Mobile Appraisal
We offer several types of mobile appraisals throughout Michigan.
If you’re dealing with a specific situation (e.g., selling, insuring, or refinancing), we can help guide you to the right appraisal approach.
Which appraisal type best describes your needs?
Fair Market Value (FMV) Appraisal
- Purpose
To determine what a car would reasonably sell for on the open market between a willing buyer and seller.
- Used For
- Buying or selling a used car
- Donation/Tax assessments
- Divorce or estate settlements
- How It's Determined
- Based on age, condition, mileage, demand, location, and comparisons with similar vehicles currently for sale.
- Key Characteristics
- Reflects the actual market demand
- Adjusts with market fluctuations
- Usually lower than replacement value
Replacement Value Appraisal
- Purpose
To estimate the cost of replacing the vehicle focused on covering the full investment costs.
- Used For
- Insurance purposes
- Coverage for rare, classic, or customized vehicles
- How It's Determined
- Based on the cost to buy a donor car plus materials, parts, and labor
- May include factors like upgrades, restoration, or modifications
- Key Characteristics
- Often higher than FMV, because it includes actual replacement cost, not depreciation
- Important for ensuring adequate insurance coverage
Finance Appraisal (Loan or Collateral Appraisal)
- Purpose
To assess the value of a vehicle for loan purposes — what the lender is willing to loan against it.
- Used For
- Securing an auto loan or refinancing
- Using a vehicle as collateral
- How It's Determined
- Conservative valuation, often on recent published listings and/or sales.
- Key Characteristics
- Typically, lower than FMV or replacement value
- Focused on minimizing lender risk
