I am looking to have my car correctly appraised for insurance purposes.
I had a local guy come out to my place who told me that he also has a 67 convertable (was a 6 cyl.) and he told me "matching numbers and original parts don't really matter with camaros because new parts are all available".... idiot...
Anyway, I am looking for a correct appraisal and I would like to have it done buy someone educated on first gen camaros. My car is originally a US car but I now live in Alberta Canda. I would be fine with sending pictures of all #s etc. if the appraiser is from outside of my area. Any advice or contact information?

Vince, Jerry MacNeish is THE guy to call. HERE'S (http://www.z28camaro.com/consvcs.html) his contact info.

Ed

Vince...check with Daryl in the Calgary Camaro Club, or Paul...they'll put you in touch with a local appraisor worth mention.

capt

Vince, Haggerty and other collector insurance companies dont require a certified or professional appraisal. What exactly are you being asked for and by whom?

Vince - here's my take on appraisals... You are not likely to find anyone that does appraisals for a living specializing on a single make and model of a car. That means you are not going to get an appraisal based on correct parts, survivor status etc. That's why the guy you spoke to said what he did. Most ins companys will accept a couple pictures and will provide you a value they will cover the car for. If they require an appraisal ask them who they want it from or just get one from a general appraiser like the guy you spoke with.

If you find someone that knows Camaros inside and out they will most likely do certification as opposed to appraisal. Ed brought up Jerry who may do more than Z/28s but it was my understanding that's all he certified. I also don't know if what he does provides a value, I do know for a fee and travel expenses he will tell you if you have a real Z/28 and list what's right and wrong about your car and provide a certification telling you what you have.

If you think your car is worth exceptional value you need to seek out certification and documentation to prove what your car is then present it to the ins company or appraiser.

I wouldn't pay for or accept an appraisal based on pictures and doubt anyone worth their salt would provide one without looking at your car in person.

Thanks everyone!

Vince, Haggerty and other collector insurance companies dont require a certified or professional appraisal. What exactly are you being asked for and by whom?

My insurance company wanted an appraisal. I assume this is for repair/replacement value. I had one finished "quickly" so that I could take out the car this summer. Now I am looking for a good appraisal/certification/list of modifictions for myself so that I know the current value and get some advice on any details that would need to be changed during the restoration process (example: my car did not get the blacked out rocker panels when it was repainted in the 80's).

Do yourself a favor and get an agreed value policy.

MacNeish documents and authenticates other models. I had him do my 69 L78 Chevelle.

Do yourself a favor and get an agreed value policy.

That sounds fair, thanks for the advice.
I still need to know the value...
I called around and left a few messages.
Thanks to everyone for the info.

Vince, save your money... not that Jerry and others dont do a good job but for your insurance you need FIRST to understand there are 2 different kinds of insurance, your everyday type and AGREED value coverage mentioned earlier. When you own a collector car you DONT want everyday type car insurance. Your companies that insure your home and life etc, dont have AGREED value insurance. If your car is stolen you will NOT get the value you thought you had coming.
You need to research 'insurance' coverage in here, I suggest you go to BENCH section and use SEARCH button, type in insurance and read the threads on it.
You wont need an appraisel to get AGREED coverage insurance either, so save your money, do some reading and get that car insured with a collector insurance company. :)
You've been warned now..:D take our advice seriously, your car will appreciate it.

Good Points.
FWIW - Call Tamara at MK Insurance co. They have great rates and agreed upon policies
http://www.mkinsuranceagency.com/
I have five cars with them, and have only heard good about them. Thankfully I have not had to collect. You can get some comps (ebay, etc) and they will accept that for agreed upon rates.

Certifications and appraisals are two different animals. A cert says what the certing authority says a car is or is not, and what is "not correct" about the car. An appraisal just tells you what the appraiser states that your car is worth in current market and condition.

Jerry certed a local 69 COPO, My 70 Z COPO, My 70 Monte SS454 as well a others. He is coming soon to cert my 70 SS L78, so yes he does cert more, and gives values as well on the cert.

As Jim said, that is quite pricey for just insurance reasons.

Rich

Hey Guys,

Just thought I'd chime in here as a licensed certified appraiser. Many insurance companies will tell clients that they do not need a certified appraisal, and that is true to a certain extent. Not too long ago, you could insure just about any Camaro up to $25K without an appraisal. Here's where the problem is. If you do not have an "agreed value" policy, just about all of the insurance companies will fight you and try to pay the lowest possible value on your car if something should ever happen to that vehicle. Having an agreed value policy means that the client and insurance company both agree to the estimated value on that car. If you own a nice 1969 Z28 Camaro that is worth in the $90-100K range or a COPO car in the $160-195K range, you will need a certified appraisal. No insurance company will write an agreed value policy when you get into this price range without a certified appraisal.

I deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and most of them have come to know my company, Camaro Hi-Performance very well. I have worked for them and against them for many years. Many insurance companies use my services on fraudulent high valued claims and such, and I've been in court more times than I care to talk about as an expert witness. If you own a Camaro that has value, ask your insurance company many questions about these issues and leave no stones unturned. Make sure that you're not afraid to drive your car, and that you have peace of mind when taking it out to a show or cruise night.

Many appraisal companies have what I term "generic appraisers." This means that they can write an appraised value on a car as long as it falls into the window of value that is normal and in most of the NADA books. If you own a high-end car, using a generic appraiser can get you in trouble. These appraisers will not know how to distinguish a fake trim tag, restamped engine, trans or how many reproduction parts are on a vehicle. In most cases, they will not know if a Camaro is painted the correct color, has the correct interior and or options.......or to deduct for a color or interior change. This is where I pride my company in what we do. The bulk of cars that I am licensed and certified to appraise are 1967-1969 Camaros. I can inspect anything from a six cylinder Camaro to a ZL1 and anything in between. The trim tag, vin number, body, drive train, parts and components are all inspected and evaluated in great detail. Then photos are used to compare all of the above to make sure the car is real and authentic.

When I do an appraisal certification, you receive a very detailed three or four page report depending on the car and it's condition. A punch list is also generated on missing or reproduction components. I will also offer the best plan of attack for that vehicle and its future. All of this data along with a cert number and photos go into my CHP data base. Doing this allows me to answer questions about a car if someone should be selling a car that I inspected. All I need is a cert number and I can look up that car and tell what I found during my inspection.

In others cases, I have certified many survivor or restored type Camaros and offered professional advise on the best direction for that vehicle. To date, I have not had one unhappy client. Being honest and straight forward with my customer base has built the successful business that I run. I am now traveling just about every week. Don't believe me, look at the travel log on my web site. (www.z28camaro.com)

Does what I do add value to a Camaro? My customers tell me yes. Some cars that I inspect are appraised and certified just so a client can sell a car with integrity behind it. These sales do go quicker. My credentials are listed at the bottom of every report that I write. My automotive resume and "Body Of Work" dates back to 1970. I have been a certified Master Judge with the Maryland Camaro Club, The United States Camaro Club, The International Camaro Club and The American Camaro Association dating back over 20 years. Camaro Hi-Performance is recognized by most insurance companies and Camaro clubs as the leader in this field. I pay annual fees to maintain state licensing and national credentials in this arena. All documented reports that I write will hold up in a court of law.

I realize that many seek advise on Camaros via the Internet and forums like this one. I too answer hundreds of questions on a weekly basis when I have the time. I want anyone who enters this hobby to have a pleasant experience. The reason that I am not on these forums more often is because of time. I do not have the extra time or I would. I am a member of CRG and try to answer questions on that forum when time permits. When I go into semi retirement, I will devote more time to this site too!

If anyone would like to see a sample copy of the reports that are generated by Camaro Hi-Performance, I will be glad to send one to anyone who is interested. Just e-mail me at z28camaroman@juno.com.

Thanks,

Jerry MacNeish
Camaro Hi-Performance, Inc.

Some interesting dialog going on here. What does a high end Appraisal/Certification go for (ballpark) anyway? I had kicked around the idea for my own '69 once I have it completed (soon). If I was to shell out my hard earned cash, I would prefer it be done by a reputable source, i.e. CHP - that in the end would really mean something. But I'm just a common working class guy trying to put my kids through college. Not a big time collector with a ton of cash. I know that a proper Appraisal/Certification can't be small change.

If you bring your car to our shop, a certified appraisal from CHP will cost you $300.00. It takes about two hours to inspect a car and another 1-2 hours to write the report and create the photo and data folder. Local generic appraisers will charge anywhere in the $200-300 range. If you own a Camaro driver that is worth in the $15-25K range, use that generic appraiser. Insurance companies are not going to squabble on a car that is valued in that price range. I just make it a point to tell clients if you own anything that is in the $40K plus range, a reputable appraiser with solid credentials in the Camaro field should be used.

On a one day road trip where I can drive to the vehicle, inspect it and be back home at a reasonable hour, I have a flat fee of $650.00. This includes going to towns in PA, VA, WV, NJ, and the surrounding areas of Maryland where I am based. I have not raised my rates in over nine years. And in the world of $95K Z28s ,$175K COPOs, and $2000 NOS weather stripping, I feel that we have kept our rates competitive and affordable to the general public. If I am traveling to other parts of the country by air, my fees are based on a $500 a day rate plus expenses. In many cases, I try to piggy back these trips so it is more affordable to my client base. I did a trip to New Orleans two years ago for Rich P. on this board. He was able to coordinate the trip with several people making the cost per car much less than a solo trip for one person.

Check out other high profile appraisers and see what they charge. I am told that Galan Goviar who does Chrysler products charges much more than I do. Most of the high end Corvette appraisers charge $600-700 a day plus expenses. I am not getting rich by providing these services. I am earning a living. Building this business took a lot of hard work and dedication to the hobby. I continue my work at the Camaro Nationals every year as a Certified Master Judge, up dating and publishing my Definitive Camaro facts books which are now in new revised 4th editions, and will help any 1st generation Camaro enthusiast when they call.

Jerry

Vince, Jerry MacNeish is THE guy to call. HERE'S (http://www.z28camaro.com/consvcs.html) his contact info.

Ed

I agree 100% with Ed. Jerry is the man. My Z/28 is cerified and authenticated by Jerry down to the documentation. He is nationally respected as the Camaro expert.

Rob

If you bring your car to our shop, a certified appraisal from CHP will cost you $300.00. It takes about two hours to inspect a car and another 1-2 hours to write the report and create the photo and data folder. Local generic appraisers will charge anywhere in the $200-300 range. If you own a Camaro driver that is worth in the $15-25K range, use that generic appraiser. Insurance companies are not going to squabble on a car that is valued in that price range. I just make it a point to tell clients if you own anything that is in the $40K plus range, a reputable appraiser with solid credentials in the Camaro field should be used.

On a one day road trip where I can drive to the vehicle, inspect it and be back home at a reasonable hour, I have a flat fee of $650.00. This includes going to towns in PA, VA, WV, NJ, and the surrounding areas of Maryland where I am based. I have not raised my rates in over nine years. And in the world of $95K Z28s ,$175K COPOs, and $2000 NOS weather stripping, I feel that we have kept our rates competitive and affordable to the general public. If I am traveling to other parts of the country by air, my fees are based on a $500 a day rate plus expenses. In many cases, I try to piggy back these trips so it is more affordable to my client base. I did a trip to New Orleans two years ago for Rich P. on this board. He was able to coordinate the trip with several people making the cost per car much less than a solo trip for one person.

Check out other high profile appraisers and see what they charge. I am told that Galan Goviar who does Chrysler products charges much more than I do. Most of the high end Corvette appraisers charge $600-700 a day plus expenses. I am not getting rich by providing these services. I am earning a living. Building this business took a lot of hard work and dedication to the hobby. I continue my work at the Camaro Nationals every year as a Certified Master Judge, up dating and publishing my Definitive Camaro facts books which are now in new revised 4th editions, and will help any 1st generation Camaro enthusiast when they call.

Jerry

Jerry - Everyone deserves to make a living ... no question about that. Your fees in light of your expertise and experience seem to be very fair and reasonable. I hope that we can get together in the not too distant future so can take a look at my car and I can drop off a few parts to be restored. If you have the time, here is a link to some of the back ground for the car that I would have you look at: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=25384

Thanks for your comments and commit to the hobby.

I second Rob's comments above re Jerry McNeish. Whether you or I can afford his rates to appraise/certify our cars or not, there is NO doubt that Jerry has had a greatly beneficial impact (for us all) in the Camaro hobby, by his study and work, his documentations and books, and generally in raising the level of 'early Camaro/Z28 knowledge', which results in increased value of our cars!

Gary

I heard @ one point thier was an "Agreed upon price" insurance that you could get Where by you state the value and they agree to insure you and pay that value if thier was a toal loss. I assume thier may be some pitfalls there but its worth looking into. I believe Bad Penny a camaro on PT.com that got rear ended had this insurace.

Its worth looking into.

Rico, thats what is being discussed from the beginning, he's been advised to get AGREED value type insurance. :)

Hey Guys,

Just thought I'd chime in here as a licensed certified appraiser. Many insurance companies will tell clients that they do not need a certified appraisal, and that is true to a certain extent. Not too long ago, you could insure just about any Camaro up to $25K without an appraisal. Here's where the problem is. If you do not have an "agreed value" policy, just about all of the insurance companies will fight you and try to pay the lowest possible value on your car if something should ever happen to that vehicle. Having an agreed value policy means that the client and insurance company both agree to the estimated value on that car. If you own a nice 1969 Z28 Camaro that is worth in the $90-100K range or a COPO car in the $160-195K range, you will need a certified appraisal. No insurance company will write an agreed value policy when you get into this price range without a certified appraisal.

I deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and most of them have come to know my company, Camaro Hi-Performance very well. I have worked for them and against them for many years. Many insurance companies use my services on fraudulent high valued claims and such, and I've been in court more times than I care to talk about as an expert witness. If you own a Camaro that has value, ask your insurance company many questions about these issues and leave no stones unturned. Make sure that you're not afraid to drive your car, and that you have peace of mind when taking it out to a show or cruise night.

Many appraisal companies have what I term "generic appraisers." This means that they can write an appraised value on a car as long as it falls into the window of value that is normal and in most of the NADA books. If you own a high-end car, using a generic appraiser can get you in trouble. These appraisers will not know how to distinguish a fake trim tag, restamped engine, trans or how many reproduction parts are on a vehicle. In most cases, they will not know if a Camaro is painted the correct color, has the correct interior and or options.......or to deduct for a color or interior change. This is where I pride my company in what we do. The bulk of cars that I am licensed and certified to appraise are 1967-1969 Camaros. I can inspect anything from a six cylinder Camaro to a ZL1 and anything in between. The trim tag, vin number, body, drive train, parts and components are all inspected and evaluated in great detail. Then photos are used to compare all of the above to make sure the car is real and authentic.

When I do an appraisal certification, you receive a very detailed three or four page report depending on the car and it's condition. A punch list is also generated on missing or reproduction components. I will also offer the best plan of attack for that vehicle and its future. All of this data along with a cert number and photos go into my CHP data base. Doing this allows me to answer questions about a car if someone should be selling a car that I inspected. All I need is a cert number and I can look up that car and tell what I found during my inspection.

In others cases, I have certified many survivor or restored type Camaros and offered professional advise on the best direction for that vehicle. To date, I have not had one unhappy client. Being honest and straight forward with my customer base has built the successful business that I run. I am now traveling just about every week. Don't believe me, look at the travel log on my web site. (www.z28camaro.com (http://www.z28camaro.com))

Does what I do add value to a Camaro? My customers tell me yes. Some cars that I inspect are appraised and certified just so a client can sell a car with integrity behind it. These sales do go quicker. My credentials are listed at the bottom of every report that I write. My automotive resume and "Body Of Work" dates back to 1970. I have been a certified Master Judge with the Maryland Camaro Club, The United States Camaro Club, The International Camaro Club and The American Camaro Association dating back over 20 years. Camaro Hi-Performance is recognized by most insurance companies and Camaro clubs as the leader in this field. I pay annual fees to maintain state licensing and national credentials in this arena. All documented reports that I write will hold up in a court of law.

I realize that many seek advise on Camaros via the Internet and forums like this one. I too answer hundreds of questions on a weekly basis when I have the time. I want anyone who enters this hobby to have a pleasant experience. The reason that I am not on these forums more often is because of time. I do not have the extra time or I would. I am a member of CRG and try to answer questions on that forum when time permits. When I go into semi retirement, I will devote more time to this site too!

If anyone would like to see a sample copy of the reports that are generated by Camaro Hi-Performance, I will be glad to send one to anyone who is interested. Just e-mail me at z28camaroman@juno.com.

Thanks,

Jerry MacNeish
Camaro Hi-Performance, Inc.

Jerry is absolutely on the money. I have a 1969 RS Z/28 that he authenticated and certified. It is insured with Hagerty for an agreed six figure value with no questions asked. I sent them the photos and Jerry's certivicate and appraisal.

Rob

Just curious...how much does Hagerty charge to insure a six figure car?

Thank Jerry (on the phone and on this forum) and thanks for the advice everyone... I hope to have Jerry out to look at my car and a few others if I can coordinate it. Anyone in the Calgary Alberta Canada area or in Northern Montana please send me a PM if you are intersted. Cheers!

Let Me Say Something About Jerry..... Awesome.... He Is Very Easy Going And One Of The Nicest And Knowleged Camaro Exsperts Ive Meet... He Just Did A Copo And A Pace Car For Me And I Asure You You Wont Be Dis. In Anyways... Hes The Best And Knows His Stuff ..good Luck With Yours..