Our Valuation Process

Our clients don’t just buy results — they buy confidence in the process.

How It Works...

Our valuation process usually takes place quickly. But there is a lot of things happening to make sure we can provide accurate high quality data. Below is quick over of our process with additional information below. This may not answer all of your questions, but that's what we are here for. Just give us a shout!

1. Contact us and provide the necessary details.

Complete our web form or give us a call — whichever is easiest for you. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and walk you through our services. We’re here to listen. We know that settling a total loss, determining diminished value, or buying or selling a vehicle can be stressful. Online information isn’t always accurate or reliable — but fortunately, we are. Most importantly, we believe in being upfront and honest. If we don’t think we can help you, we’ll tell you — simple as that.

2. Choose the service that meets your needs.

We’ve got your bases — and your budget — covered.

We understand that an independent valuation isn’t always in the budget, but we'll focus on getting you more for your vehicle, beyond the cost of our service. If you’ve experienced a total loss, we’ll help you determine what you should settle for and even negotiate on your behalf. If your vehicle was damaged and it wasn’t your fault, we’ll calculate the diminished value so you know exactly what’s been lost. And if you’re buying or selling, whether it’s a daily driver, a vintage classic, or a rare collectible, we’ll help you pinpoint the right market value so you get the price you deserve.

3. We'll start right away conducting thorough research.

Once we have all the necessary details, our team will begin in-depth market driven research and a thorough evaluation of the data. If you're settling a total loss you may have limited time in a rental vehicle, or you may be up against a statute of limitations to pursue a diminished value claim. We get it...time is of the essence! Most valuations take a few business days. If we're negotiating the total loss settlement with an insurance company, we'll send them an official notice immediately to make them aware that you've hired Autopraisal to negotiate on your behalf.

4. A comprehensive independent valuation to your inbox.

Once our research is complete, we'll send our valuation report directly to your email. An Advocate will call you to review our findings. If we're negotiating your total loss, we'll confirm all the details of our research with you first - before we contact the adjuster to present a counter offer. We'll keep you in the know during this process.

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Important Considerations:

Insurance Negotiation Process:

Invoking the Appraisal Clause

Many people are unaware of what an appraisal clause is or how it works. In brief, an appraisal clause is a provision in an insurance policy that allows the insured and the insurer to resolve disputes over the value of a loss (not coverage). If invoked, each side selects an independent appraiser, and those two appraisers choose a neutral umpire. If they can’t agree on the amount, the umpire steps in—and a decision agreed to by any two of the three is typically binding. Know that this applies to first-party (insured) claims. Meaning your own insurance company. It is applied regardless of fault provided proper coverage is in order.

Often, this is sold by appraisers as a secret benefit or weapon of your coverage. In reality it's generally a standard contract clause to resolve disputes without legal action. It is our goal to negotiate and resolve your settlement without invoking the appraisal clause (assuming you choose our concierge service). This is a last resort often pursued if the claims adjuster or insurance company is unwilling to work with us on a fair settlement. This process, when invoked, adds time to the resolution (to which your insurance company may not be required to pay for a rental car during this time, if at all applicable) and may carry additional out of pocket costs for you if an umpire is needed.

Negotiation Range

As part of our Concierge services. Once we've determined an independent fair market value for your vehicle we'll set an acceptable range in order to facilitate negotiations with the insurance company. We'll discuss this range with you when we review our findings. Our goal is always to reach the highest possible settlement, but understanding that negotiation is the art of give and take.

Settlement Timeframe

Once we've cleared our value with you we'll reach out to the insurance company right away. Our goal is to reach a settlement quickly. In most cases our counter offer has to be reviewed internally within the claims team. This part of the process often takes a few business days. We'll keep you updated, but only as things develop or if there seems to a stall in the process. Contrary to popular belief, there is not an advantage for the insurance company to prolong settling your claim. Many claims departments measure 'days to settle' on every claim and adjusters are at times rewarded for keeping a lower average.

Finalizing the settlement

Once we've reached a settlement amount with the insurance company our work is complete. It will be in the vehicle owners hands to resolve the paperwork and finalize. We're available if you have questions, but please keep in mind that we can not offer legal advice.

Service Areas

We're growing fast and currently helping clients in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio Settle for More on their insurance auto claims.

If you're outside of this region we may be able to help you. Contact our team to today!