How the Value Dispute Process Works
From the first review through appraiser discussions, Justin’s role is to develop a supported vehicle value and work toward agreement—not simply hand you a report.
1. Start with a free claim review.
Send your insurance valuation report, vehicle details, mileage, and supporting documents. Justin reviews the offer and explains whether further appraisal work appears worthwhile. The initial review is free and carries no obligation.
2. Discuss your policy and the appraisal process.
When the appraisal process applies to your claim, you and the insurer each select an appraiser to assess the disputed value. Justin will discuss the relevant policy provision and the next steps for your situation before you decide whether to proceed. Have your policy and valuation report available for this conversation.
3. Build an independent valuation.
Justin checks the vehicle’s trim, options, mileage, condition, and other relevant details, researches comparable vehicles and market evidence, and prepares a written appraisal supporting his assessment.
4. Present the evidence and negotiate.
Justin discusses the valuation directly with the insurance company’s appraiser. He presents supporting evidence, reviews differences between the appraisals, responds to the other appraiser’s findings, and negotiates toward an agreed vehicle value. He keeps you informed as the assignment progresses.
5. Review the agreed value.
If the appraisers reach agreement, Justin explains the resulting value and appraisal paperwork. The $500 fee becomes due at the agreed-value stage, before Justin signs the appraisal agreement, subject to the fee promise below. An increased valuation is not guaranteed.
6. Decide together if an umpire makes sense.
If the appraisers cannot agree, an independent third party called an umpire may be needed to help resolve the remaining disagreement. An umpire is not needed in every appraisal. Umpire fees are separate from our $500 fee and require your written approval before we commit to those costs. If the claim is resolved through an umpire, any earned $500 service fee is due upon the umpire decision.
Proceeding to an umpire is a decision we make together with you. Justin will discuss the amount still in dispute, potential costs, and whether proceeding makes financial sense before deciding together how to proceed.
What the $500 fee includes
Valuation research, the written appraisal, and direct appraiser discussions and negotiation. No upfront payment. If we don’t increase your vehicle’s value by more than $500 over the current offer, you owe nothing for our appraisal service. Potential umpire fees are separate and are not included.
Read the full service and pricing details. For Massachusetts’s statutory appraisal provision, see M.G.L. c. 175, §191A.