Auto Appraisal Tips, Vehicle Insights & News

After trying to maintain some of today cars, it seems as though there will be nowhere to buy the components needed to restore and maintain cars of today in the future.

For example, the CHROME/ANPAC website lists six categories (for which CHROME is an acronym). They are Classic (including antiques and modern classics), Hot Rod (for modified pre-'49 cars), Replica or Kit Car, Original (un-restored cars), Modified or Custom (for modified post-'49 cars), and Exotic (including rare, one-off, limited production vehicles valued in excess of $100,000).

A house or apartment is the most expensive thing most people will ever buy and most would never dream of making such a big purchase without the help of an experienced professional.

The one common question often asked, especially here in the Puget Sound area of Washington state is, “Why would I need a car appraisal?”

This question has been posed to me often through-out my career. The quick answer is “No” but let me explain why.

Let me offer you the most important reasons for getting a classic or collectable car appraisal.

Why do we get so excited about our old cars and the artful hobby of customization of our beloved automobile?

Diminished Value is fairly new and the supporting case law is in its infancy and laws vary from state to state, but the consensus in nearly all states is that you cannot file a claim with your own insurance company for Diminished value if you were at fault in the accident.

If you hot rod is driven more frequently than the majority of street rods. We know hot rodders for whom their hot rod is their primary vehicle.

Car salesman are counting on the fact that your going to be excited and in most cases are going to start spewing all kinds of information that they can use to convince you to buy their car today.

You're on your way home from work and BAM! Suddenly there's another car parked where your truck was.

Well that all depends on if you need to determine the Replacement Value or the Fair Market Value. People are always surprised there is a difference.

Most gear heads call it Blood, Sweat and Tears, but good luck getting a return on those. What we really invest is Time, Energy and Money!