Appraisal guide
Classic car appraisal
Collector, classic and exotic cars don’t fit the price guides. A written appraisal from someone who knows the marque protects you when you insure, sell or settle.
Agreed value vs. stated value
Agreed value coverage sets the car’s value up front, and the insurer pays that amount on a covered total loss. Stated value coverage sounds similar but usually pays the lower of the stated amount or the car’s actual cash value. Either way, a current written appraisal is how you support the number.
When collectors need an appraisal
- Setting or updating agreed-value insurance
- Buying or selling, including pre-purchase inspections on cars you can’t see in person
- Damage, total-loss and diminished value claims
- Estates, donations, divorce and loan collateral
What a good classic car appraisal covers
- Identification: VIN, engine and chassis numbers, and whether they match
- Originality, restoration quality and condition, with photographs
- Documentation and provenance
- Recent comparable sales and auction results, and a reasoned value
Choosing a classic car appraiser
Experience with your kind of car matters more than anything else: a pre-war Full Classic, a 1960s muscle car and a modern supercar call for different expertise. Search CYRA Auto by state and choose Classic & collector, Pre-war & Full Classic or Exotic & supercar, and ask about recent cars like yours.
Find a classic car appraiser
Send one free request and we’ll route it to independent appraisers in your state.
Common questions
How often should I update a classic car appraisal?
Many collectors update every two to three years, or sooner after a restoration or a big move in the market.
Will my insurer accept any appraiser?
Most collector-car insurers accept a report from a qualified independent appraiser. Check your insurer’s requirements before you hire.
Can I get a classic car appraised remotely?
Some appraisers work from photos and documents for certain purposes. For high-value cars and disputes, an in-person inspection is usually worth it.
Find an auto appraiser in your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules vary by state and by policy.