When you need a certified vehicle appraisal

A certified vehicle appraisal is a written opinion of a vehicle's market value, prepared in accordance with USPAP and signed by a certified independent appraiser. It states the purpose of the appraisal, the date the value applies to, the method used and the evidence behind the conclusion.

People order one for litigation, for dividing property in a divorce, for settling an estate, for documenting a charitable donation, for a bankruptcy schedule, to support a private purchase or sale, or to document value for insurance purposes.

For a charitable donation, ask your tax adviser what the tax rules require before you order.

Some matters need the value on an earlier date, such as the date of death in an estate or the date of separation in a divorce. That is a retrospective appraisal: the appraiser uses market evidence from that date.

The VIN, the mileage, the title status and a set of photos: the exterior from all sides, the interior, the odometer, the VIN plate and any known damage. The appraiser performs a remote review of the media you submit.

A signed PDF with the vehicle's description, the comparable vehicles researched, the method and the value conclusion.

An appraisal is an opinion of value, not legal or tax advice. The court, agency or other party decides whether to accept it and how much weight to give it. Expert testimony, depositions and court appearances are separate from the flat fee.