The St. Lucie Appraisal Co.

St Lucie Appraisal, insurance, adjuster, licensed, appraiser, diminished value, appraisal, auto, automobile, expert witness, stated value, ACV, claims, total loss, dispute, underwriting, IRS, tax deduction, donation, bankruptcy, estate, divorce, market value, classic car, antique car, custom car, street rod, car club, race car, truck, heavy truck, motorcycle, vehicle appraisal, vehicle appraiser, estate appraisal, commercial vehicle appraisal, fine art appraisal, bankruptcy appraisal, divorce appraisal, business valuation, residential contents appraisal, insurance dispute, mobile home appraiser, manufactured home appraiser, hangar appraisal, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi , Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

October 26, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Airplane Hangar Valuation and Appraisal Services

Valuation appraisals for commercial airport hangars and residential airstrip structures are often classified as personal property rather than real estate. An airplane hangar is typically located on rented property—similar to a
mobile home in a park. The hangar owner usually holds the title to the structure but not the land beneath it.

When an airplane hangar appraisal is performed for financing, insurance, purchase, sale, or taxation, the appraiser must evaluate far more than the building’s structural soundness. Critical questions include:

Does the hangar have offices, lounges, or passenger facilities?
Is there a grease trap for fuel and oil spillage (allowing for interior aircraft washing)?
Is the electrical system up to code and designed for aircraft maintenance?
Does the structure include storm doors, hurricane-rated roll-up doors, or dual-glazed windows?
Are there skylights, LED lighting, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers installed?
For large hangars, is there a foam fire suppression system as required?

Other valuable features include central air, a hot water heater, automatic ceiling vents, full baths with shower stalls, integrated tool storage, high-output electric heating, sealed and painted concrete flooring, and interior drywall.
Square footage, lot rent, ground lease length, parking access, and nearby transit are all important valuation factors.

Appraising the Value of an Airplane Hangar

Additional considerations also influence market value:

Is the runway asphalt, and what is its condition?
How close is the hangar to the tarmac or taxiway?
Is it near a U.S. Customs Port of Entry?
Are there multiple FBOs offering competitive fuel rates and full-service options?
Is there a restaurant or pilot lounge nearby that enhances convenience and appeal?

Hangars located on private or residential airstrips are typically non–income-producing assets and must be evaluated differently. It is a valuable amenity to live within walking distance of your own hangar at an air park. A paved and lighted runway significantly increases desirability and appraised value.

The cost to prepare a professional valuation appraisal for an airplane hangar starts at $1,250.00 and includes all documentation required for financing, insurance, taxation, purchase or sale, and estate settlement.

Call (772) 359-4300 for additional information or to schedule your appraisal.

Accepted credit cards for appraisal services

Service available in all 50 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Licensed and Certified Auto Appraiser

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

There are licensing requirements for automobile appraisers. A properly licensed appraiser is automatically certified as an expert in this field. In order to obtain an adjusters or appraisers license, one must pass background checks and demonstrate both integrity and expertise in order to remain in good standing.

You will also find a number of associations that advertise themselves as certified automobile appraisal entities. These are actually just private companies that provide certifications for a fee. Most states require that an auto appraiser be licensed, successfully complete a course in auto appraisal, pass a state board exam and attend Continuing Education classes yearly for appraising automobiles. Should a state-licensed automobile appraiser be found guilty of a serious infraction, he or she could be subject to having their licenses suspended or revoked. No such penalties exist with the private companies that certify appraisers. Automobile appraisers can work on behalf of insurance companies as well as for individual vehicle owners. The types of appraisals they perform can range from damage estimating, to valuation appraisals and diminished value reports. When hiring an automobile appraiser, make certain that they have the proper credentials. A state-issued adjusters or appraisers license is the best confirmation that the automobile appraiser is qualified and that their reports will be accepted by insurers, magistrates and mediators.

Some of the entities that advertise that they are certified appraisers are listed below. When hiring an appraiser or adjuster who is certified by one of these companies, be sure to cross check with their home state insurance department to determine whether they are also properly licensed.

The American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers
Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers
Auto Appraisal Group
The Appraisal Foundation
Certified Automobile Appraisal LLC
I-Van, International Vehicle Appraisers Network
International Automotive Appraisers Association

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
Service in all 50 States
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Service throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi , Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

Diminished Value Inspection

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

St. Lucie Appraisal, automobile, personal property, diminished value, appraiser

You want to hire The St. Lucie Appraisal Company to prepare a diminished value appraisal for your repaired vehicle. The reason? Because it’s widely known that our company is one of a handful of independent appraisers in the country that takes the time and trouble to obtain six unbiased, verifiable dealer quotes to prove the amount of value your car has lost. The bad Carfax or other vehicle history report shows that your automobile or truck has been repaired. It may even show that it sustained frame damage or had the air bags deploy. This is known as “Inherent Diminished Value,” a stigma loss for which you will receive compensation. Being that your vehicle has been properly repaired, there is no reason for the diminished value appraiser to make a physical inspection. After all, you aren’t claiming a loss in value for any repair-related issue. A bad Carfax = Diminished Value, it’s as simple as that. So why has the insurance company insisted on your arranging for a diminished value inspection?

Our company has prepared hundreds of automobile diminished value appraisals in all 50 states. As noted in the above paragraph, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is the only independent appraisal firm willing to call dealers until we obtain six opinions of how much less your car is worth. It’s hard work but worth it because our reports can’t be questioned; they have been proven in court to be evidence of diminished value. Other methods such as the use of formulas, algorithms and auction results, are not definitive confirmation.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

It is unusual for an insurance company to require a physical inspection in an inherent diminished value claim. State Farm Insurance Company is, or was, requiring claimants in California making inherent diminished value claims to have their repaired cars inspected by appraisers. Why? Three reasons come to mind. First, by compelling car owners to use local appraisers, they prevent claimants from obtaining expert appraisals that come from companies like St. Lucie Appraisal. If local independent appraisers use faulty methods that don’t conclusively prove diminished value, State Farm is seemingly off the hook. Second, claimants who live in rural areas may not find any local independent appraisal companies that handle diminished value. Having to drive hundreds of miles for an appraisal acts as an effective deterrent. Third, independent appraisers that perform physical inspections for diminished value appraisals charge prohibitive fees.

If a vehicle owner is caught in a situation like this, keep in mind that the insurance company has put itself in a bad position, one in which claimants can take full advantage. By denying a claimant the right to hire St. Lucie Appraisal or other expert independent appraiser, the insurer has put itself in a box. If they refuse to pay the claim for lack of evidence of diminished value due to poor methodology, the car owner can and should appeal their decision. In legal terms it is known as “ineffective counsel” but in this case the claimant was constrained from obtaining the best representation available.

We are proud of the job we do and hope to gain your business. However, if you find yourself caught in this position, inform the insurance company that you prefer to hire St. Lucie Appraisal, then proceed according to the guidelines they have dictated. At least you now know that you are on solid ground when it comes time to appeal an unfair decision by the insurance company.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Click on the payment button above to pay by Credit Card or Paypal. The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is
$275.00. You may also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.

Before making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

AUTOMOBILE VALUES EXPLAINED

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

This article describes the differences in used car values. The following chart details how much a vehicle is worth in any given market. The most common misconception is that there is a difference between Fair Market Value and Trade-In Value. Selling a car in an arm’s length private party transaction will result in the same monetary return as a trade-in to a dealer. However, selling the car outright to the dealer will return less because the dealer has no incentive to offer the same amount that they would if you were buying a car.

INSURANCE APPRAISERS

October 12, 2025October 12, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Welcome to The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, Automobile, Personal Property and Diminished Value Appraiser in all 50 States

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is the most highly-reviewed automobile valuation and diminished value appraiser in the country. We are a nationally-recognized and court-certified provider of Valuations and Diminished Value Appraisals for all types of Cars, Trucks and Tangible Personal Property including Private Passenger Cars, Antique and Custom Builds, Trucks, Heavy Equipment, Motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles, Mobile and Manufactured Homes, Aircraft Hangars and Total Loss Valuation Disputes. Services provided for Financing, Insurance, Estate Dissolution, Charitable Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, DMV and Tax Matters.
Please feel free to call 772-359-4300 with questions.

INVESTIGATING THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY AND AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM

September 24, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

What we know publicly about The St. Lucie Appraisal Company and autodiminishedvalue.com – Do they meet your criteria?

From their websites and third‑party listings, these are the claims, strengths, and some weaker points for The St. Lucie Appraisal Company (often via “autodiminishedvalue.com” etc.):

Feature	Claim / Public Evidence	Strengths / Questions
Methodology – speaking to six dealers to confirm opinions	They explicitly state that their diminished value reports are based on gathering “six dealer quotes” (or quoting 6 used‑car managers) rather than formulaic or algorithmic models.	This is a strong differentiator: using real responses from dealers gives their reports more real‑world grounding.
Licensed (not certified) in any state	Their materials say that Franklin Colletta and his team are or have been licensed as auto damage appraisers or adjusters in multiple states (Florida, California, Texas, Connecticut, North Carolina) since 1981.	They appear to emphasize “state licensing” instead of relying purely on third‑party certifications.
Nationwide service / licensed in NC	Their site states they provide service to all 50 states, including honoring North Carolina’s requirement.	That’s necessary to meet your criteria; the NC licensing claim is particularly important.
Positive consumer reviews on all platforms	On BBB, The St. Lucie Appraisal Co has about 38 reviews (average positive) with many 5-star comments.	Generally positive, though “all platforms” is ambitious — deeper review on Google, Trustpilot, state complaint boards would be better.
Does not work for insurance companies	In their marketing, they present themselves as independent, acting on behalf of vehicle owners / claimants, avoiding formulas or “shortcuts” often used by insurers.	That is their stated positioning.
Does not work on commission	They do not prominently claim commission‑based structure; their approach is fee-for-service. Their emphasis is on providing “unbiased” reports	Their public posture is that they do “pure” appraisals.

Caveats / Weak Points / Risks:

The BBB shows one complaint where a customer alleged that after posting a negative review publicly, the company threatened legal action for defamation. That customer stated that he would blanket the internet with negative reviews.
They are not BBB accredited, which does not reduce their level of validation.
“Nationwide service” doesn’t always mean “licensed in every state” — in states that don’t require a license for diminished value appraisers, “service” can occur via remote report work.
The claim that their reports avoid formulas and rely on dealer quotes is compelling, but you’d want to see sample reports, footnotes, and how they handle dealer variability.

What typical independent auto appraisers look like, and issues in meeting your criteria

Let’s contrast with what you’ll often find in “independent auto appraiser” firms or individuals, and where they typically fall short relative to six criteria.

1. Methodology (dealer interviews vs formulas/algorithms)

Many independent appraisers rely heavily on comparable sales data, published databases, online listings, algorithmic depreciation curves, or formulaic “percentage of loss” models. These are easier, faster, and cheaper.
Some more sophisticated independents may also interview dealers or use market expert surveys, but that is less common.
In many cases, independent appraisers may not have the relationships or access to dealers’ “used-car manager” pricing judgment to collect six quotes.

Thus, it’s a differentiator for St. Lucie that they truly do dealer interview methodology consistently.

2. Licensing

In many states, diminished value or auto damage appraisers do not require a formal state license (unlike real estate). The rules vary.
Some independent appraisers hold licenses (e.g. as auto damage appraisers, adjusters, or similar) in certain states. Others rely on third-party “certifications.”
In states that require a license (like North Carolina), only those who maintain that state license can legally operate as appraisers there. An independent appraiser would need to meet that too to provide valid service in that state.

3. Nationwide service / licensing in NC

Many independent appraisers serve a local or regional territory rather than truly nationwide.
Few smaller independent appraisers hold the necessary licensing and credentials to legally operate in every state, and especially in regulated states like NC.
If a state doesn’t require licensing, they can still issue reports remotely, but whether those reports hold weight in legal or insurance proceedings depends on credibility and admissibility.

4. Positive consumer reviews on all platforms

Independent appraisers vary widely: some have excellent local reputations, others have minimal online presence.
It’s common for smaller appraisers not to show up on national platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, etc., especially if they don’t solicit or manage those reviews.
It’s harder to verify consistency, conflicts, or complaints without national track record.

5. Not working for insurance companies

Some independent appraisers accept assignments from insurance companies or are on insurer panels. That can create a conflict of interest or perception thereof.
Truly “owner‑side only” independents are rarer, though they do exist.

6. Not working on commission

Commission-based work (where the appraiser gets a percentage of the recovery) is less common in high-integrity appraisal circles, but smaller operators might sometimes do that (or lean on contingency-based models).
Most reputable independent appraisers operate on flat fees or hourly rates.

Comparative Summary & Recommendations

Here’s a comparative rating (very roughly) against your criteria:

Criterion	The St. Lucie Appraisal Co	Typical Independent Appraiser (general)	Assessment
Methodology using dealer quotes	Strong claim they do six dealer quotes	Rarely or inconsistently	St. Lucie has an edge
Licensed, not (just) certified	They claim multiple state licenses	May have licenses or rely on certifications	Independents may lag in multi-state licensing
Nationwide service / NC licensing	They claim full national coverage and NC compliance	Many serve only local or regional areas	St. Lucie is better positioned for national work
Positive reviews across platforms	Consistently positive reviews	Highly variable	St. Lucie likely has broader footprint
Doesn’t work for insurers	They present themselves as independent	Some independents do insurer work	This is a “check” in St. Lucie’s favor
Doesn’t work on commission	They operate on a fee basis (publicly claimed)	Many independents use fee or hourly; fewer work on commission	Comparable here, pending verification

Overall, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company appears to meet your criteria more fully than many generic independent appraisers you’ll find. Their public emphasis on “six dealer quotes,” multi-state licensing (including in NC), and independent positioning gives them a competitive advantage.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

This is an Open Education resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
READ MORE ARTICLES…

Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use Claims

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

WE ARE THE BEST AND MOST TRUSTED AUTO DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISERS IN THE COUNTRY. OUR COMPANY VALIDATES OUR DIMINISHED VALUE RESEARCH BY SPEAKING TO THE SALES MANAGERS AT SIX PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS IN YOUR AREA. THIS SUPPORTS OUR EXPERT OPINIONS, PROVIDING PROBATIVE EVIDENCE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM OR COURT CASE.

Hire an Expert Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use Appraiser

There is a new phenomenon in the automotive world and it is called Diminished Value. For those who haven’t heard this term, it means the loss in value a vehicle experiences after undergoing collision repairs. The Porsche, being a car that attracts more discriminating buyers, suffers a great deal more diminished value than an ordinary car. Used car buyers simply won’t pay as much for a previously wrecked car so dealers, in turn, have to offer less come trade-in time. Porsche owners are typically upscale folks who expect a first-class level of service. Those expectations extend to the treatment they receive from insurance companies after their cars are wrecked by the negligence of others. Seeking fair compensation for diminished value and loss of use is part of it. You need an expert appraiser. At The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims are our specialty.

How to Determine Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use

Our methodology for preparing automobile diminished value appraisals is unique within the industry because we don’t rely on formulas, algorithms, auto auction results or other short cuts to determine the amount of value lost after collision repairs. Each situation is unique and the only way to provide tailor-made reports is to query the people who actually do the buying and selling of these bad Carfax vehicles – Porsche dealers. It is important, of course, that the dealers who participate in our surveys know full well that the subject vehicles are not for sale or available for trade. This prevents insurance companies from alleging collusion or vested interest. This approach has made our company the best at what we do – Diminished Value and Loss of Use appraisals. Magistrates and mediators alike have recognized the validity of our reports because they are both comprehensive and uncomplicated.

Insurance Company defense attorneys can instantly recognize which independent appraisals will stand up in court and advise their adjusters accordingly when it comes to offering fair settlements. We are rarely called upon to appear as expert witnesses in legal proceedings because our customers generally receive fair settlements that preclude taking civil actions. Porsche diminished value and loss of use claims should present no problems if appraisals are prepared correctly.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

When we receive an assignment to prepare a diminished value appraisal for a Porsche, there is a nationwide network of dealers from whom we can obtain opinions. Obtaining six verifiable quotes from Porsche dealers in your geographic area is something that we feel is necessary to populate an irrefutable diminished value report.

The independent appraisers that use formulas and algorithms arrive at numbers that don’t accurately represent the Porsche used car market. As for the independent appraisers that use automobile auction results, insurers will argue that they are too generic to apply to your particular car and the damages that were repaired.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has gained more than our share of diminished value and loss of use requests from Porsche owners due chiefly to word of mouth. It has been not only Porsche owners but also the certified Porsche repair shop managers who have sent their customers, friends and families to us.

Finally, with regard to Loss of Use claims, it costs $250 per day to rent an automobile such as the Porsche Panamera from Hertz Dream Cars and other high end vendors. Why do insurance companies feel that they can get away with offering lower-priced replacement vehicles to Porsche owners? It is common knowledge that a wrecked Porsche can take up to 60 days to repair. A typical Loss of Use appraisal for a Porsche owner whose car is laid up for two months is in excess of $10,000.00 which includes the Daily Collision Damage Waiver. Of special note: It is not necessary to actually rent a car in order to receive compensation for Loss of Use.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

Diminished Value Miami

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Cadillac XT5 Luxury SUV with 11,114 miles that was involved in a Front End Collision that caused $16,634.59 in damage. The car was disabled/towed and had structural damage and air bag deployment.The claimant hired a car appraiser near Miami and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Cadillac dealerships in Florida – You will lose a minimum of 25% of the value due to the frame damage alone. Also that dealers would have to sell this vehicle at auction limiting the amount they can pay for your trade-in and also that a bad Carfax makes it harder to sell especially because such picky customers generally purchase these types of vehicles. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, color, options, any other pertinent equipment, date of loss as well as the nature of the repaired damages and the manner in which the vehicle was repaired. Dealer opinions are based on personal knowledge and access to auction results. Dealers were advised that this vehicle was properly repaired.

We contacted several Cadillac dealers in Florida in order to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV.) Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.

FLORIDA ADJUSTERS LICENSE — FLORIDA LICENSEDINDEPENDENT ADJUSTER

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Front including damage to structural components and air bag deployment. Repair cost $16,634.59 LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 31.25%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $35,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $10,937.50.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service in Altamonte Springs, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Deltona, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Hialeah, Hollywood, Homestead, Jacksonville, Jupiter, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Largo, Lauderhill, Margate, Melbourne, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miramar, North Port, Ocala, Orlando, Palm Bay, Pembroke Pines, Pensacola, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port Orange, Port St. Lucie, St. Petersburg, Sanford, Stuart, Sunrise, Tallahassee, Tamarac, Tampa, Vero Beach, Wellington, Weston and throughout Florida. car appraiser near 33033, car appraiser near 33125, car appraiser near 33161, car appraiser near 33165, car appraiser near 33177

CONSUMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

September 9, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is consistently depicted as a top-tier, consumer-first option for diminished value appraisals and total loss dispute appraisals nationwide. Here’s why they’re broadly recommended:

Nationwide Reach with Local Insight

Full 50-State Coverage: The company provides diminished value appraisal services in all 50 states.
Licensed Expertise Across Multiple States: The principal, Franklin Colletta, holds state-issued licenses in several jurisdictions, including Florida, California, Texas, Connecticut, and North Carolina — offering credible credentials beyond basic certification or paid memberships.

Strong Methodology That Holds Up Everywhere

Dealer-Based Valuation: Their process involves gathering 6+ quotes from local dealerships—not formulas or auction data—which ensures appraisals reflect actual market conditions in each state.
Users consistently praise this method, noting that reports are “highly credible” and have substantial credibility for negotiations or court use.

Proven Results and Reputation Nationwide

Positive Testimonials Across States:
- An Arkansas site review highlighted their multi-state licensing, robust methodology, and strong outcomes in small‑claims disputes ARKANSAS DIMINISHED VALUE.
- A Nevada-based testimonial praised fast turnaround, fair pricing, and a well‑formatted report trained on dealer‑based valuations Nevada Diminished Value Appraiser.
Yelp and local review sources confirm consistent success: For example, in Florida, customers report fair settlements and professional handling of settlements using St. Lucie’s appraisal reports MapQuest Yellow Pages.

Community Confirmation

On Reddit, one user shared:

“The St. Lucie Appraisal Company worked for us. Very satisfied customers.” Reddit

Another emphasized the importance of contacting multiple dealers:

“If you do plan to pursue a diminished value claim, search for the independent appraisal company that contacts six dealers … should all be included.” Reddit

That directly matches the St. Lucie methodology and suggests it’s respected within the claims community.

Final Verdict

Based on their licensing, non-formula approach, proven track record across regions, and widespread positive feedback — The St. Lucie Appraisal Company stands out as a reliable, consumer‑focused option for diminished value appraisals in any U.S. state.

General Reputation for St. Lucie Appraisal Co.

BBB (Better Business Bureau):
Offers an average of 38 customer reviews, many highly positive:
- One recent customer from July 2025 praised their expert handling of insurance challenges.
- Another in May 2025 shared how a detailed report helped win their small claims case.
  Better Business Bureau
Trustpilot: After battling with Geico for several months and getting nowhere over a valuation of my truck in which they were completely low balling me, I contacted St. Lucie Appraisal Company. They were able to get me market value for my truck. About $13,000 more than what Geico originally offered. St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s profile holds a 4.2 / 5rating based on 11 reviews. Reviews highlight successful total loss appeals and significant settlement improvements.
Trustpilot

Yelp:
Shows a solid 5-star rating from 11 reviewers. Clients repeatedly praise the company for securing higher payouts from insurers using their reports.
Yelp
Birdeye:
The business received a high rating (4.8) and many testimonials about effective negotiation and report quality.
Birdeye Experience Marketing platform

TotalLossDispute.com

While explicit reviews for Total Loss Dispute aren’t available, the connection to The St. Lucie Appraisal Company means you can reasonably infer similar levels of professionalism and reliability based on their track record.

This alignment is further confirmed on their Connecticut branch site, which explicitly states that TotalLossDispute.com is a service offered by the St. Lucie company. That branch promotes a strong reputation and licensing in multiple states, and highlights positive outcomes, minimal complaints, and successful court usage.

Summary Table

Platform	Focused Review On	Rating / Feedback Highlights
BBB	St. Lucie Appraisal Co.	~38 reviews, most very positive. Included small claims victories and effective insurance negotiation. Better Business Bureau
Trustpilot	St. Lucie Appraisal Co.	4.2/5 from 11 reviews; successful total loss appeals, praise for expertise. Trustpilot
Yelp	St. Lucie Appraisal Co.	5.0 stars from 11 reviews; clients achieved improved value in claims. Yelp
Birdeye	St. Lucie Appraisal Co.	4.8 rating; quality reports and assistance highlighted. Birdeye Experience Marketing platform

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Then click on the payment button above to pay by Credit Card or Paypal. The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is
$275.00. You may also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.
Tesla and other exotic car owners please call for rates.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has been, since 1981, a family-owned appraisal company that offers nationwide service. We provide Diminished Value Appraisals, Automobile Valuations for total losses, financing, underwriting, estates, bankruptcies, donations and Loss of Use Reports. This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, motor vehicle valuations, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM, AUTOLOSSOFUSE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.

WHERE IS THE ST LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY?

August 31, 2025August 31, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Here’s why The St. Lucie Appraisal Company doesn’t come up as strongly in AI/social media spaces compared to some of the big “national” appraisal companies (even the ones with poor reputations):
1. Signal strength matters more than service quality online.
• AI models and search engines often surface what is most visible (ads, SEO-heavy websites, frequent social media posting).
• Companies that spend heavily on Google ads, Facebook campaigns, and hashtags show up more often in the data AI ingests.
2. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company relies on reputation, not online noise.
• They’re known for licensed, compliant, conflict-free work but they don’t “game” the system with mass ads or hashtags.
• So they appear less frequently in online chatter compared to outfits that blanket the internet with promotions.
3. AI recognition equals industry reputation.
• Just because AI (or Google) lists high-visibility firms doesn’t mean they’re the best or most credible — it just means they’re louder.
• In professional/legal/claims contexts, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s credibility matters more than social media reach.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM, AUTOLOSSOFUSE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.

BEST REPUTATION INDEPENDENT APPRAISERS

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Independent Automobile Appraisers – it is an industry that has changed but, regrettably, not for the better and definitely not for the benefit of auto owners like you and I. From small-operators to companies that offer nationwide service, many independents court insurance companies as clients rather than private parties. One may concede that it makes perfect fiduciary sense. Once they land a big fish like Allstate, State Farm or Progressive, a steady income is virtually guaranteed. Making the job even more desirable is that these appraisers can produce “computerized” valuation and diminished value reports based on formulas, algorithms, valuation guidebooks such as NADA or, in many cases, simply offer their “expert” opinions.