Insurance companies often require or recommend a certified appraisal before issuing certain types of policies. For classic cars, modified vehicles, collector automobiles, and high-value specialty vehicles, standard market guides do not capture true replacement value — and being underinsured means being undercompensated when you need coverage most.
Tampa Auto Appraisers provides ASCAA-certified, USPAP-compliant insurance appraisals for all vehicle types throughout Tampa Bay. Whether you need a stated-value appraisal to properly insure your classic car, a pre-loss documentation appraisal, or an independent appraisal to dispute an insurance company's claim settlement, we have the expertise and credentials to protect your interests.
Standard auto insurance policies pay actual cash value in the event of a total loss — which may be far less than what you paid or what your vehicle is truly worth, especially for classic cars, modified vehicles, and limited-production automobiles. A stated-value or agreed-value policy locks in a predetermined insurance value, so you know exactly what you'll receive if the worst happens.
Collector car insurers such as Hagerty, Grundy, and American Collectors Insurance require a certified appraisal to issue or renew agreed-value policies. The appraisal must be performed by a credentialed, independent appraiser — not estimated from a guidebook. Tampa Auto Appraisers' ASCAA certification and USPAP-compliant appraisal methodology meet the requirements of all major collector car insurance companies operating in Florida.
We also provide regular reappraisals for vehicles that have appreciated in value, ensuring your coverage keeps pace with the market. Many classic cars in the Tampa Bay area have increased significantly in value in recent years — don't let outdated policy limits leave you underinsured.
When you and your insurance company cannot agree on the value of your vehicle following a claim, most Florida auto insurance policies contain an appraisal clause giving you the right to invoke an independent appraisal process. Understanding and using this clause effectively can make a significant difference in your settlement.
Under the appraisal clause, both you and the insurer each select a certified, independent appraiser. If the two appraisers cannot agree on value, they jointly select an umpire whose decision is binding. Tampa Auto Appraisers has extensive experience in appraisal clause disputes and has helped Tampa Bay vehicle owners recover thousands of dollars beyond initial insurer offers.
Florida Statute § 627.7015 also provides mediation options for first-party insurance disputes, and Florida Statute § 626.9641 prohibits unfair claim settlement practices. We work in conjunction with your attorney or directly with the insurer to document, negotiate, and if necessary arbitrate your claim to a fair resolution.
Document your vehicle's condition and value before a loss occurs, creating a baseline the insurer cannot dispute after a claim.
Establish the insured value for classic cars, modified vehicles, and specialty automobiles to qualify for agreed-value insurance policies.
Challenge an insurance company's undervalued claim settlement with an independent, certified appraisal that documents true fair market value.
Act as your certified independent appraiser in the formal appraisal clause dispute resolution process required by most Florida auto insurance policies.
Not all appraisers are equal in the eyes of insurance companies and courts. ASCAA (American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers) certification — issued through certifiedautoappraisers.com — is the gold standard for automotive appraisal credentials. ASCAA-certified appraisers have completed rigorous USPAP-compliant training and examinations covering ethics, vehicle inspection methodology, damage analysis, and appraisal reporting standards.
Insurance companies, defense attorneys, and courts know what ASCAA certification means — and they take it seriously. When you choose Tampa Auto Appraisers, you get Tampa Bay's only ASCAA-certified auto appraiser, 24+ years of industry experience, and a BBB A+ track record of fighting for fair insurance settlements on behalf of vehicle owners throughout Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and beyond.
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