Why Should You Always Talk to an Independent Auto Appraiser Before Settling an Insurance Claim?
Why Should You Always Talk to an Independent Auto Appraiser Before Settling an Insurance Claim?
When you’re involved in a car accident, the process of working with insurance can feel overwhelming. Between repair shops, adjusters, and stacks of paperwork, it’s tempting to just accept the settlement and move on. But here’s the truth: if you settle without talking to an independent auto appraiser, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
At Auto Appraisal Network Cincinnati, we’ve seen it time and time again—insurance companies making offers that don’t reflect the true value of your vehicle or the actual financial loss you’ve suffered. Whether your car is declared a total loss or repaired and back on the road, an independent appraisal protects you from being short-changed.
How Are Insurance Adjusters Different From Independent Appraisers?
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company—not for you. Their goal is often to minimize what the company pays out. Independent appraisers, on the other hand, work for you. Our job is to determine fair market value based on real data, comparable vehicles, and professional standards.
That outside perspective is critical. We don’t use generic formulas or outdated databases—we provide a full, unbiased report that you can use to negotiate for a fair settlement.
Why It Matters in a Total Loss
If your car is declared a total loss, the settlement should reflect what it would actually cost to replace your vehicle in today’s market. Unfortunately, insurance companies often undervalue vehicles by:
- Using comparable cars from different regions or markets.
- Missing or Ignoring special options, upgrades, or condition factors.
- Applying depreciation that doesn’t reflect collector or specialty vehicles.
An independent appraisal ensures that you’re compensated for the true replacement value, not just what’s convenient for the insurer.
Why Do I Need An Appraisal If My Car Was Fully Repaired?
Even if your vehicle is repaired, its value can still take a hit. This is where diminished value comes in. A car that’s been in an accident, no matter how well repaired, is usually worth less on the open market.
Insurance companies don’t always volunteer this information—but diminished value claims can mean thousands of dollars back in your pocket. An independent appraiser documents this loss so you can recover it.
Peace of Mind at No Cost Upfront
Here’s the best part: at Auto Appraisal Network Cincinnati, we offer a complimentary review of your settlement statement or repair invoice. If everything looks fair, you walk away with peace of mind. If it doesn’t, you’ll know exactly where the numbers don’t add up—and how to fix it.
The Bottom Line
Settling an insurance claim without an independent appraisal is like selling your car without checking to see what it’s really worth. Whether you’re dealing with a total loss or repairs after an accident, a quick conversation with an independent appraiser can mean the difference between being underpaid and getting what your vehicle is worth.
Before you sign off on any settlement from the insurance company, reach out to Auto Appraisal Network Cincinnati for a complimentary review. You’ve got nothing to lose—and possibly thousands to gain.
Auto Appraisal Network - Cincinnati specializes in appraisals for classic, custom and collector vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUV's, motorcycles, boats and personal watercraft. We do appraisals for insurance policies and claims, such as diminished value and total loss, probate, bankruptcy, divorce, financing, fair market value and pre-purchase inspections.
Our appraisals are certified and accepted by the legal system, insurance companies and financial institutions. When you need an accurate, fair assessment of the value of your ride, you need Auto Appraisal Network - Cincinnati. Call (513) 957-4080 to schedule your appraisal today.
