Home 2018

Appraiser Blog

Lexus LS Generations 2002 to 2019

The Lexus LS (Luxury Sedan) was introduced to the US in the mid-1990’s as a competitor to the BMW 7 series and the Mercedes S class. Below are the different model year changes from 2002 to 2019 including base price. Lexus LS Generations 2002 to 2019 – Specs, Prices and

Read More

Anti-Steering Laws in the US by State

What is “Steering” when it comes to Auto Insurance Claims? Steering is when an Insurance carrier requires a claimant to use a specific shop or an in-network collision repair shop also referred to as DRP (Direct Repair Program). Why do Insurers Recommend DRP Shops? This is widely considered as a

Read More

Settlement Funding Rates, Pros and Cons

What is Settlement Funding? Settlement Funding, otherwise known as Pre-Settlement Funding, Littigation Funding,  Lawsuit Loans, Lawsuit Cash Advance, Litigation Advance Loan, or Lawsuit Advance Loan is a type of unsecured loan offered to plaintiffs at an interest rate that is usually way above market. This loan is a type of non-recourse

Read More

2018 GTLA Holiday Workshop

 Georgia Trial Association (GTLA) Annual Holiday Workshop Info: Event: GTLA Holiday Workshop Date: 12/07/2018 Location: St Regis Hotel, Atlanta, GA Expected CLE Credit: 6 Total Hours, including 2 trial & 1 ethics 2018 GTLA workshop agenda: 8:30 AM  Breakfast & Networking with Sponsors 9:00 AM  Welcome & Introductions    GTLA

Read More

2018 BMW X2 – Review

Review of the 2018 BMW X2 Crossover While walking in downtown Montreal earlier this week, from a distance, I noticed a beautiful blue Hatchback/SUV/Wagon/Crossover.   Being a car appraiser i’m always looking at cars but I have yet to appraise or inspect the BMW X2.  One thing is for sure, this

Read More

US Sales Per Franchised Dealer – Oct 2018

List of Auto Sales Per Franchise Dealer in the Month of October. Toyota dealers sell more cars per-store than any other make. Mercedes and Land Rover are the ony two brands who had a per-store sales increase from Sep to Oct 2018. US Sales Per Franchised Dealer – Oct 2018

Read More

BMW Direct Auction Event

BMW DIRECT ONLINE-ONLY EVENT. HIGHEST QUALITY BMW AND MINI INVENTORY. NOVEMBER 16 TO NOVEMBER 26, 2018   ONLINE-ONLY EVENT. HIGHEST QUALITY BMW AND MINI INVENTORY. From November 16-26, 2018, BMW Group Financial Services is taking off-lease sales completely online. During this time, all BMW and MINI sales will occur exclusively

Read More

TradeRev Transportation Event

Get FREE transport within Eastern states November 12th to 19th The struggling dealer-to-dealer platform is offering free shipping to boost it’s sales amid slumping sales figures, low dealer satisfation and millions in investment from parent company Adesa.  Buyers Can Now Move East Coast vehicles from Selling Dealers to their dealership

Read More

Top Customer Beefs with a Car Dealership’s Service Dept

Top Customer beefs with a car dealership’s service Department, what are car owners complaining about? Service took longer time than expected  or quoted – 30% Dealer attempts to push additional services – 20% Waited in line even with an appointment – 13% Was not charged the quoted amount – 10%

Read More

Car Buyer Customer Incentives – October 2018

Car Buyer Customer Incentives – Oct 2018 BMW GROUP Expires Oct. 31. In lieu of rebates, cut-rate financing is available. 2019 models BMW 330, 330 Gran Turismo, 340 Gran Turismo, 430, 430 Gran Coupe, 440, 440 Gran Coupe, 530, 530e, 540, 540D, M4, M550, X3, X4, X6, X6 M $1,000-$2,500

Read More

Hyundai Rebates & Incentives – October 2018

Hyundai Rebates & Incentives – October 2018 1- Hyundai Dealer Cash Rebates Date: October 2018 Model Year Hyundai Model Cash Rebate 2018 Santa Fe not SE $4,000 2018 Sonata 2.0T Spt/ 2.0T LTD/ LTD $3,750 2018 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T $3,750 2018 Santa Fe Sport 2.4L $3,500 2018 Santa Fe

Read More

Department of Motor Vehicles – United States & Canada Directory

Directory of DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Contact Information Includes Website and Phone Number. Department of Motor Vehicles – United States & Canada Directory UNITED STATES         State: DMV Website: Phone Number: Alabama AL Division of Motor Vehicles 334-242-9000 Alaska AK Office of Motor Vehicles 907-269-5551 Arkansas

Read More

Mechanics Liens on Cars in Georgia

What are Mechanics Liens on Cars in Georgia? Mechanics of every sort can have a special lien on any vehicle required to have a certificate of title by Code Section 40-3-20 for work done, or for UNPAID work done and materials furnished, or for materials furnished in repairing or servicing

Read More

Sharp Depreciation Last Week

The Depreciation Index in September 2018 was up +0.5% compared to August 2018, and is up +1.9% over the last twelve months. The Index ratings over the last few months are a clear indication of the weakness that has been present throughout the used vehicle market in 2018. Depreciation Increased

Read More

Toyota Camry VIN Interpretation

VIN Definition   VIN Interpretation Manufacturer: Toyota (1983 – 2019)   Key Digits 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12-17 Digit 1 : World Source 4 =  USA (1989 – 2019) J =  Japan (1983 – 2019)    Digit 2 : Manufacturer T =  Toyota (1983 – 2019) Digit 3 : Vehicle Type 1 =  Passenger

Read More

Year to Year Depreciation by Segment

Year to Year Depreciation by Segment – Winners and Losers Analysis of Vehicle Depreciation from Oct 1, 2017 to Oct 1, 2018 Small Pickups showing the strongest retention at -5.3% Sub-Compact Luxury CUVs showing the greatest depreciation at -18.8%.   Type Segment Depreciation SUV Sub Compact Luxury CUV -18.8% Car

Read More

Decline in Car Segments

Decline in Car Segments – Market Report Oct 2018 According to auction data car segment depreciation has accelerated over the past two weeks, with Sporty Cars, Mid-Size Cars and Full-Size Cars seeing some of the largest weekly depreciation since the start of the year. Auto Segments Declined More • Volume-weighted,

Read More

Hurricane Florence – Flooded Vehicle Appraisals

Was your car damaged during Hurricane Florence? Is the insurance company offering you a fair value for your totaled vehicle? Did you know that your insurance policy contains an appraisal clause? Here’s what your policy’s appraisal clause says: “If we cannot agree with you on the amount of a loss,

Read More

Adesa Auctions Location Directory

Adesa is the second largest auto auction company in the US with millions of vehicles sold annually. Below is a directory of all the Adesa Auctions worldwide. Adesa Auctions Location Directory (PDF) ADESA U.S. AUCTION NAME STREET CITY STATE PHONE ADESA Birmingham 804 Sollie Drive Moody AL 205-640-1010 ADESA Little

Read More

Atlanta’s #1 Car Appraisers

The Free Estimate Game:

Would you rather collect 80% of an accurate appraisal or 20% of an inflated one?

Many clients believe that if another appraiser gives them a higher initial estimate, the settlement amount will be equally high. WRONG!

Insurance companies know who the legitimate appraisers are, so don't get caught up in the estimate game. Hire an appraiser based on their credentials and reputation.

Seven things to look for when choosing an appraisal company