We’ve Helped Our Oregon Clients Recover Millions. That’s Just Oregon, Not Nationwide.

Do You Offer A Money Back Guarantee? YES WE DO!

We offer a 100% money-back guarantee to make sure that you recover at least the sum you invested in our report. To be eligible for a refund, you need to provide proof that you sent the appraisal and demand letter to the at-fault insurance company via Certified Mail with Return Receipt. Then present our report in a small claims court and furnish us with a copy of the court’s judgment showing you received less than the cost of the appraisal. We’ll gladly refund 100% of the cost of the appraisal. FYI, this has only happened a few times in thousands of appraisals we’ve produced.

Why Choose Us?
✔ We only work for consumers.
✔ Each inspection is performed personally by Ken Nix, an Oregon Certified Auto Appraiser.
✔ DV Appraisals specific to Oregon laws, not a nationally generic report.
✔ Each Appraisal is specific to the subject vehicle. Not a generic report like volume companies.
✔ Oregon Licensed Auto Appraiser – License # V34-075.
✔ Located in Oregon.
✔ Authorized By the State of Oregon to Appraise Vehicles.
✔ Includes Detailed Instructions, and demand letter referencing ORS. 20.080.

How Much Is A Diminished Value Appraisal?

Our Diminished Value Appraisals are priced at $299.00

For over 13 years, I have personally crafted thousands of appraisal narratives for diminished value claims in Oregon and Washington. My approach has evolved through dedicated efforts, using precise language to ensure consistent and reliable results. This journey has involved investing substantial resources, collaborating with local legal experts, mathematicians, and auto dealerships. Together, we’ve honed an appraisal method that accurately reflects the market dynamics for private vehicle sales.

A common critique I’ve observed regarding diminished value appraisers is the perception of reliance on generic, computer-generated templates. However, a top-tier appraiser should employ such templates to minimize errors and maintain consistency in appraisals. Without this level of standardization, the risk of inaccuracies and variable outcomes increases significantly.

My experience includes handling complex cases involving high-value vehicles and RVs, where the appraisal fee can reach up to $2,000. This is particularly true for claims surpassing $20,000, though most claims typically fall below $10,000. This brings us to the relevance of Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 20.080 in managing smaller claims against insurance companies.

Established in 1943, ORS 20.080 was a visionary move to counter the imbalance claimants faced against insurance companies in small claims court. Previously, insurance companies often overpowered claimants by deploying quasi-legal representatives, coercing them into minimal settlements. ORS 20.080 revolutionized this by enabling claimants to engage attorneys and recoup not just the settlement amount but also legal fees, provided the settlement exceeds the insurance company’s last offer by at least a cent. This law incentivizes insurance companies to seek more expedient settlements, often resulting in a $3,000 to $4,000 boost for the claimant.

The majority of these diminished value claims are under $10,000. In turn, I’ve developed a strong appraisal that I can provide for only $299 that has consistently resulted in positive results for our clients.

So, what do you receive for the $299?

1. A diminished value appraisal written and signed by Ken Nix, an Oregon Certified Auto Appraiser, specific to your vehicle.
2. A copy of my 2023 revised ebook, Oregon Diminished Value Made Easy.
3. Sample demand letters for demands under $10,000 referencing, ORS. 20.080
4. Sample demand letters for demands over $10,000.
5. Instructions on Sending the Demand with the Appraisal.
6. Your Repair Estimate is reviewed and annotated to show any structural or frame labor.

Full Transparency

At our firm, we prioritize clear and honest communication with our clients. It’s crucial to understand that while we specialize in auto appraisals, we are not legal professionals. Ken Nix, as an Oregon Certified Auto Appraiser, focuses solely on providing top-notch appraisal services and cannot offer legal advice.

In the journey of advancing your diminished value claim, there might be situations where the expertise of an attorney becomes necessary. Although we are committed to guiding and supporting you through the appraisal process, our role does not extend to legal counsel. We advise our clients to consider seeking legal assistance when their claims require a level of advocacy or advice beyond our scope.

We want to be upfront and transparent about this aspect of your claim’s management. The possibility of needing to employ an attorney for arbitration or court proceedings is a reality in some cases, and we believe it’s essential for you to be prepared for such eventualities. Our goal is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the process and are informed about the potential need for legal intervention to resolve your claim.

Our commitment to transparency stems from a desire to set realistic expectations. We don’t buy reviews, unlike some of the companies out there. Our history with thousands of successful client claims speaks for itself. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there have been instances where clients received less than anticipated or were hesitant to pursue legal action against the responsible insurance company and driver.

To ensure the effectiveness of our service, we require comprehensive information from you, such as final billing details and photos, if necessary. However, our role is limited to providing appraisal services; we do not engage with body shops, insurance companies, or gather documents on your behalf. This is a common misunderstanding among clients, who sometimes expect us to actively manage their claim with these entities. Our service is akin to a grocery store selling uncooked steak, rather than a steakhouse serving a prepared meal. You are responsible for ‘cooking’ or further managing your claim. We’re only providing the appraisal and legal information so you can get your claim going in the right direction.

This distinction is reflected in our pricing. Our service fee is $299, a fraction of what comprehensive claim management might cost, precisely because our role is more about providing the necessary tools rather than managing the entire process.

For those who prefer full-service assistance, we have an attorney referral to Attorney Joseph Domingo. This attorney can incorporate the cost of our appraisal into their service, offering a no-risk solution. They work on a contingency basis, claiming 50% of the recovered amount, and typically only take on claims exceeding $5,000. This option is ideal for clients seeking comprehensive support, including legal representation and claim management.

What’s the Turn Around Time?

Turnaround on the Free Estimate, which is NO CHARGE, is usually one to two business days. Maybe sooner if possible.

Turnaround on a purchased appraisal is 2 to 4 business days once we’re received all requested documentation. I obtain values from credible sources, review your repair estimates, do research and obtain history reports regarding your vehicle. So, it’s not like some quickie automated system. I do the work.

What do I do after I receive the appraisal and supporting documents?

• It is up to you to prepare the demand letter (you’d normally have to do that with most DV Companies that charge 2 to 3 times more anyway)
• Print the appraisal. You can print it in black and white. You do not have to produce it in color.
• Follow the link we provide you to fill out your demand letter and print it.
• Send the demand letter and appraisal to the at-fault insurance company via Certified Letter with Return Receipt.
• Wait up to 30 days for them to provide you with a best offer.
• If you feel the offer isn’t high enough, Negotiate with the claims rep.
• If they state they deny your claim, file a complaint with the division of financial regulation. (This will normally get them moving).
• If they don’t budge, or say they won’t pay what do you do? Ask for the claims representative’s supervisor. Some claims reps are not allowed to negotiate a diminished value claim.
• If you still meet resistance, you may have to file a claim in small claims court. We do recommend that you consult with an attorney prior to filing a lawsuit. Normally, after receiving notification of the lawsuit, they will then realize you’re serious and reach out to negotiate with you.
• If they still won’t budge, You’ll need to determine if you should hire an attorney and pursue the claim, or if you should call it a day and settle for what they have offered, even if that is nothing.
• We are only auto appraisers providing you an appraisal. Nothing More. We are not attorneys, and can not give you any legal advice. No part of any information on this website should be considered legal advice.
• If you feel you need legal advice, you should find an attorney in your area and contact them for advice.

Will you provide any phone or email support?

Yes, but in order to reduce the cost this low, I’ve had to reduce some of the services I normally provide for more expensive appraisals. Again, This is akin to going to the grocery store, buying a steak and cooking it yourself at home instead of paying $100 for a steak at a high end Steak House.

FYI, most diminished value appraisal companies do not provide a significant amount of support after sending the appraisal. WE ARE APPRAISERS, NOT ATTORNEYS. If you feel you need help in pursuing a diminished value claim, you should seek local council