There can be an array of under-the-hood...
There can be an array of under-the-hood items that add value to a vehicle. One thing that many appraisers can't add value for is the internal engine components. This is due to the fact that the appraiser can only appraise what he/she can see.
"I got a call from a local couple in Orange County, California, that had a custom '59 Chevy pickup stolen. It was finished three or four months earlier with the usual features: 350/350, lots of chrome, four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, a nice gray tweed interior, and a perfect maroon paint job," related Hyman. "It had been stolen the week before Christmas at a local shopping mall. The insurance company offered them three grand for the truck! Luckily, they had every one of their receipts and a few photographs, I put together an 'after the fact' appraisal for them the next day and presented it to their insurance company for them. Within 48 hours they were presented with a check for $28,000.00!"
Why Should You Get Your Car Appraised?
It never ceases to amaze us how many car enthusiasts are willing to spend a couple of hundred bucks to buy a chromed or polished bracket that no one will ever see, yet they won't spend about the same money to have their car appraised. It could easily save them thousands and thousands of dollars later if they should ever have to file an insurance claim.
The bottom line is that if your vehicle has been modified, customized, is unique, very rare, or just plain special, and it is now worth significantly more than a stock version of the same vehicle as originally manufactured, you should have it professionally appraised.
Details like these button-head...
Details like these button-head Allen bolts can add up when it comes to the end value.
Similarly, if your car is completely stock with matching numbers and has a rare factory equipment package that might make it worth considerably more than a run-of-the-mill car, you had better have that confirmed in an appraisal.
What To Look For In An Appraiser
One of the best methods to find a good appraiser is to ask around for a referral. Ask a lot of questions. Some of the more traditional, purist-type appraisers believe that an automobile only has value when it is original, bone stock! They are completely oblivious to the custom car scene and should probably be avoided (at least if you're looking for an appraisal on a modified vehicle).
Will they come to you? Most owners do not want to drive their show cars across town in traffic, so an appraiser who is willing to travel to you is a big plus.
Trim packages and wheels can...
Trim packages and wheels can also add to the value. With many aftermarket wheels it's important to have an appraiser who knows the value of a set of trick billet wheels.
What do their appraisals look like? Keep away from the companies who come out to you with a single-page carbon copy form and then fill in blank spaces. A quality appraisal should be thorough and detailed.
Ask to see sample appraisals. A good appraiser will be prepared and have lots of samples to show you, at least one of which should be particularly appropriate to your type of vehicle. They should be professional looking, bound booklets.
Do they take photographs? Let's face it, these are worth a thousand words! There is nothing better than quality pictures in your appraisal to best describe to an insurance adjuster thousands of miles away just how great your car is! A good appraisal should be descriptive enough that someone that has never seen your car should be able to read the report and have a pretty good idea of what your vehicle looked like and consisted of. (By the way, many insurance companies don't like digital photos or Polaroids, so stick with 35 mm).
A good appraisal should also list virtually all of the custom components and fabrication work on a modified vehicle. An adjuster should be able to read this list and have a pretty good idea of the work and money that went into building this particular car or truck.