Your Insurance Company Has Appraisers. Now You Can Too.

Why Some Vehicle Owners Question Their Total Loss Settlement

Insurance company valuations are not always incorrect — but they are not always complete. When a total loss occurs, the insurer’s estimate of your vehicle’s Actual Cash Value (ACV) is based on their own methodology, data sources, and adjustments. In some cases, those calculations may not fully reflect your specific vehicle’s condition, equipment, or real-world market position.

Common Issues That May Affect a Valuation

Comparable Vehicle Discrepancies

Comparable vehicles used in the valuation may not be in your market area, may include adjusted listings, or may not match the condition or configuration of your vehicle.

Missing or Understated Options

Factory-installed options, packages, or upgrades that add market value are sometimes overlooked or underweighted in the insurer’s valuation.

Mileage Adjustments

Mileage-based adjustments applied by insurers vary and may not align with actual market behavior for your specific vehicle type.

Condition Adjustments

Subjective condition ratings applied without a physical inspection can result in downward adjustments that do not reflect the vehicle’s actual pre-loss condition.

Specialty and Modified Vehicles

Classic, collector, performance, and modified vehicles often require market expertise that goes beyond standard automated pricing tools. These platforms frequently do not account for the true market position of specialty vehicles.

Independent Analysis. Documented Findings. No Insurer Affiliations.

Iconic Motorcar Appraisal works exclusively on behalf of vehicle owners and other independent parties — never on behalf of insurance carriers.

Independent Analysis

Every appraisal is conducted independently, without financial interest in the outcome and without affiliation to any insurance company, dealer, or repair facility. Findings are based on documented market data, not automated tools.

Thorough Documentation

Appraisal reports are supported by comparable sales data, vehicle-specific condition analysis, and market-based adjustments. Reports are structured to withstand insurer review and, when applicable, formal appraisal proceedings.

Professional Communication

Throughout the process, clients receive clear communication on scope, findings, and next steps. The appraisal clause process can be unfamiliar — we make sure you understand where you stand at every stage.

Nationwide Service

Iconic Motorcar Appraisal accepts total loss appraisal assignments across the United States. Most assignments do not require an in-person inspection of the total loss vehicle.

Meet Henry Diaz

Henry Diaz is an independent automotive appraiser with over 35 years of hands-on experience across the automotive industry — spanning daily drivers, specialty, collector, performance, and exotic vehicles.

Henry has served as an appraiser, inspector, and expert witness in matters involving insurance disputes, litigation, arbitration, estate valuation, and private transactions. He is a member of the NADA Advisory Board and holds I-CAR Platinum recognition.

His appraisal work is approached from one position: independent analysis, supported by facts and documented market data — not advocacy for either side.

• 35+ Years Automotive Industry Experience
• Independent Appraiser
• Inspector
• Expert Witness
• NADA Advisory Board Member
• #1 Ranked Vehicle Inspector (800+ Inspectors, U.S. & Canada)
• I-CAR Platinum Recognition

How the Process Works

1. Initial Review

Submit your vehicle details and a brief description of your situation. We will review the information and let you know whether this appears to be an assignment we can assist with. We will also determine whether your policy contains an applicable appraisal clause and whether the appraisal process appears appropriate for your specific situation. Initial reviews are informational and do not constitute a commitment.

2. Independent Appraisal

If we move forward, we conduct an independent appraisal of your vehicle’s Actual Cash Value. This is based on documented comparable sales, vehicle-specific condition factors, and market-based analysis for your vehicle type — not automated pricing tools alone.

3. Appraisal Clause Process

If you elect to invoke the appraisal clause in your policy, your appraiser and the insurer’s appraiser will work toward resolution — either through direct agreement or through the selection of a neutral umpire. We serve as your independent appraiser throughout this process.

4. Resolution

The appraisal clause process concludes with a binding determination of your vehicle’s ACV. The process is designed to provide a structured, independent resolution mechanism outside of litigation.

Note: Not every total loss claim qualifies for or benefits from the appraisal clause process. An initial review will help determine whether it is appropriate for your situation.

Credentials & Professional Standing

• IAAA Member — International Automotive Appraisers Association
• USAAP Compliant — United States Auto Appraisal Principles
• NADA Advisory Board Member — National Automobile Dealers Association
• I-CAR Platinum Recognition — Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair
• #1 Ranked Vehicle Inspector — 800+ Inspectors, U.S. & Canada
• Expert Witness Experience — Automotive valuation testimony in legal and arbitration proceedings
• Nationwide Service Provider — Total loss appraisal assignments accepted across the United States

What Clients Have Said

— Verified Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you represent insurance companies?

No. Iconic Motorcar Appraisal works independently and does not represent, contract with, or accept assignments from insurance carriers. All work is performed on behalf of vehicle owners, attorneys, and other independent parties.

Does my policy need to have an appraisal clause?

Most standard auto insurance policies include an appraisal clause — sometimes referred to as a Right of Appraisal provision — though the specific language and process varies by insurer and state. An initial review of your situation will help clarify whether the appraisal clause applies to your policy and circumstances.

What types of vehicles do you appraise for total loss disputes?

We handle a wide range of vehicles, including standard passenger vehicles, trucks, SUVs, classic and collector vehicles, specialty and performance vehicles, and modified vehicles. Each case begins with an initial review to confirm that sufficient market data exists to support a defensible appraisal.

Do you work with clients outside of California?

Yes. Total loss appraisal services are available nationwide. Most assignments do not require travel to the vehicle’s location.

Do you inspect every total loss vehicle in person?

Not always. Many total loss appraisals are conducted using available documentation, photographs, and market data — particularly when the vehicle has already been declared a total loss. If an in-person inspection is warranted, that will be discussed during the initial review.

Insurance Companies Commonly Encountered

Iconic Motorcar Appraisal has worked on total loss appraisal assignments involving policyholders from a wide range of insurers. The following are among the carriers most commonly encountered in Right of Appraisal matters. This list is informational only. No claims are made regarding the practices of any insurer.

State Farm  ·  GEICO  ·  Progressive  ·  Mercury  ·  AAA  ·  USAA  ·  Allstate  ·  Farmers  ·  Liberty Mutual