Anyone who owns a collector vehicle of any sort should have an appraisal. It’s important to keep your appraisal up to date so that you may protect your investment as the price of your vehicle appreciates. An appraisal is a necessary tool that may be used or needed for any number of reasons.

Insurance
     Many insurance companies will require an appraisal before they will offer an insurance policy on a specific vehicle. Other insurance companies may require an appraisal if the value of a vehicle exceeds a certain threshold, particularly if your insurance policy is of the “agreed value” type.

Accidents
     In the event that you are unfortunate enough to suffer a partial or total loss, a current appraisal will document the value of the vehicle prior to the loss. It can also help to establish if a vehicles value has been diminished as the result of a loss, as is often the case, even after being repaired.

Financing
     An appraisal is often needed to obtain financing for a collector vehicle. It will help to establish the value of a vehicle for loan purposes.

Purchases
     The value of collector vehicles is continually changing. This change can be affected by many things including the market in general, specific make and model, options, colors etc. Values can even be affected by geographical location as well as season. An appraisal will help you to determine the accurate value of the vehicle, and will be a useful tool when negotiating a purchase price.

Sales
     In order to realize the highest selling price for your collector vehicle, you must first know its true value in a given market. Knowing this value, and pricing the vehicle realistically will enable you to sell your vehicle for the highest price, in the shortest period of time possible. An accurate appraisal will also be a useful tool when negotiating a selling price.

Courts / Litigation (Including Matrimonial, Probate & IRS)
     An appraisal will often be necessary to determine the value of a collector vehicle as it applies to legal issues. This may be the result of a disagreement between parties as to the value of a vehicle following an accident, theft or other legal matter. Courts may also order an appraisal of one or more vehicles in cases where it becomes necessary to establish the value of a collector vehicle as part of an estate. This is often the case in matters associated with matrimony, probate and many agencies including the Internal Revenue Service.

Donations
     An appraisal will establish the value of a collector vehicle to be used for tax purposes in the case of a charitable contribution. In many instances, an appraisal is required.

All appraisals that are prepared by Steve Linden are done to USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) standards. They are recognized by all major insurance companies. Member NADA Classic, Collectible & Special Interest Car Advisory Board

PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS

     The most important step in the successful purchase of a collector vehicle is the completion of a pre-purchase inspection. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a novice contemplating the purchase of your first collector car, or an out-of-state buyer considering a long distance purchase, a pre-purchase inspection should be considered mandatory.
     A pre-purchase inspection will ensure that the vehicle is in the physical condition that you believe it to be in, or that the seller is representing it to be in.
My comprehensive pre-purchase inspections cover everything from top to bottom, front to back. You will receive a written report identifying and detailing any defects that may exist on the vehicle.
     Mechanically the vehicle is inspected to identify any defects that may be present. The drivetrain is checked for leaks and visible signs of wear. The proper operation of every single switch and control is verified. All power options are tested and gauges are checked. The frame, undercarriage and exhaust are checked for rust, rot and any other defects. The condition of consumables such as tires and shock absorbers are noted. The suspension and brakes are checked to the extent possible without disassembly.
     Cosmetically each body panel, as well as chrome and stainless steel trim is inspected for fit & finish, collision damage, rust damage, dents and dings. All of the glass, lenses and emblems are inspected for cracks, chips, scratches and other potential defects. The interior is inspected for any defects such as tears in the upholstery or headliner, cracks in the dashpad or door panels, wear to the carpet, and condition of the convertible top, if applicable. This is only a partial list. Nothing is overlooked. When possible the vehicle is test-driven and the proper function of components such as the engine, transmission, brakes and suspension are verified. All of this information is compiled in a written report. Additional services, such as verification of originality, and decoding is available.