American Classic Appraisals
Classic car insurance claim dispute appraisal

Insurance Claim Disputes

They lowballed the claim.
Don't cash that check.

Your policy has an appraisal clause. Most carriers hope you never use it. We invoke it, build your value file, and serve as your independent appraiser — all 50 states.

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$196,000+Added to client settlements — last 12 months

Money-back guarantee

If we don't improve your settlement, you don't pay. Contact us before you accept any offer.

What We Do for You

When your insurer's offer doesn't match what your vehicle is actually worth, you have rights — and a process. We step in as your independent appraiser under the policy's appraisal clause, build the documented value file the adjuster has to answer, and fight for the number your vehicle deserves.

1

Review your policy's appraisal clause

We confirm the clause is in your policy and walk you through exactly how to invoke it — in writing, before you sign anything.

2

Build your value file

Comparable sales, condition documentation, options, provenance, and market data — assembled into a certified appraisal the carrier must respond to.

3

Serve as your independent appraiser

Under the clause, you appoint us. The carrier appoints theirs. If the two appraisers disagree, a neutral umpire decides. You never negotiate alone.

4

Pursue diminished value if applicable

If your vehicle was repaired after an accident, you may be owed additional compensation for the permanent loss in market value — even after a perfect repair.

Recent Settlements

Numbers beat adjectives. Here's what the appraisal clause actually moved.

1970 Chevelle SS

Major national carrier

Insurer offered$28,400
Settled at$41,200
Client gained+$12,800

4 weeks to resolution

1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

Agreed-value policy

Insurer offered$34,000
Settled at$52,500
Client gained+$18,500

3 weeks to resolution

1969 Camaro Z/28

Regional farm bureau

Insurer offered$41,000
Settled at$58,750
Client gained+$17,750

5 weeks to resolution

Common Questions

What is the appraisal clause in a collector car policy?
The appraisal clause is a provision in most collector car insurance policies that gives you the right to dispute a settlement offer. You appoint an independent appraiser, the carrier appoints theirs, and if they disagree, a neutral umpire decides. It's your most powerful tool against a lowball total loss offer.
What is the appraisal clause in a collector car policy? The appraisal clause is a provision in most collector car insurance policies that gives you the right to dispute a settlement offer. You appoint an independent appraiser, the carrier appoints theirs, and if they disagree, a neutral umpire decides. It's your most powerful tool against a lowball total loss offer.
How much does insurance claim negotiation cost?
We offer a money-back guarantee: if we don't improve your settlement, you don't pay. Fees vary by complexity. Contact us before you accept any offer — the consultation is free.
How much does insurance claim negotiation cost? We offer a money-back guarantee: if we don't improve your settlement, you don't pay. Fees vary by complexity. Contact us before you accept any offer — the consultation is free.
Can you help with a total loss settlement on a classic car?
Yes. Total loss disputes are our most common case. Insurers often use generic market databases that don't account for the condition, provenance, or restoration quality of a collector vehicle. We build a certified value file using comparable sales, condition documentation, and market data the adjuster must respond to.
Can you help with a total loss settlement on a classic car? Yes. Total loss disputes are our most common case. Insurers often use generic market databases that don't account for the condition, provenance, or restoration quality of a collector vehicle. We build a certified value file using comparable sales, condition documentation, and market data the adjuster must respond to.
What is diminished value and can I claim it?
Diminished value is the permanent loss in market value a vehicle suffers after an accident — even after a perfect repair. If your vehicle was repaired after a collision, you may be owed additional compensation from the at-fault party's insurer. We document and pursue diminished value claims.
What is diminished value and can I claim it? Diminished value is the permanent loss in market value a vehicle suffers after an accident — even after a perfect repair. If your vehicle was repaired after a collision, you may be owed additional compensation from the at-fault party's insurer. We document and pursue diminished value claims.
Do you work with all insurance carriers?
Yes. We work with all major collector car carriers including Hagerty, State Farm, Farm Bureau, American Collectors Insurance, Grundy, and regional carriers. The appraisal clause is a standard policy provision — it applies regardless of carrier.
Do you work with all insurance carriers? Yes. We work with all major collector car carriers including Hagerty, State Farm, Farm Bureau, American Collectors Insurance, Grundy, and regional carriers. The appraisal clause is a standard policy provision — it applies regardless of carrier.
How long does the appraisal clause process take?
Most cases resolve in 3–6 weeks from the time we're engaged. The timeline depends on the carrier's responsiveness and whether an umpire is required. We move as fast as the process allows.
How long does the appraisal clause process take? Most cases resolve in 3–6 weeks from the time we're engaged. The timeline depends on the carrier's responsiveness and whether an umpire is required. We move as fast as the process allows.

Want the full case study breakdown?

Monthly case studies, the appraisal clause explained, and more.

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Verified Google Reviews

What Clients Say After Their Claim

5.0 on Google

Real appraisals. Real settlements. Verified Google reviews.

Marilyn

Sep 2026

"My husband and I had the very best experience working with American Classic Appraisal Services. We were considering the purchase of a 1972 Chevy C10 stepside. Shawn personally went above and beyond to drive 3 hours to the dealership to perform the pre-inspection and test drive. He provided a very thorough pre-inspection report and YouTube video, as well as an appraisal report. He answered all questions and reached out to his network to help us with shipping quotes and sharing his experiences with classic car insurance providers. I highly recommend this company for all your needs."

Google Review

lavelle cook

Aug 2026

"Thanks for the help. Mr. Shawn Evans was a great person to work with. I texted him on Sunday and wasn't expecting a response until Monday. He got back to me immediately and told me what he needed to complete the appraisal. I had several questions and he answered them all. I didn't get him the photos until Monday morning and he sent me the entire appraisal by noon on Monday. Great guy to do business with and very prompt."

Google Review

Eddie James

Aug 2026

"Shawn did an amazing job. The appraisal was very clean, professional and detailed. I was on a time crunch and he was able to get it knocked out and to me the next morning. Pricing was also Very reasonable."

Google Review
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Don't sign the release. Call us first.

Once you cash the check, the claim is closed. A five-minute call costs nothing. We'll tell you honestly whether the appraisal clause is worth invoking — and what it's likely to move.

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Available 7 days a week. Text or call anytime.