FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

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• I typically schedule an appraisal within a day or two of when you contact me. 
• I perform a very detailed visual inspection including exterior, interior, chassis, and engine compartment, with particular attention to any specific concerns you may have about the vehicle.  A standard appraisal inspection takes about one hour at a location of your choice.
• I take extensive digital photographs.  These are included in your report, as needed, to show specific details. 
• If you would like a road test, I will drive the vehicle to evaluate drive-train performance, steering, suspension, braking, body integrity.
• I return to my office for research and analysis to determine the vehicle’s market value.  I subscribe to the latest price guides, services that summarize recent collector vehicle auction sales, and I can use other comparable sales to arrive at an accurate market value. 
• I then prepare the appraisal report.  The report is typically eight to twelve pages in length, with color photographs, and attachments.  I will send you a PDF copy by e-mail, or print and mail the report.  I am available to review the results, as necessary.

Once the car has been repaired –

• I need a copy of the final repair estimate, showing the work done on the vehicle.
• If you have photos of your vehicle showing the accident damage (even mobile phone photos), they are helpful, but not required.  It’s nice to put them in the DV report. 
• I typically inspect the vehicle to look for, and document, signs of repairs.  Visible repairs affect the DV amount.  The inspection takes about 45 minutes to an hour.  We can find a convenient location to meet.  I’m located north of Baltimore and Towson, and east of Hunt Valley.   
• I can sometimes do DV appraisals without seeing the vehicle, if necessary.
• I return to my office and complete a DV report.  It typically is seven to ten pages.  It documents the vehicle make, model, and identifying information, its features and options, the nature of the accident, all of the parts and components replaced or repaired, visible signs of the repaired damage, a discussion of DV and how it affects the vehicle’s post-accident value, then the value of the vehicle before and after the accident, and the DV amount.  I also include my credentials.
• I have done hundreds of DV appraisals, for both individuals and insurance companies.  I’m known and respected for doing a fair appraisal. 
• You then send the DV report to the insurance company agent which handled the repair work.  I can provide a draft cover letter, if you would like. 
• You also send them a copy of my paid invoice.  Sometimes the insurance company will reimburse you for my fees, since it’s a cost you incurred due to their client’s accident. 
• I can send the report to you as a PDF by e-mail, or I can print and mail a copy. 
• I can typically have the report completed for you within a day or so.

I cover northern Baltimore County Maryland and nearby areas.   I can travel to other parts of Maryland, of the USA, or internationally, if we make arrangements for travel expenses.

• Standard Vehicle Appraisal (insurance, estate, bankruptcy, divorce, collateral): $195 for most vehicles, and $295 for exotic, custom, and special vehicles.
• Diminished Value appraisal: $275. 
• Mileage fees may apply.
• Expert Witness fees: available upon request.

• Payment is due at the time of the appraisal.  I accept a check (payable to Maryland Auto Appraisal LLC), cash, cashier's check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
• If you will not be present at the time of the appraisal, payment is due in advance.

My office / mobile phone number is 410-917-3271 (+1-410-917-3271 from outside the USA).  My email address is MDAutoAppraisal@gmail.com.