How to Hire an Auto Appraiser

Your car is one of your more important assets, especially if it's a classic or a high-performance sports car. Knowing it's true value is very important, but simply looking it up in the Kelley Blue Book isn't necessarily an option. If you've had your car customized or if it's particularly rare then you'll want to hire an auto appraiser to determine its true value.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Use the Yellow Pages to find auto appraisers in your area.

2. Hire an auto appraiser online. Most major appraisers have websites that you can use to provide your contact and payment information. They will then contact you and schedule an appointment to see your car first hand.

3. Get a simple appraisal online. Many appraisers have automated quote systems that you can use to get basic appraisals for used cars and trade-ins. Just provide the make, model and year, and you can usually get a rapid appraisal.

4. Get competing quotes from several different appraisers before you choose one. Some appraisers cost more than others, particularly those with expertise in certain types of cars (muscle cars or sports cars, for example). Do some research instead of just settling for someone.

5. Interview potential appraisers before you give one the job. Ask each of them about their experience levels and about how long they've been appraising cars, as well as any other questions you'd like answered before you hire anyone.

6. Visit the USA Auto Appraisers website to find links to a wide variety of appraisers across the country (see Resources below). From there you can find an auto appraiser in your area who can help.

Tips & Warnings

• Get recommendations from other car owners when you need to hire an auto appraiser. Their advice can prove invaluable when trying to pick one appraiser over another. Ask about how much they paid and how well they handled their appraisals. Sometimes you can even receive discounts on your appraisal if you let the appraiser know they came recommended by previous customers.
• Be aware that if you plan on getting insurance for your car and it's a custom car or one that is more valuable, you may be required to hire an appraiser in order to determine its exact value. Most insurance companies have appraisers on staff, but it's good to hire one on your own so you have a quote to compare with.

Resources

• Find links to auto appraisers at USAAutoAppraisers.com