Considering The St. Lucie Appraisal Company for your claim?

Q: Are you licensed, and can I verify your license?

Ask for the appraiser's license type, license number, and issuing state, then verify it with that state's insurance regulator. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company operates as a Florida Licensed Independent Adjuster. Licensing requirements for appraisers vary by state, so a credible appraiser will explain exactly what they hold and what it allows them to do.

Q: What documents will you need from me?

Typically the appraiser needs the insurer's valuation or settlement offer, the repair estimate and final repair invoice, photos of the vehicle before and after the loss, maintenance records, the vehicle's mileage and options, the declarations page, and any correspondence with the insurance company.

By Franklin Colletta, Florida Licensed Independent Adjuster, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.

Choosing the wrong appraiser can cost you thousands of dollars on a diminished value or total loss claim. This guide lists the questions every vehicle owner should ask an independent appraiser before hiring one, along with what a good answer looks like. Use it to compare providers, including us.

Key Takeaways

Verify the appraiser’s license with the state regulator before you share documents. Certified auto appraisers are not the same as state-licensed professionals.
Insist on a transparent, documented methodology, not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Get fees in writing and be wary of any guaranteed result.
Rules for diminished value and total loss claims differ significantly by state.

Credentials and Experience
Methodology and Reports
Process, Fees, and Results
Disputes and Independence
About The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

Credentials and Experience

1. Are you licensed, and can I verify your license?

Ask for the license type, license number, and issuing state, then confirm it with that state’s insurance regulator. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company operates as a Florida Licensed Independent Adjuster P061152 and as an Licensed Independent Automobile Appraiser in other states under NPN License# 2069891. You can verify Florida licenses through the Florida Department of Financial Services. Licensing requirements for appraisers vary by state, so a credible appraiser will explain exactly what they hold and what it allows them to do.

2. How many diminished value or total loss appraisals have you completed?

Experience matters. Ask how many appraisals the appraiser has completed, how long they have worked in this specialty, and whether they handle diminished value, total loss, or both. A specialist who handles these claims daily will usually understand insurer tactics and documentation requirements better than a generalist. We have prepared thousands of diminished value appraisals and valuation appraisals for total loss disputes and Appraisal Clause negotiations.

3. Do you serve my state?

Diminished value and total loss rules are state specific. We provide appraisal services nationwide, and our diminished value resources explain how claims work across the country. Ask any appraiser how they stay current on the law in your state.

Methodology and Reports

4. What methodology do you use to determine diminished value?

A professional appraiser should compare the vehicle’s fair market value immediately before the loss with its value after repair. Ask the appraiser whether they do real-world research such as contacting multiple new car dealers to obtain their unbiased opinions. Using market data such as comparable online asking prices represents a trap because insurers can produce their own market data to deny claims. Be cautious of anyone who relies on a fixed percentage rule, such as the 17c formula, or an algorithm as the only basis for a figure. Insurers commonly use it, and many courts and adjusters do not treat it as a reliable measure of market loss.

5. Will my state allow me to make a diminished value claim?

It depends on the state and on whether the claim is first-party (against your own insurer) or third-party (against the at-fault driver’s insurer). Most states allow third-party diminished value claims, while first-party rights are in Georgia only. A knowledgeable appraiser should explain your state’s rules and tell you honestly if a claim is unlikely to succeed. Learn more on our main site.

6. How do you determine the actual cash value of a totaled vehicle?

Actual cash value is generally based on comparable vehicles of the same year, make, model, trim, mileage, options, and condition in your local market, with adjustments for differences. The appraiser should also review whether taxes, title, and registration fees are properly included under your state’s rules and policy language. If you believe your insurer undervalued your vehicle, see our total loss dispute resources.

7. What documents will you need from me?

The insurer’s valuation or settlement offer
The repair estimate for diminished value appraisals
The insurance company CCC for total loss valuation appraisals
Mileage, trim level, and installed options

8. What should their total loss valuation report include?

A strong report identifies the vehicle, explains the methodology, lists comparable vehicles with their sources, shows the adjustments made, states the conclusion clearly, and includes the appraiser’s credentials. It should be written so an insurance adjuster, umpire, or attorney can follow the reasoning from start to finish.

Process, Fees, and Results

9. How are your fees structured?

Ask whether the fee is flat, hourly, or contingent on the amount recovered, and get it in writing. Ask what is covered, what costs extra, and what happens if the insurer does not increase its offer. Transparent pricing with no hidden charges is a sign of a reputable provider.

10. Can you guarantee a specific result?

No honest appraiser can guarantee an outcome, because insurers, states, and policies differ. An appraiser can document the value and present a well-supported case. Treat any guaranteed dollar amount or promised percentage as a warning sign.

11. Do you have documented case results?

Ask for examples of past cases, including the insurer’s original offer, the final outcome, and the type of claim. Documented results show how an appraiser performs in practice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, since every claim depends on its own facts. Here is our Total Loss Dispute and Appraisal Clause results chart.

12. How long does the process take?

The appraiser’s report preparation is often completed within 10 working days from file setup once documents are received, but the insurer’s response and any negotiation can extend the timeline. Ask for realistic estimates, and be aware of filing deadlines, since claims can be time-barred depending on your state’s statute of limitations.

Disputes and Independence

13. What happens if the insurance company disputes your appraisal?

Ask how the appraiser responds to a rebuttal or lowball counteroffer. Options may include a supplemental rebuttal, negotiation, invoking the policy’s appraisal clause where one applies, a demand letter, or referral to an attorney or the state insurance department. A good appraiser explains these steps before you hire them.

14. Are you independent from the insurance company?

Hire an appraiser who works for you rather than for the insurer. Ask about any financial relationship with insurance companies, repair shops, or dealerships that could influence the valuation. Independence is essential to an unbiased opinion of value.

About The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a Florida Licensed Independent Adjuster providing automobile diminished value and total loss appraisal services nationwide. Our work is published across stlucieappraisal.net, stlucieappraisal.net, and totallossdispute.com. To discuss your claim, contact us at772-359-4300 or contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Diminished value and total loss laws vary by state and by insurance policy. Consult a licensed attorney for legal questions about your claim.

Baker Arena

After my truck was totaled, my insurer’s offer came in well below what the vehicle was worth, based on a valuation report nobody would explain. I hired Franklin Colletta at St. Lucie Appraisal, and it was the right call. His appraisal was thorough and well documented. More importantly, he handled the negotiation with the carrier’s appraiser himself engaged on the substance, worked the comparables line by line, and pushed back where the other side’s report contradicted itself. He was responsive throughout, kept me in the loop, and when I sent him documentation he actually read it and used what held up. We resolved it without needing an umpire. One note: getting the completed report in hand took longer than I’d initially expected, and I’d recommend confirming the timeline up front if you’re working against a deadline. It didn’t affect the outcome, but it’s worth knowing. If you’re facing a total loss offer that doesn’t reflect what your vehicle was actually worth, hiring an independent appraiser is worth it, and Franklin is a good one.

Ghulam Murtaza

Our insurance company tried to give us a ridiculous number for our vehicle. Frank was able to get a huge bump and help us settle for what the car was actually worth. Would highly recommend anyone dealing with the same situation to reach out!

Goober Barzeski

We found St. Lucie Appraisal through ChatGPT which highly recommended them. Lucky we use AI to educate ourselves because we were getting the business from our insurance company. St. Lucie represented us in appraisal clause negotiations and helped us to get $3K+ more than we were originally offered.

Max

Highly recommend St. Lucie Appraisal Co. Franklin was able to get me over $10,000 more for my stolen car than what the insurance company originally offered. Communication throughout the process was excellent. Great ROI.

Sonique Sanasarian

From the very first conversation that I had with Franklin at St Lucie Appraisal, I was extremely impressed with his professionalism, patience, and knowledge. When I had questions, Franklin quickly answered emails and answered phone calls. I highly recommend this company.

Gabriella Digiovacchino

I cannot recommend Franklin Colletta/St. Lucie Appraisal Company highly enough. From the very beginning, Franklin was incredibly knowledgeable, professional and responsive throughout my diminished value claim. He took the time to thoroughly explain the appraisal process, answered all of my questions and provided a detailed, well-supported diminished value report that gave me confidence moving forward. When my case went to small claims court, Franklin made himself available to testify as an expert witness. His testimony was clear, professional and backed by his experience, which helped explain the impact the accident had on my vehicle's value. Having an expert who was willing to stand behind his appraisal in court made a tremendous difference. Progressive originally offered me $1,750 even after Franklin's estimate of $10,000 in DV. They increased their offer to $2,500 after I filed in court and Franklin's testimony increased it even further... I walked away with $5,700 after judgement! If you're dealing with an insurance company that is undervaluing your diminished value claim, I highly recommend reaching out to Franklin and St. Lucie Appraisal Company. Their expertise, professionalism and dedication to their clients are truly outstanding. Thank you again, Franklin, for all of your help!

HiAuthority

Franklin helped me through the entire process in dealing with the insurance company. They started with a $3,000.00 dollar offer for my diminished value and with St Lucie Appraisal's report and knowledge, I was able to get policy limit of $16,595.00. Thank you Franklin and your team.

Gayle Fearday

I cannot recommend St. Lucie Appraisal highly enough! After my vehicle was declared a total loss, I was frustrated with the insurance company’s initial valuation. St. Lucie Appraisal (Frank)stepped in and thoroughly researched the true market value of my vehicle. Their expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail made all the difference. They handled the process efficiently, communicated clearly every step of the way, and ultimately helped me receive top dollar for my total loss claim—far more than I expected from the original offer. If you’re facing a total loss situation and want someone in your corner who truly knows how to maximize your vehicle’s value, St. Lucie Appraisal is worth every penny. Outstanding service and results! Thank you for helping turn a stressful situation into a successful outcome!