Total Loss / Disputed Value Claim
Automobiles are highly subject to valuation discrepancies, largely due to variations in physical condition, high or low mileage considerations, variations in trim level or just basic market fluctuations, such as time of year or the number of a particular vehicle for sale in the current market. In all cases, we strive to provide an accurate value or collision repair estimate for our clients vehicle that is rooted in fact , reason, and is based on accepted industry standards. You may find a need for our services for any of the following reasons:
Your car has been totaled by your carrier or the at-fault carrier and they are not offering you the fair market value. Quite often these carriers employ inaccurate or incomplete automated third party valuation services using suspect methods to that significantly under value your value.
The insurance company may try to settle your claim using trade-in or private party sales data. For private owner claims, by state code and case law, the carriers are to supposed to pay the fair market (RETAIL) value. So in other words, you should receive the same amount it would cost you to purchase an equivalent replacement vehicle (the same year, make model, trim level, options and condition) from a local car dealer.
Your car has been declared a total loss, but you would like the vehicle repaired. We can help make sure the anyone involved in the repair process is following the correct procedure based on your states laws or codes. We will provide consultation for every known option to you, including potentially purchasing your vehicle back from the carrier and having the car fixed on your terms.
Your car is in the middle of the repair process and the shop and insurance carrier disagree on the repair procedures or costs. You can use our expertise to make sure you are getting the true story and the correct repair based on the manufacturer, I-CAR, and ASE standards.
The reason we’re so widely trusted as a vehicle appraiser in Silver Spring, MD, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia is because we use broad data to back our reporting and valuations. We take a common-sense approach to vehicle appraisal, calculating value based on extent of actual physical damage, industry accepted vehicle condition ratings and real, independent sales data specific to your vehicle. Let us provide you with a car appraisal that’ll hold up in court or arbitration against any insurance claim or at-fault party.
Finally, all of our appraisals are handled in-house and certified by our appraisers. By choosing an accredited appraiser, you can SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS FOR YOUR CLAIM. If a risk is taken on an inexperienced or improperly trained appraiser, it can cost exponentially in the long run. We often encounter clients who are shopping for appraisers and we encourage our clients to do so, as its just a smart business decision to compare services. But please keep in mind you should make sure to compare apples to apples. In our experience, the vast majority of independent appraisers lack even the most basic training and qualifications in their field. These appraisers may provide a “money back guarantee”, or promise settlements entirely out of the realm of possibility, or may tie their service fee to the outcome of your claim to lure you in. They may not even offer an actual inspection of your vehicle, and if they do, will often hire an outside third party (from the want-ads) to photograph your vehicle to claim it was inspected. These tactics are unethical, unfair and costly to the client. If any of these tactics are used, the report offered can not be considered certified, and the client will be left holding the bag when the insurance company provides any kind of push back. In the end, any claim made to an insurance company or any at-fault party to dispute any valuation should be made by a reputable and respected appraisal company like ours. We will help guide you through the entire claims process, providing sound, experienced based advice the entire way.
Get the Real Value for Your Vehicle
Reed Auto Appraisers & Diminished Value Experts LLC is the foremost authority for car appraisal in Silver Spring, MD, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia. Contact us today at 301-946-6116 and you’ll see why. We deliver accurate reporting in a timely, professional manner, so the value of your vehicle is never in question.