Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! If the accident was not your fault, it is owed to you by the insurance company of the at-fault party or your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage.

Yes. We will evaluate your claim prior to beginning the appraisal, and if we see that you will not receive at least triple our fee, we will not do the appraisal.

They will sometimes try but will most likely have you hire an expert like us to determine the real diminished value. Some insurance companies will just put a percentage on it and make you an offer. This will not be an accurate assessment of your diminished value and could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We have been doing diminished value assessments for years and have a wide range of experience in many different areas of automobile valuations.

After we complete our inspection of the vehicle, your report will be delivered to you personally or via email within three to four business days.

An auto appraisal is a professional evaluation that determines the fair market value of a vehicle based on its specifications, condition, mileage, and current market data. Certified auto appraisers use multiple valuation sources including NADA, JD Power, and comparable sales analysis to produce documented, defensible value reports. At Tampa Auto Appraisers in Tampa, FL, we provide certified appraisals for total loss claims, diminished value claims, classic cars, estate settlements, and pre-purchase inspections.

Auto appraisal costs vary based on the type of appraisal and vehicle complexity, with standard appraisals typically ranging from $250 to $500 and specialty or classic car appraisals potentially costing more due to the additional research required. Diminished value appraisals include dealer market research and formula-based analysis, which may affect pricing. Contact Tampa Auto Appraisers at (877) 868-9123 for a quote specific to your vehicle and appraisal type.

Most vehicle appraisals are completed within 24 to 72 hours from the time all necessary documentation and vehicle access are provided. Complex appraisals involving classic cars, extensive damage history, or rare vehicles may require additional time for research and comparable sales analysis. Tampa Auto Appraisers prioritizes timely delivery without compromising the thoroughness that makes our reports legally defensible.

A vehicle appraisal determines the monetary value of a car based on market data and professional analysis, while a vehicle inspection evaluates the mechanical and safety condition of the vehicle. An appraisal report includes the vehicle's fair market value and the methodology used to calculate it. An inspection report identifies mechanical issues, safety concerns, and needed repairs. Some appraisals include a physical inspection as part of the condition assessment, but the primary purpose remains valuation.

Yes, certified auto appraisals from qualified appraisers are accepted by insurance companies as supporting documentation for total loss claims, diminished value claims, and agreed value policies. Tampa Auto Appraisers' appraisal reports follow industry-standard methodologies and include detailed comparable analysis, sourcing, and appraiser credentials. Our reports have been accepted by major insurance carriers including State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, and USAA, as well as by attorneys and courts.

For a standard appraisal, you typically need the vehicle's VIN, current mileage, and title or registration. For diminished value appraisals, you also need the repair estimate or invoice, accident report, and photos showing pre-repair damage. For classic car appraisals, any available factory documentation, build sheets, ownership history, and restoration records help the appraiser produce the most accurate valuation.

A diminished value claim is a demand for compensation to cover the loss in your vehicle's market value after it has been in an accident and repaired. Even when repairs are performed correctly, a vehicle with accident history on Carfax or AutoCheck is worth less than an identical vehicle with a clean history. If you were not at fault in the accident, you can file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance to recover this loss.

The amount of diminished value depends on your vehicle's pre-accident value, the severity and type of damage, the vehicle's age and mileage, and current market conditions. Diminished value typically ranges from 5% to 25% of the vehicle's pre-accident value, with newer, higher-value vehicles experiencing larger dollar amounts of loss. Tampa Auto Appraisers' dual-methodology approach using both formula-based analysis and dealer market research produces accurate, defensible figures.

Yes, Texas fully recognizes diminished value claims for drivers who were not at fault in an accident. You file the claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance company. The statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date of the accident, so it is important to act promptly. Tampa Auto Appraisers is headquartered in Tampa, FL, and has extensive experience preparing diminished value appraisals for Texas claims.

While an attorney is not required to file a diminished value claim, having legal representation can be beneficial, especially if the insurance company disputes your claim or offers a settlement significantly below the appraised value. Many attorneys take diminished value cases on a contingency basis. Regardless of whether you hire an attorney, having a certified diminished value appraisal from an independent appraiser like Tampa Auto Appraisers is essential to establishing the amount of your claim.

A third-party diminished value claim is filed against the at-fault driver's insurance company and is recognized in most states, including Texas. A first-party diminished value claim is filed against your own insurance company and is recognized in very few states, with Georgia being the most notable. In most states, your own insurance policy does not cover diminished value unless you have specific policy language that provides for it.

Classic cars are valued using specialized methods because standard valuation guides like NADA and Kelley Blue Book have limited data for vehicles over 25 years old and cannot account for factors unique to the collector market. A classic car appraisal considers matching numbers, factory option rarity, production numbers, restoration quality, provenance, current auction results, and collector market trends. These factors can cause two seemingly identical vehicles to differ in value by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Matching numbers means that the engine, transmission, and rear axle in a classic car are the original components installed at the factory, verified by factory stampings that correspond to the VIN. Matching numbers vehicles are more desirable to collectors because they represent originality and authenticity. A matching numbers classic car can be worth 50% to 200% more than an otherwise identical vehicle with replacement drivetrain components.

Yes, most specialty classic car insurance providers including Hagerty, Grundy, and American Collectors Insurance require a current appraisal to establish the agreed value for your policy. An agreed value policy pays the full appraised amount in the event of a total loss, rather than a depreciated book value that standard auto insurance would pay. It is recommended to update your classic car appraisal every two to three years to keep your coverage current with market values.

Classic car values can fluctuate significantly based on collector market trends, auction results, and economic conditions. It is advisable to have your classic car appraised every two to three years, or whenever a significant market shift occurs in your vehicle's segment. You should also obtain a new appraisal after any major restoration work, modifications, or if you are considering selling, insuring, or including the vehicle in an estate plan.

If your insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss, you have the right to dispute their valuation if you believe it is below fair market value. The first step is to request the insurer's valuation report and review the comparable vehicles they used. Then, obtain an independent appraisal from a certified auto appraiser like Tampa Auto Appraisers who will research current market comparables and provide a documented fair market value. This independent appraisal gives you evidence to negotiate a higher settlement.

Insurance companies typically use third-party valuation services like CCC Intelligent Solutions, Mitchell, or Audatex to determine the actual cash value of a totaled vehicle. These systems use algorithms that search for comparable vehicles in your geographic area. However, the comparables they select may not accurately reflect your vehicle's specific condition, options, or local market. An independent appraisal from Tampa Auto Appraisers provides a more thorough analysis using multiple valuation sources and hand-selected, verified comparables.

In most states, yes, you can retain your totaled vehicle by accepting a reduced settlement (the total loss value minus the salvage value). The vehicle will receive a salvage title, which significantly affects its future resale value and may affect your ability to insure it. Before deciding to retain a totaled vehicle, consider the cost of repairs, the reduction in future resale value due to the salvage title, and whether your state allows salvage-titled vehicles to be re-registered after passing a salvage inspection.

Yes, Tampa Auto Appraisers provides vehicle appraisals across the entire state of Texas and nationwide. While our offices are in Tampa, many appraisals can be completed using detailed photographs, documentation, and video in combination with market research. For classic cars and high-value vehicles, we can arrange on-site inspections throughout Texas and in other states as needed.

Scheduling an appraisal with Tampa Auto Appraisers is straightforward. Call us at (877) 868-9123 or email us with your vehicle information including the VIN, mileage, and the type of appraisal you need. We will provide a quote and timeline, and once you proceed, we begin research and coordinate any necessary vehicle access. Most standard appraisals are delivered within 24 to 72 hours.

Tampa Auto Appraisers' lead appraiser, Danny Hudson, is a certified auto appraiser with over 25 years of professional experience in vehicle valuation. He is certified by The American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers (ASCAA) and is the only ASCAA Certified Appraiser in Tampa Bay. His expertise spans standard vehicles, classic and collector cars, diminished value analysis, and total loss claims. Our appraisals follow USPAP-aligned methodologies and are accepted by insurance companies, attorneys, courts, and financial institutions throughout Texas and nationwide.