I called Appraisal Group of America and they e-mailed me a rough draft of my appraisal and they itemized all my upgrades and settled the claim for $8,000 two weeks later. They did everything for me.
— David Shoe
Houston, Texas
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Articles

What your auto-body shop fails to tell you

When you're in a wreck make sure you go to an Appropriate/ Certified Repair Shop — and don't go to a Direct Repair Facility for the Insurance Company.

Odometer Tampering or "Clocking"

It continues to be a big problem. Both electronic and mechanical odometers are often "clocked," "spun," or set back. The new car market is slowing and millions of vehicles are coming off lease. Add up the additional ten cents per mile sellers realize by clocking odometers, and there is significant incentive for dishonest people to commit fraud.

Frame-Related Diminished Value

Modern trucks, vans, and SUVs have specific repair requirements that make them susceptible to frame-related Diminished Value.

Body Shops Pressured to Hide Frame Damage on Repair Orders

Client's Experience Reveals Insurance Company Tactic to Avoid Paying Diminished Value

Our clients have shared some fascinating stories of their experiences with collision repair shops and the insurance industry. One client's car was hit while stopped at a traffic light. The other driver was at fault and they accepted responsibility.

Certified Used Vehicle Programs Reject Cars with Accident Damage

Our network of contacts in the automotive business sometimes gives us access to interesting information. For example, the Toyota dealers' requirements for the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Program show how carefully these cars are inspected for accident damage. The evidence of a collision repair can be hard to conceal from a trained inspector. This is yet another reason that cars suffer from the stigma of Diminished Value.

Flood Cars — NICB Access to Hurricane Claims

How do you know if your vehicle was one of the unfortunate victims of a flood or hurricane?

It is possible that these flood-damaged vehicles will be cleaned up and sold before their titles reflect such damage. By the time you find out, months may pass and you will have to discover and pursue legal recourses that may be available. It would be better to discover this information prior to purchasing the vehicle. There is a solution from an unlikely source.

Understanding Diminished Value

Thanks for the great job on my Diminished Value claim.. Due to your help and your appraisal State Farm paid me $6,725 for Diminished Value on my 01 Jaguar.
Thanks, Ann Ross, A happy client in Arizona