Navigating an auto insurance claim can feel overwhelming—especially when repair costs, total loss decisions, and valuation disagreements arise. At Auto Appraisals, we provide independent, fair, and accurate auto insurance appraisals to help drivers, repair shops, attorneys, and insurance carriers get clarity during the claims process.
Below, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions our clients ask. If you don’t see your specific question here, feel free to reach out—our team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Auto Appraisals do?
Auto Appraisals provides independent auto insurance appraisals, including damage valuations, total loss assessments, diminished value reports, supplemental damage appraisals, re-inspections, and legal documentation support. We offer clear, unbiased, and accurate valuations for all types of claims.
2. Do you serve the entire United States?
Yes — we serve all states except Iowa. Our nationwide network of certified appraisers allows us to deliver consistent, fast service from coast to coast.
3. Who can request an appraisal?
Our appraisal services are available to:
- Vehicle owners & policyholders
- Collision repair shops
- Insurance carriers
- Attorneys & legal professionals
- Fleet owners and commercial operators
If it involves auto damage or valuation, we can help.
4. What is an auto insurance appraisal?
An auto insurance appraisal is an independent evaluation of the damage to a vehicle or its value. It includes:
- Damage documentation
- Repair cost valuation
- OEM procedure research
- Photo evidence
- Market value analysis (for total loss or diminished value)
This appraisal helps determine accurate repair costs or fair settlement amounts.
5. How is an appraisal different from an estimate?
An estimate is typically done by a repair shop or insurer.
An appraisal is an independent, third-party valuation intended to verify accuracy, resolve disputes, or support negotiations.
6. How long does an appraisal take?
Most appraisals are completed within 24–48 hours after inspection or receipt of documentation. Complex cases may require additional time for research.
7. Do you provide virtual or remote appraisals?
Yes. We offer:
- Virtual photo-based appraisals
- Video-call inspections
- Hybrid appraisals combining onsite + virtual reviews
These options allow for faster turnaround and broader coverage.
8. What is a supplemental appraisal?
A supplemental appraisal is an updated valuation performed when additional damage is discovered during repairs. It ensures the full repair cost is documented accurately.
9. Do you handle total loss valuations?
Absolutely. We perform detailed total loss appraisals that include:
- Pre-loss market value
- Vehicle options & condition
- Comparable vehicles in your region
- Mileage and equipment
- Salvage considerations
Our reports support both policyholders and insurers.
10. Can you review or challenge an existing valuation?
Yes. We frequently provide second opinions or re-inspections when:
- A valuation seems too low
- Damage was missed
- A shop finds additional work needed
- There is a dispute between insurer and customer
We offer a professional, unbiased review.
11. Do you support diminished value claims?
Yes — we provide diminished value appraisals that calculate how much value a vehicle loses after an accident, even after repairs.
12. What documents should I provide for an appraisal?
Helpful documents include:
- Photos (if available)
- Existing estimates
- Claim numbers
- Repair notes or invoices
- Police report (if applicable)
These items help us produce a more accurate appraisal, but they are not always required.
13. Do you assist collision repair shops?
Yes. We help shops by providing:
- Blueprinting support
- Supplemental valuation documentation
- OEM-based repair cost validation
- Re-inspection assistance
- Total loss verification
Repair facilities appreciate our technical, repair-knowledgeable approach.
14. Do insurance companies use your services?
Yes — many carriers rely on us for:
- Independent field appraisals
- Virtual appraisals
- Total loss valuations
- Supplement reviews
- CAT event support
Our reports are consistent, clear, and technically sound.
15. Do attorneys use your appraisals for legal cases?
Yes. We provide legal-ready documentation, including:
- Diminished value reports
- Total loss valuations
- Repair cost appraisals
- Vehicle condition assessments
- Expert testimony support (when required)
Our appraisals are structured for mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
16. Can you help if the insurance company undervalued my claim?
Yes. We can provide an independent appraisal to compare against the insurer’s valuation. This report can be used to dispute findings or support negoti
17. How do I schedule an appraisal?
You can schedule through:
- Our website’s contact form
- Phone
- A referral from your insurer or attorney
We respond quickly to arrange a convenient appointment.
18. What if more damage is found after the appraisal?
This is common. We can issue a supplemental appraisal to update repair costs or total loss valuation based on the new findings.
19. How do I know if my vehicle is a total loss?
A total loss occurs when the repair cost exceeds a percentage of the vehicle’s value. We provide a clear total loss appraisal that compares repair costs with true market value to determine status.
20. Why should I choose Auto Appraisals?
Clients trust us because we deliver:
- Accurate, unbiased appraisals
- Fast turnaround times
- Certified appraisers
- Nationwide coverage (except Iowa)
- Clear communication
- Industry-standard documentation
- Deep understanding of real repair procedures
Our only goal is accuracy and fairness.
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
If you need more information or want to schedule an appraisal, our team is ready to assist. Auto Appraisals provides clear, fair, and independent valuations to help you navigate your claim with confidence.
Contact us anytime — we’re here to make the appraisal process simple and transparent.