Motorcycle Appraisals for Financing, Insurance, and Donations
Appraising a motorcycle for financing or insurance purposes is often a necessity when lenders or insurers require a documented valuation. Beyond accuracy, a professional motorcycle appraisal report must be well-documented and professionally presented to be accepted by a bank, credit union, insurance company, or government agency.
Motorcycle appraisals are also commonly required for tax-deductible charitable donations, estate settlements, bankruptcy, purchase and sale transactions, damage claims, total loss disputes, and equitable distribution.
Nationwide Motorcycle Appraiser – All 50 States
Call 772-359-4300 for a Professional Motorcycle Appraisal
Donating a motorcycle to charity can be both personally rewarding and financially beneficial. When sold or auctioned, donated motorcycles provide funding that supports important charitable causes. In return, donors may qualify for a valuable IRS tax deduction.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company provides fair market value motorcycle appraisals in all 50 states for charitable donations, estate dissolution, equitable distribution, and insurance or legal purposes. Accurate motorcycle appraisals require more than general vehicle knowledge — they demand access to a reliable database of verified comparable sales.
Whether the appraisal is submitted to the IRS, an insurance carrier, a bank or credit union, or a court or magistrate, the valuation must be supported by documented sources.
IRS Motorcycle Appraisal Requirements
For tax-deductible motorcycle donations exceeding $5,000, IRS regulations require a written appraisal completed by a qualified appraiser. In these cases, the appraiser will also complete IRS Form 8283 for the donor.
Due to changes in IRS reporting requirements, a motorcycle may no longer be appraised by the selling dealer unless the donation occurs within two months of purchase. Motorcycles valued under $5,000 typically do not require a formal appraisal.
How Motorcycles Are Appraised
Like automobiles, motorcycles are evaluated based on year, make, model, and condition. Additional factors include upgrades, restorations, and custom modifications, all of which can significantly affect value.
Insurance Claims and Total Loss Motorcycle Appraisals
Insuring a motorcycle is generally straightforward — until a claim occurs. Claims involving wrecked, stolen, or total loss motorcycles are often disputed. Insurance companies are typically far less accommodating when paying claims than when collecting premiums.
In these situations, a professional motorcycle appraisal based on real-world comparable sales is essential to securing a fair settlement.
Motorcycle Appraisals for Financing and Lending
Banks and credit unions frequently require a motorcycle appraisal before approving financing, especially for used or customized motorcycles. Because motorcycles depreciate over time, lenders rely on accurate valuations to protect their interests.
Standard pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book and NADA motorcycle values often fail to account for custom work, upgrades, restorations, and choppers. As a result, borrowers may be denied adequate financing.
Hiring a licensed motorcycle appraiser can make the difference between loan approval and denial.
Why Choose The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
Licensed Motorcycle Appraisers Serving All 50 States
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has provided professional motorcycle valuation appraisals since 1981. We are fully licensed appraisers offering nationwide service in all 50 states.
The cost of a motorcycle appraisal depends on the level of research required. However, thanks to our extensive database of historical and current motorcycle sales, we are often able to provide a comprehensive fair market value appraisal for $275.00.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
Nationwide Service – All 50 States
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net
Nationwide Motorcycle Appraisal Coverage
We provide motorcycle appraisal services 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.