Whether you need an appraisal to establish coverage for a special vehicle, or you need an independent appraiser to represent your interests when disputing an insurance claim, Austin Auto Appraisers provides the certified, professional service you need. As the only ASCAA Certified Auto Appraiser in Central Texas, our reports and representation are accepted by all major insurance carriers.
Standard auto insurance covers your vehicle at its "actual cash value" — a depreciated figure that may be far less than what you paid, what you currently owe, or what the vehicle is worth to you. For vehicles with significant value above standard book values — classic cars, modified vehicles, specialty vehicles, or newer vehicles where you carry a loan — you may need a stated value or agreed value policy.
Agreed value policies are the gold standard for valuable vehicles. The insurer and you agree on the vehicle's value upfront, and that is exactly what you are paid in the event of a total loss — no depreciation, no dispute. Most specialty insurers including Hagerty, Grundy, American Collectors Insurance, and Heacock Classic require an appraisal to establish this agreed value.
Stated value policies set a coverage limit based on the stated value, but the insurer typically pays the lesser of the stated value or actual cash value at the time of loss. An independent appraisal helps ensure the stated value accurately reflects your vehicle's worth.
Austin Auto Appraisers provides appraisals for both policy types, with documentation that meets the requirements of all major specialty and standard insurers in Texas.
Your auto insurance policy almost certainly contains an appraisal clause — a dispute resolution provision that allows either party to demand an independent appraisal process when they cannot agree on the value of a covered loss. The appraisal clause is a powerful tool that policyholders underuse.
Under the typical appraisal clause process in Texas:
This process has a strong record of producing settlement increases for policyholders. Insurance company appraisers frequently start from the same flawed valuation their claims department produced; our independent research often reveals a materially higher value that the umpire or the insurer's appraiser will agree to.
If you are adding a special vehicle to your policy — a recently purchased classic car, a custom-built vehicle, an RV, a high-end daily driver — we can provide the documented appraisal your insurer requires to write a stated value or agreed value policy. Our appraisals are accepted by all major Texas insurers and specialty carriers nationwide.
Austin Auto Appraisers serves all of Austin, Travis County, Williamson County, and the greater Central Texas region. Call (877) 868-9123 to discuss your situation and get a free evaluation, or use our online order form. We typically deliver reports within three to four business days. Armed Forces members receive a discount on all services.
Properly insure your vehicle or dispute a low settlement with a certified, independent appraisal.