Car appraisal for insurance

jimw427 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 04:32 AM

Does anyone know of the best way to get your Cobra appraised for insurance? There are no actual appraisers in my area and I searched on the net and only come up with accident appraisals listed around my area. Is there any place on the net you can enter your information, facts and figures and get an appraisal, I know its a lot to ask. Other then that I am stuck with some folks with little knowledge taking their best guess.

Any ideas or help.

Thanks..... Jim

undy · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 04:56 AM

I just did some cobra market price web searching and came up with a price that I could live with. I provided that price, along with some digital photos and other info, to my prospective insurance company. That price was accepted by them as the "agreed" price.I can't see paying big bucks for something so subjective and in a lot of cases, not required.

Dave

WarrenG · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 05:37 AM

I did the same as Dave. My company didn't require an appraisal for $60K value.

Bill Wells · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 05:51 AM

in addition to what dave said ;

some insurance companies can provide you a list of local appraisers that they use ---if not , try local car club sources for any classic car type or stop by a high end auto body shop to see who they might know of . some other thoughts anyway .

as Dave said : my insurance company did not require an appraisal either for 3 of my cars--they did require high quality photos of both sides, front , rear, inside and engine bay - as well as a brief description of the cars . I requested an agreed value insurance amount that I was comfortable with and on two cars they suggested I go higher and on the 3rd car they told me i was at their max . I have raised the values on 2 of the cars each year for past 3 yrs with no issues by them ....go as high as you can (or they allow for your car) as the step up cost is a fraction of a replacement vehicle cost difference in most cases. Bill

Bartruff1 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 05:55 AM

Most Companies I considered used a "agreed value"....in my case it was the purchase price and some pictures...

jimw427 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 06:17 AM

Thanks for the help and suggestions I will see if I can get this to fly with my insurance compnay.

Tim Brewer · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 09:07 AM

When you say "your" insurance company, do you mean the same company that insures your daily drivers? After they quote you, (if they even will), it should be dirt cheap. If not, it's usually better to get your car insured through a speciality insurance company.

jimw427 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 11:17 AM

Yes, its the same one I use for my daily drivers, and yes it is pretty reasonable, but to increase the insured value to anything above $25,000 they are asking for an appraisal. My problem is living in a one horse town there are none to be found so I am looking for other options and suggestions, of which i got a few here. So hopefully I can sell them on going with a valued type price as opposed to an appraisal.

Jim

joe g · #9 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 11:37 AM

Try State Farm-im visiting my agent this afternoon and will find out how they valuve it
joeg

undy · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimw427

Yes, its the same one I use for my daily drivers, and yes it is pretty reasonable, but to increase the insured value to anything above $25,000 they are asking for an appraisal. My problem is living in a one horse town there are none to be found so I am looking for other options and suggestions, of which i got a few here. So hopefully I can sell them on going with a valued type price as opposed to an appraisal.

Jim

If I were in your shoes I'd go through the "appraiser" section of the local yellow pages to find someone that'll help you out, you doing their leg-work for them. If they are a licensed appraiser your insurance company should accept their appraisal. I'd check first with the insurance company though.

first off ... Build yourself a list (hard copy pictures and web site links) of "like" Cobras targeting the $$ you want the appraisal to come in at on Epay, here and on other web sites frequented by "for sale" Cobras. Tell the appraiser what your perceived value is and provide him/her with all your back-up information to substantiate your estimate.

If you offer the appraiser a fair price, make it easy and provide back-up documentation to substantiate their appraisal they might just give you and your insurance company what's wanted.

Dave