Auto Appraisers in Georgia

Many people will require the use of a professional auto appraiser in Georgia or other states, and it is good to know how to evaluate a good one versus a bad one. Whether you are placing your vehicle up for sale, trading it into a dealership, or getting an appraisal after a car wreck are just a few of the possibilities where you will need the service of an appraiser.

First, it is highly recommended to hire a local appraiser, someone who you can meet face to face or ask to appear as an expert witness in a trial. Many people find appraisers online; this is fine as long as they are bona fide and legit. Many online appraisers are either scam artists or simply incompetent.

A good auto appraiser will always have a professional license in addition to an authorized pricing schedule. Don’t deal with appraisers that do not have these basics, because you can clearly narrow down the field in your favor with this approach. Also, make sure to check out their Better Business Bureau rating, and whether or not they have many complaints. Don’t just check their score, as that is just one avenue.

You’ll want to verify any testimonials they might have on their website or published brochure if possible, and you can definitely ask them if they have a phone number or two that you can call to personally verify. The ability to appear in court as an expert witness will add more to their stature, as will free estimates. Any auto appraiser worth their salt will have real world automotive experience such as a car dealer, repair shop, or mechanic. One other important check is to ask if they have ever been hired by an insurance company, because that will definitely add fuel to the fire that they may be a good auto appraiser for you to hire. Insurance companies will only hire the best, because there is a lot riding on the outcome in their favor.

If you’ve had an auto accident, then the insurance company will probably hire an auto appraiser to come and make a decision on your vehicle, but it also may be slightly biased in their direction. It’s a good idea to hire your own appraiser if necessary to make sure that you’re getting a good deal.

Diminished Value also comes into play here, as any accident can affect the resale value of a vehicle even after it has been repaired by the insurance company. They will usually pay you for the cost of repairs to the car, but may not cover the actual difference in resale value that it will be worth should you decide to sell it in the future. A professional auto appraiser can evaluate this difference and the true worth of the vehicle to ensure that you’ll receive what you are due from the insurance company.