Classic Car News & Auto Appraisal Tips

If your Jaguar has been in an auto accident, there are two possible outcomes: declared a Total Loss, or repaired and back on the road. Either way, you should be aware of the auto insurance industry's two biggest kept secrets: Appraisal Clause and Diminished Value. Do an internet search of both terms, and learn how you can receive a greater settlement than the insurance company is willing to pay. Call/text: 786-853-0711

OK, so why do Restomods need an appraisal to get proper insurance coverage? A very popular basis for a Restomod is the first generation Chevrolet Camaro (1967-69). Currently the value of an original #3 Good condition base coupe is around $24,000. Recently we've appraised two Camaro Restomods with build costs of $280k and $403k, respectively. Without an appraisal on file, in the event of a total loss, these Restomod owners might receive an insurance settlement of just $24,000! Protect your investment! Get it appraised! Call/text 786-853-0711

If you have tried to obtain a financing loan on a vehicle, say, 10 or more years old, you may have found that the lending institution won't do so without a current fair market value appraisal. In addition to financing, we provide diminished value and prior-to-total loss appraisals. Call/text 786-853-0711 for more info.

We recently appraised this very nice1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Race Car, and now it is for sale on BringATrailer. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-porsche-944-turbo-174 We wish the seller the best of luck, and sincerely hope the BAT market will exceed our valuation. In fairness to all, we are not divulging our number, but bid high and bid often! Good luck to all!

Take a guess at the combined prior-to-loss value of the five luxury cars in this one photo! Now try to imagine how much less than this value the insurance companies are offering as final settlements. Hint: It's a VERY big number! Whether it's a Rolls-Royce or a Toyota, your insurance company is probably delaying, denying or underpaying your settlement compensation. To settle for a higher value, invoke the 'Appraisal Clause' in your policy, and get it appraised!

If you are looking to purchase a 1955-57 Chevy "Tri-Five" in South Florida and want a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) or need an appraisal for financing, we've got you covered! Call/text 786-853-0711 to receive a sample of our 25 page 40+ photograph pdf report

Can you make a Diminished Value claim on an older collector car? As attorneys are known to say "it depends!" Generally, when a car is fully depreciated, the likelihood of a Diminished Value Claim is slim. Collectors cars may be fully depreciated, and then their value starts to rise. Think 1970's air-cooled Porsches! Is this 1960 Jaguar XK150S DHC a candidate?

As seen in a South Florida wrecker's yard, along with many other total loss vehicles. But did it pass or fail? Hmm... If your vehicle was involved in an accident and declared a total loss, do not accept the insurance company's initial offer! Invoke your right to the Appraisal Clause in you policy and get an independent appraisal of its prior-to-loss fair market value. Call/text 786-853-0711

Avoid this mistake when filing for bankruptcy- It could cost you thousands of dollars in additional settlement payouts!

Did a pre-purchase inspection of a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback at Motor Car Gallery in Fort Lauderdale today for a client in Southern California. A really nice clean sympathetic restoration, its only fault being new-looking barely used tires with 2009/10 date codes, which should be replaced for safety reasons. Despite a very positive review, the client decided to keep looking! If you are in the market for a '67 Fastback, call Motor Car Gallery, as this one will slip away soon!