Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Charlie Barone on February 6, 2010 at 11:39am

Hello Bob,

My goals in 2010 include the formation of a professional association of PRIs, which would be an organization to promote professionalism, ethics and most importantly a platform where we can share and exchange information on legal issues, trends, and settlement practices around the nation. At present I am building a webpage which will be at www.AAPRI.org (Association of Automotive Post Repair Inspectors) that will include an open discussion board that only requires registration for participation.

Being in this profession since the early days of Wreck Check I have seen the business expand exponentially, with all kinds of players doing DV these days. The problem with some is that many profess to be able to do a remote appraisal with no physical inspection of the vehicle, which I feel is a mistake and does a possible disservice to our customers.\

Your thoughts?

Charlie

Permalink Reply by Bob Collins on February 6, 2010 at 2:42pm

Charlie,
you may have seen this, but I'll post it here for other who haven't. We should be able to build on this

Best Practice for Diminished Value Assessments: personal inspections

Risks associated with web based diminished value assessments.

Over the past ten years we have had great success in assisting vehicle owners and attorneys with the loss recovery process of collision damaged vehicles. With our post repair inspections and diminished value assessments in hand, consumers are finally being indemnified for the full amount of their claim.

Along with our growth, so did many internet based DV sites, offering what appears to be a similar service. Anyone doing research for Diminished Value (DV) claims will notice the growing number of websites popping up all over the internet. Just plug in a few numbers and they will tell you how much a DV claim is worth, all at the speed of light.

Vehicle owners pursuing claims for Diminished Value should be cautioned on the use of these sites and the risks involved. Areas of caution include:

These sites do not consider the scope of the damage. Internet sites do not consider the difference between a $5,000 paint job or a $5,000 frame rail replacement. There is a huge difference in lost of value between those two repairs.

It is imperative that an expert have hands-on knowledge of the car in question in order to provide a diminished value number that will withstand scrutiny. In some states, a personal inspection is required to comply with laws and regulations.

Internet reports do not address the specific subject property in question. They are generalized by design, and do not consider local market value conditions, owners input on the quality of repairs, or the difference in first party or third party claims. The list goes on.

Lack of personal inspection. Without a personal inspection of the property, it is impossible to determine the amount of diminished value due to unrepaired damage, poor quality repairs, aftermarket parts, remaining safety issues and other factors. Internet sites can only address the inherent loss. We consider both the inherent and any repair related DV.

If the claim ends up in litigation, calling in your expert from who knows where is definitely a considerable expense. Additionally, that expert may not have the appropriate state appraiser license or qualifications.

Permalink Reply by Charlie Barone on February 6, 2010 at 4:31pm

Well put, Bob. With attribution, would you mind if I put this on the AAPRI site?

Permalink Reply by Bob Collins on February 7, 2010 at 6:23am

Dont mind at all. Glad to contribute