69 Insurance Appraisal

[Jeff G.]

State Farm called me and stated that they wanted an approximate appraisal of my 69 (regional office thinks it might be over insured). My agent said it could be accomplished with something written in letter by a knowledgeable car collector. Apparently they use books to evaluate classic cars. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Is there anyone here that would want to take a crack at it with photo's and description?
Jeff

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Insurance Appraisal

Jeff,

Any local "old Corvette" or specialty car dealers around you? Any in your local Corvette club or NCRS Chapter? They will be your best resource by far. I've done this for cars and it works much better than finding someone with whom you have no connection.

I've been scr*wed by a couple of them, so choose wisely.

Patrick

[Tom H.]

Re: 69 Insurance Appraisal

I agree with Patrick. Finding someone you do not know and that has not seen your car in person will make for an appraisal not worth the paper it is written on.

I would suggest a Chevrolet dealer to examine the car and offer an evaluation for you. Keep in mind that the value you submit to the insurance company should be realistic and within the guidelines of current price guides and similar vehicles offered for sale currently.

If your car is truly unique and warrants extra value, be prepared to back it up with documents and history to support your claim.

Best of luck !

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Insurance Appraisal

I would suggest a Chevrolet dealer to examine the car and offer an evaluation for you.
Best of luck !

I'm going to guess that the Chevrolet dealer near Jeff has less likelihood of knowing "what it's worth" than many would think. While Tom's dealership is unique with regard to Corvettes most of the ones I know would refer someone elsewhere. The one here in our town used to send people to the local "specialty car" dealer if they wanted a used Corvette or an appraisal.

Dick W once mentioned to me a certification group for appraising. You may want to check with him about how to contact certified appraisers in your area.

Patrick

[Jeff G.]

Re: 69 Insurance Appraisal

Thanks for the help guys. I have some very interesting PM's to follow up with. There is a "Specialized" Corvette store near me that I thought of, but they scare me. By looking at their older cars on display, they seem to prey on people who who don't know much about these cars. The best Chevy dealer near me would not likely know what a L36 Corvette looked like, even if one was parked in their showroom. They are very nice people and know their later cars.
Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 Insurance Appraisal

Hi Jeff,
A couple of years ago I spoke to member Chuck Berge (68-69 Team Leader) about doing an appraisal for my 71. At that time he said that pictures and a description would be enough to work from. Perhaps you might want to contact him to see if that might still be enough for him to help you with what you need.
Regards,
Alan