covid Urgent care was closed near my house. Doctor came and prescribe me anti biotic ear drops and pills. Got a rude shock when they charge me with huge bill... [more] -Deepa Emergency Room Visit Cost Overspent? Paid: 312.00 $312 per pet.Exam39.25Waste disposal 2.99Heart worm 48.30Fecal 25.29DA2P 101.99Lepto 21.50Sentinel 69.34I always feels overcharged when I go here... [more] -Rebekah Dog Vaccination Cost Root tips Paid: 845.00 Speechless, total ripoff, I have been going to Dr. L. Tabor for many years, I assisted him a few years... [more] -Terri P Tooth Extraction Cost Ignition coils, spark plugs & valve cover gasket Paid: 107.00 Check engine light came on, code was P0303, third cylinder. Googled causes of code found ignition coil and spark plugs most likely. Ordered parts from Amazon and my husband and I changed them after watching some YouTube videos... [more] -JLC Ignition Coil Replacement Cost A/C repair Paid: 670.00 Decided to to replace the 35 year old aging AC system. New compressor, accumulator, orifice tube, refrigerant hoses, condenser. Flushed the evaporator. Charged with ozone friendly 12a refrigerant... [more] -citydragon Car Air Conditioning Cost