How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in Texas?
Texas allows you two (2) years from the date of loss to bring a property-damage claim under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003. The two-year clock is short — start the appraisal process as soon as your repairs are finished.
Can I recover diminished value in Texas?
Yes. Texas recognizes inherent diminished value as a real, recoverable element of property damage. You can pursue it through the at-fault driver's liability carrier or, when you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, sometimes against your own UM/UIM policy.
Do you do auto loan appraisals for banks and credit unions in Austin?
Yes. We routinely write lender-acceptable Bank Auto Loan Appraisals for Austin-area credit unions, community banks, and refinance lenders. Reports cite J.D. Power / NADA, recent comparable sales, and a documented condition inspection — the format lenders ask for.
How much does an Austin auto appraisal cost?
Most diminished value and total-loss appraisals are a flat fee, quoted up front, with no surprises. Loan, estate, and classic-car appraisals are also flat-fee. Call (877) 868-9123 for a same-day quote on your specific vehicle and use case.
How fast can you turn an appraisal around in the Austin area?
Most reports are delivered within 48 to 72 hours of receiving photos and documentation. Rush turnaround is available when an insurer or lender deadline is on the line.
Do you handle classic and collector cars in Austin?
Yes. We appraise pre-war classics, muscle cars, exotics, restorations, and modified builds across the Austin metro, including Hagerty-weighted stated-value and pre-purchase reports for buyers and sellers.
What's the Texas appraisal-clause process for total loss?
Most Texas auto policies include an appraisal clause: when you and the insurer disagree on the actual cash value of a totaled vehicle, each side hires its own competent appraiser, and an umpire breaks any tie. We handle the entire process — appraisal, negotiation, and umpire submission if needed.
Is Austin Auto Appraisers ASCAA certified?
Yes. This firm is owned and operated by Danny Hudson, ASCAA-certified appraiser #1095363 and founder of the American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers. Every Austin report is issued under ASCAA standards and includes a verifiable certificate.
Do you serve Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and the rest of the Austin metro?
Yes. We cover all of Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, and Blanco counties — including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Georgetown, Kyle, Buda, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Manor, Hutto, and Dripping Springs.
Can my insurance company force me to use their preferred appraiser?
No. Under the Texas appraisal clause and §542 of the Texas Insurance Code, you have the right to retain an independent, competent appraiser of your choosing. The carrier cannot dictate that choice, and the appraiser does not have to be on their list.
Are there fake or copycat 'Austin auto appraisal' websites?
Several look-alike sites use hyphens and similar domain names but are not ASCAA-certified and have not been updated in years. Verify any appraiser by ASCAA certificate number on certifiedautoappraisers.com before paying. Our verification page is at /verify.html.
What information do you need to start an Austin appraisal?
For a diminished value or total-loss report: VIN, mileage, photos of the vehicle, the repair estimate or insurer valuation, and a brief description of the loss. We will email you a short intake form after the first call.