I don't know if this is the correct forum to post this in but here it goes. I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and my insurance company is insisting that I get my car appraised before they will insure it. My question is does any one have any names in the Milwaukee area of some appraisers, and about how much does it cost to have it done? Any info would be helpful.

I would try www.valenticlassics.com they sell muscle in WI. and would most likely point you in the right direction.

Dont insure your car with anyone till you do your research, probably in Bench section is best,,, use the Search button and type in Insurance... dont buy any classic car insurance that isnt 'agreed value' insurance. Its all there for reading as its discussed many many time. No need for paying for an appraisal either, if you can live with classic car insurance and its limitations of security and travel and parking requirements, which are not all that bad. Good luck
:)

I would try www.valenticlassics.com they sell muscle in WI. and would most likely point you in the right direction.


Valenti Classics - They appraised my 77 Camaro.
They are just off of I94, near the Seven Mile Road exit in Racine County.

Any car appraisals in California? I insured mine, but they want an appraisal...

Thank you all for the info. I'll contact valenti classics. It's only about 6-8 miles from my house.

Who are you guys using for INS? I have never had to provide an apprasial, a couple pictures and once an inspection by the ins agent is about it...

I see a typical appraisal as a waste of money because there just are not a lot of appraisers that are model specific experts. all they can do is provide a status on condition and point out obvious modifications like wheels and tires, aftermarket dash etc.

I was told by my agent that they need a appraisal so you don't insure your car as a ZL1 for $850,000. Then your car gets jacked and your ahead $850,000.

LOL - that's funny stuff Chuck. Is that what you tried to get your car insured for? ;) Obviously if you submit a car for insurance and set a value that's out of the ball park they might need an appraisal. When I set the value of $40k on my '69 they didn't blink...

Just for fun I would like to see someone take 2 cars to an appraiser. Not someone like McNeish but to a place that gives classic car appraisals every day. One car is a real '69 copo with dog dish hubcaps and looking just like it rolled off the assembly line. The other car is a very over restored stock BB RSSS very nice clear coat base coat with deluxe interior and houndstooth inserts, rally wheels etc. Then watch and see which car gets the higher appraisal value.

JMO but most of the regulars here have more Camaro knowledge than most appraisers... There are just too many cars out there for there to be very many really knowledgeable appraisers that can identify and give a sound appraisal of every car brought to them.

chuck Im not sure you are reading all the info. thats given to you in here. DONT Buy from anyone until you learn about Agreed Value coverage. Dont buy from the first agent you talk too either. Call Grundy, Hagerty and others that specialize in Collector car policies. You WONT find Agreed Value with your typical State Farm, or Progressive or All State. thats just not their cup of tea.
Go to our Bench section and search for Insurance threads, and read them all. You will be shocked at some of the stories you see. This post of yours is in the 'Site' section for issues with the operation of the Team Camaro website. your question belongs in the BENCH section where you will get all you need to know for you to make a good decision. :)

I really don't see how getting an appraisal would be a bad thing. Yes, you may have to do your homework to find a decent appraiser, and even then, they probably aren't going to be a camaro expert. But, in general, I would think that their estimate would go further to prove worth of the vehichle more than anything else, should the vehicle get stolen or totalled.

I also think that the value of the car can effect how you prove what it's worth. Just some thoughts here... but I almost think that it would be easier to prove that 100k car is worth 100k, than it would be for me to prove that my 15k car is worth 15k

Jon

My objection is it's out of pocket money for the appraisal... $100-$300 to have someone tell you what they feel your car is worth... The can't certify it's a Z/28 or big block SS for you but they can look in the same book the ins co has at it's disposal and come up with a value for you. When an Insurance company requires an appraisal they should provide it. Hagerty and Mercury don't need written appraisals and both of them will tell you what they feel your car is worth if you ask them with just a couple pictures. If you don't like their judgment they will ask you to prove the cars value. Then you can provide reciepts or an apprasial if you so desire...

Jon you are right on about the high dollar cars being easier to prove their value. As for the lower dollar cars, I have upped my value 3 times with Hagerty since I first signed up. Guess what, each time they asked how much and were very happy to oblidge my request. Until I cross a threshold they don't care, they up my premium each time I say the value of my car has gone up.