How Long Does a Vehicle Appraisal Take?

If you need a car appraisal, you’re probably wondering: How long does it take? The short answer—it depends. The type of appraisal, the vehicle itself, and who’s conducting the evaluation all play a role in the timeline.

In this guide, we’ll break down how long different types of appraisals take, what factors impact the process, and how you can avoid common delays. Plus, we’ll show you how our patent-pending methodology helps speed up the appraisal process without sacrificing accuracy.

Whether you’re dealing with an insurance claim, diminished value, total loss, or classic car valuation, this article will give you a clear idea of what to expect.

What is a Vehicle Appraisal?

A vehicle appraisal is a professional assessment of a car’s value based on its condition, market demand, and purpose of valuation. Appraisals help car owners, buyers, and insurers determine a fair market value for a vehicle. In simple terms, it is the opinion of a licensed appraiser.

The Purpose of a Vehicle Appraisal

Appraisals serve multiple purposes, including:

• Ensuring fair compensation in an insurance claim
• Helping buyers and sellers determine a vehicle’s market value
• Settling disputes in total loss and diminished value claims
• Assessing a car’s worth for tax, legal, or estate purposes

When Do You Need a Car Appraisal?

You may need a professional vehicle appraisal in several situations:

• After an Accident – To assess damage, repair quality, and potential diminished value after a collision.
• Insurance Claims – Required for diminished value claims, total loss disputes, and settlement negotiations.
• Classic or Custom Car Valuation – Essential for rare, high-value, or modified vehicles, ensuring proper documentation for resale, insurance, or restoration investments.
• Tax & Legal Matters – Necessary for charitable donations, estate settlements, divorce cases, and legal disputes involving vehicle assets.

How Long Does a Vehicle Appraisal Take?

The actual vehicle appraisal can be completed relatively quickly, often within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of appraisal and the vehicle’s condition.

However, the official appraisal report—which includes detailed documentation, research, and supporting evidence—usually takes 1-2 business days to be processed and issued.

Standard Appraisal Timelines by Type

Desk Appraisal: Report Issued in 1-2 Business Days

A desk appraisal is a remote evaluation conducted using photos, repair estimates, and accident reports. These are fast and convenient, and in most cases, the actual appraisal is completed within an hour. However, the final report, including valuation and supporting documentation, is typically issued within 1-2 business days.

In-Person Appraisal Inspection: Report Issued in 1-2 Business Days

For on-site vehicle inspections, an appraiser physically examines the car, takes photos, verifies its condition, and documents important details. The inspection itself takes 30 minutes to an hour, but the official report is usually delivered within 1-2 business days.

Classic & Custom Car Appraisals: Up to 2 Weeks

Rare, high-value, or modified vehicles require additional research to verify originality, modifications, and market trends. Appraisers may need to consult with specialists or review historical sales data. This extended research phase means these appraisals can take several days to two weeks, depending on the vehicle’s complexity.

Factors That Affect the Appraisal Timeline

Different vehicles require different levels of detail in the appraisal process. Here’s how it breaks down:

Type of Appraisal: In-Person vs. Online vs. Desk Appraisals

• Desk appraisals are the fastest.
• In-person inspections require scheduling, which can cause delays.
• Classic/exotic car appraisals demand extra research and verification.

Standard Vehicles (15-30 Minutes for Appraisal)

For everyday sedans, SUVs, and trucks, the appraisal process is straightforward. The appraiser checks:

• Make, model, year, and mileage
• Vehicle condition and accident history
• Comparable sales and market data

Since these vehicles have plenty of market data, the valuation is quick, often taking just 15 to 30 minutes. The final report is typically issued within 1-2 business days.

Luxury and Exotic Cars (1 Hour or More for Appraisal)

High-end vehicles require more time because:

• Unique materials and features impact value
• Limited market data makes comparable sales harder to find
• Customization can drastically affect pricing

Expect the appraisal process to take at least an hour, sometimes longer, especially for cars with custom features or rare specifications.

Classic and Vintage Cars (Several Hours to Days for Appraisal)

Classic cars require extensive documentation and verification, including:

• Historical significance and rarity
• Originality vs. restorations or modifications
• Market demand and expert consultations

This means the appraisal can take several hours or even days, especially for rare models where market research is necessary.

How the Appraiser’s Expertise Affects the Process

Not all appraisers work at the same speed. Experienced appraisers who have been in the industry for years can assess a vehicle more efficiently because they know exactly what to look for. They can quickly determine the impact of damage, modifications, and market conditions, often completing an appraisal in about two hours for standard vehicles. Their familiarity with different car types allows them to provide faster and more accurate valuations without sacrificing quality.

On the other hand, part-time or hobbyist appraisers often take longer, especially if they lack experience with unique or high-value vehicles. Their process may be slower due to limited access to valuation tools or market data, which can result in delays and potentially inaccurate valuations.

Before hiring an appraiser, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you’re getting a qualified professional. Here are seven key things to consider before hiring an auto appraiser, including industry certifications, experience, and report quality.

At Diminished Value of Georgia, we eliminate inefficiencies with our patent-pending methodology. Our process ensures precise, data-backed valuations without unnecessary delays. Unlike some companies that rely on generic or outdated methods, we prioritize accuracy, transparency, and expert analysis to give you the most fair and reliable appraisal possible.

Get a Free Vehicle Estimate Before purchasing an Appraisal

At Diminished Value of Georgia, we specialize in fast, accurate vehicle appraisals. Our expertise ensures fair market valuations, whether you’re filing an insurance claim, settling a total loss dispute, or valuing a classic car.

Why Choose Our Appraisal Services?

✅ Patent-pending methodology for faster, more accurate appraisals
✅ Experts in diminished value and total loss claims
✅ In-person and desk appraisals available
✅ Free claim reviews to help maximize your payout

Conclusion

So, how long does a vehicle appraisal take? It varies, but knowing the process and potential delays can help set expectations. Whether you need an appraisal for insurance, resale, or legal purposes, working with experienced professionals ensures accuracy and efficiency.

Want to get your appraisal started? Request a free claim review today!