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Appraisals for Insurance
The company insuring my 2003 RB has withdrawn from the California market.  Miller Insurance Brokers has suggested two companies (one Foremost) that have valued my rig at $21,700.00, a fraction of my previously-stated value of  $45,000. for fulltimers' coverage.  I'll admit that was not a realistic value, but neither is $21,700!

I have been referred to an appraiser in S. CA who, for a mere $290., will "appraise" my motorhome.  The appraisal involves filling out a form, checking boxes, etc, sending money and photos - not an actual inspection.  If I want my RB insured for more than $21,700, an appraisal is the *starting* point -- no guarantee that the rig will be valued realistically.

Has anyone here had experience with appraisals-by-mail?  Or appraisals, period?  Comments, advice and insurance company referrals (other than Progressive) would be appreciated.

Thanksabunch.
2003 RB
Re: Appraisals for Insurance
Reply #1 –
Lorna, this doesn't answer that question and you may already know about this insurance issue and that is considering an agreed value vs stated value policy. You want an agreed value. Anyway, this offers a good explanation of the difference.

https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm

Here is a national outfit that I believe does in person appraisals and has a few locations in CA. However, this may be a franchise operation and service could vary.

RV Appraisals

This place is in Fresno and claim to do RV appraisals.

Fresno Auto Appraisers - Certified Auto Appraisal and Claims Assistance

As far as insurers go we have National General Insurance and have been happy with them. They have handled a theft loss and windshield replacement for us.

Jim
Re: Appraisals for Insurance
Reply #2 –
When I changed my residence from Calif to Texas in 2012, Progressive dropped my agreed value because it was a new policy ("But it's the same RV!" I said to deaf ears.). They would not even consider adding it back in at first. Long story short, they said they would put the agreed value back on if I could get an appraisal to them the next day. Yikes!

I called Mark Koch of Automotive Appraisal Services in Yorba Linda, CA and told him my predicament. He agreed to drive over to where I was parked in Tustin, CA and was there that afternoon. He took pictures and asked me about upgrades and I sent him scanned copies of receipts for solar installation, catalytic heater, SeeLevel gauges, etc. He put the package together and I sent it to Progressive the following day and they reinstated my agreed value.

Mark is a stand up guy, was very responsive to what I needed and WHEN I needed it and he did a great job. I highly recommend him.

I have no experience with an appraisal done through the mail.

Nancy McKenna
Re: Appraisals for Insurance
Reply #3 –
Thanks Jim & Gayle and Nancy,

I will cheek out the links and article you sent Jim & Gayle, especially the Fresno appraiser link.  The article was an excellent refresher course describing the differences between agreed value, stated value, etc.  I would be satisfied with an "agreed stated value"; it's just that their "value" just doesn't agree with mine!  What state is your legal domicile?  And do you know whether National General insures Californians?  I might have the broker look into that company.

Nancy, thanks for the appraiser info…Mark was recommended by the broker, Miller Ins, and I spoke with him earlier today.  His was the $290. cost I referred to in my original post. You were fortunate to have been parked in his neck of the woods!  If I use him, the process would be by mail.  (P.S., it would be great if you could make it to Ladeze in OR this year - you too Gayle!!!)

Thank you both,
Lorna
2003 RB
 
Re: Appraisals for Insurance
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Lorna Dunham link=msg=171656 date=1491360Nancy, thank594
Thanks Jim & Gayle and Nancy,

I will cheek out the links and article you sent Jim & Gayle, especially the Fresno appraiser link.  The article was an excellent refresher course describing the differences between agreed value, stated value, etc.  I would be satisfied with an "agreed stated value"; it's just that their "value" just doesn't agree with mine!  What state is your legal domicile?  And do you know whether National General insures Californians?  I might have the broker look into that company.



Our domicile is Florida and I don't know if they insure in California.

Jim