Classic Car Appraisal in Florida

If you are looking for a classic car appraisal in South Florida, Auto Praise provides certified evaluations you can rely on for insurance, estates, and collectors

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Restored vintage automobile photographed for a classic car appraisal in South Florida

Classic Car Appraisal in South Florida You Can Trust

Auto Praise provides certified classic car appraisals for collectors, insurers, attorneys, and financial institutions throughout South Florida. If you need a value appraisal for insurance, estate, or legal reasons, we can help. We provide accurate and reliable valuations for classic, vintage, and specialty vehicles.

Our appraisers bring over thirty years of hands-on automotive experience, supported by advanced appraisal training and industry certifications. This combination allows us to produce clear, reliable value opinions for high-value and collector vehicles.

Concept illustration representing classic car appraisal and vehicle valuation

What Is a Classic Car Appraisal

A classic car appraisal is a formal written estimate. It shows the current market value of a classic, collector, vintage, or custom vehicle. The appraisal considers overall condition, originality, modifications, documentation, provenance, and recent sales of similar vehicles in the marketplace.

The result is a clear value opinion. Insurance companies, courts, and lenders can rely on it.

How Professional Appraisals Differ From Price Guides

A professional classic car appraisal is different from automated price guides. It pays attention to details that affect collector value.

This includes restoration work that matches the original period, rare options, and a documented ownership history. It also considers the quality of modifications and the current buyer demand for that type of vehicle. A certified appraisal is different from online estimates. It uses principles like those in Actual Cash Value (ACV) appraisals and accepted court valuation methods.

Classic car photographed for agreed value insurance appraisal

Classic Car Appraisals for Agreed Value Insurance

Most classic and collector car owners come to Auto Praise because they need an appraisal to secure agreed value insurance coverage. With an agreed value policy, the insurer and the owner set a covered value ahead of time. This way, they do not depend on depreciated book values when a loss occurs.

Insurance companies require a certified appraisal that supports the requested agreed value. Our reports provide underwriters with the information they need to approve the right coverage. They also help protect vehicle owners from underinsuring themselves in case of a total loss.

Legal and Estate Classic Car Appraisals

Classic and collector vehicles often appear in estates, divorce cases, guardianships, and other legal matters. These situations need a documented value. Auto Praise works with attorneys, CPAs, estate executors, trustees, and fiduciaries. We provide certified appraisals for court filings, financial reports, and negotiations.

Estate and Probate Classic Car Appraisals

When someone dies and has a classic or collector vehicle, an expert often needs to conduct a formal appraisal. This helps to find the fair market value for probate, inheritance, and possible tax reporting. Our estate appraisals show the value as of a specific date. We provide clear documentation of how we reached this conclusion.

Learn more about how courts rely on documented valuations in our guide to probate vehicle appraisals in Florida.

Appraisals for Dissolution of Marriage and Asset Division

In dissolution of marriage cases, classic and collector vehicles can represent a significant marital asset. Auto Praise provides impartial valuations that help attorneys and their clients negotiate or litigate from a position of clarity. Our reports clearly explain the vehicle, market conditions, and the reasons for the stated value. This way, the appraisal can hold up under review.

These appraisals follow the Uniform Standars of Professional Appraisal Practice, and are USPAP-compliant vehicle appraisals  which is crucial in contested matters.

Classic vehicle evaluated as collateral during a professional appraisal for financing or lending

Classic Car Appraisals for Financing and Lending

Banks, credit unions, and private lenders often require  Actual Cash Value appraisals when underwriting specialty vehicles. This is necessary before they will give a loan for classic, vintage, or custom vehicles.

Auto Praise gives reliable valuations that lenders can trust. They help when assessing collateral for new loans, refinancing, or credit lines.

Our lending-focused appraisals clearly explain how the value was determined and document relevant market data. This helps underwriting teams assess risk and supports 

Classic car owned by a collector, representing clients served through professional vehicle appraisal services

Who We Serve

Auto Praise helps both individual car owners and professional partners. It provides a reliable resource for appraising classic and collector vehicles.

  • Vehicle owners and collectors needing agreed value insurance appraisals  
  • Attorneys and law firms handling probate, divorce, or litigation matters  
  • CPAs and tax professionals supporting estate and fiduciary planning  
  • Estate executors and trustees documenting classic vehicles  
  • Banks, credit unions, and private lenders financing collector vehicles  
  • Family offices, investors, and collectors managing high-value vehicle portfolios  

Many of these clients also rely on our financial and legal appraisal services beyond classic car valuation.

Classic vehicle detail representing professional credentials used in certified classic car appraisals

Our Credentials and Certifications

Classic car appraisals demand both mechanical knowledge and formal valuation training. Auto Praise brings a rare combination of hands-on automotive experience and advanced appraisal credentials.

Over thirty years of experience in the automotive field that including repair, inspection, and appraisal work.

ASE Master Certified Technician with a deep understanding of vehicle systems and condition assessment.

I Car Platinum Certified Auto Physical Damage Appraiser with extensive background in collision damage evaluation.

IACP Certified Auto Appraiser with training in accepted appraisal methodology and reporting standards.

Florida licensed insurance adjuster with direct experience working with carriers and claim processes. Appraisals prepared to follow USPAP style principles of transparency, support, and clear scope of work where applicable.

These qualifications make sure our classic car appraisals are accurate for the market. They are also technically sound for insurance companies, opposing experts, and financial institutions.

Client Feedback

Auto Praise transformed my insurance claim experience!

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Auto Praise was a huge help with my total loss claim for GAP insurance. They quickly got out to inspect the vehicle and provided a professional estimate of record that I was able to submit to my GAP provider. Thanks to their prompt and knowledgeable service, I was able to finalize my claim without delays. Highly recommend their appraisal services!
David Silverman
Auto Praise Client
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As an out-of-state buyer considering a 1969 Camaro, I hired Auto Praise for a pre-purchase inspection and couldn’t be more impressed. They were quick, professional, and delivered an incredibly thorough report that gave me complete confidence in moving forward with the purchase. The level of detail in the inspection was outstanding and confirmed everything I needed to know before buying. Highly recommended for anyone buying a classic car sight unseen!
Brian Penny
Auto Praise Client

Our Classic Car Appraisal Process

We have created a clear process that is easy for clients. It still provides a high level of detail and documentation.

  1. Initial consultation to clarify the purpose of the appraisal, the intended users, and any deadlines or court-related dates.
  2. Review of available documents such as titles, prior appraisals, restoration records, photographs, and maintenance history.
  3. Inspection of the vehicle when practical, including exterior, interior, engine compartment, undercarriage, and a general mechanical review.
  4. Research current market data. This includes recent sales, auction results, and well-known valuation guides for the specific vehicle.
  5. Analysis of condition, originality, modifications, and documentation to determine where the vehicle fits within the current market range.
  6. Prepare a written appraisal report. This report will summarize the vehicle, supporting data, and the final value opinion.
  7. Ongoing availability to answer reasonable questions from attorneys, adjusters, or lenders who review the appraisal.

Service Area in South Florida

Auto Praise is located in Coconut Creek. We serve clients in Broward County, Palm Beach County, and the greater South Florida area.

We help clients in several locations. These include Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, and Boynton Beach. We also serve nearby areas.

For many classic car appraisal assignments we can travel to the vehicle within our primary service area. In some cases, especially for remote properties or vehicles stored far away, we can do a research-based appraisal. This will use photographs, documents, and inspection data from others. We will make clear assumptions in the report.

If you need a classic car appraisal in South Florida, Auto Praise offers certified valuations you can trust. We work with collectors, insurers, attorneys, estate professionals, and lenders to deliver accurate appraisals for insurance coverage, legal matters, estate planning, and financing.

To schedule a classic car appraisal or discuss your specific needs, contact Auto Praise today.

Classic Car Appraisal FAQs

How much does a classic car appraisal cost?
Pricing depends on the vehicle type, the purpose of the appraisal (insurance, estate, legal, or lending), and inspection requirements. We provide clear quotes during a free consultation.
How long does the appraisal process take?
Most appraisals can be scheduled promptly. After inspection and market research, we deliver a written appraisal report within an agreed timeframe based on the assignment complexity.
Do you travel to the vehicle in South Florida?
Yes. We are based in Coconut Creek and typically travel throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties. Travel outside the primary service area can be discussed as needed.
What do you need from me before the inspection?
Helpful items include the title, VIN, restoration records, prior appraisals, and maintenance documentation. If documentation is limited, we can still proceed with the appraisal.
Is this appraisal acceptable for agreed value insurance?
In most cases, yes. Insurers generally require a certified, well-documented appraisal to support agreed value coverage. Our reports are prepared with underwriting review in mind.
Can you provide appraisals for probate, divorce, or court matters?
Yes. We regularly work with attorneys, executors, trustees, and fiduciaries on estate and legal matters requiring defensible valuation reports.

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Email

Help & Support: support@auto-praise.com
Inquires: info@auto-praise.com