Automotive Knowledge Center
Straight answers on vehicle valuation, diminished value, and the collector market — from an appraiser who has spent 50+ years around these cars.
Latest guides
Claims & Insurance
What Is Diminished Value? A Complete Guide for Vehicle Owners (2026)
Diminished value is the money your vehicle loses simply because it has an accident on its record. The three types, how it's calculated, and how to document a claim.
Read article
9 min read
Appraisal Basics
How Vehicle Appraisals Work: The Complete Process Explained (2026)
Inspection, condition rating, market analysis, and the written report that insurers, banks, the IRS, and courts accept.
Read article
10 min read
Coming next
Upcoming Automotive Guides
Each guide is researched and written from Mike's own appraisal and judging experience — not spun from a template. They publish as they're finished.
Mike's automotive blog- Classic Car Appraisals: What Determines Value
- Collector Car Values & the 2026 Market
- Classic Car Insurance: Agreed Value vs Stated Value
- Estate Vehicle Valuation & Probate
- Collector Car Market Trends
- The Complete Vehicle Inspection Guide
- How to Prepare Your Car for an Appraisal
- Porsche Market Values: A Marque Guide
- Muscle Car Values: What Moves the Number
- Classic Mercedes Values
- The Collector Car Investment Guide
- Auction Buying Tips from a Concours Judge
- Vehicle Authentication & Numbers-Matching
- VIN Verification Explained
- How Restoration Affects Collector Value
- The Insurance Total-Loss Process
- Collector Vehicle Documentation
- Future Collector Cars: What to Watch
Request an Appraisal
Have a question about your vehicle?
Mike answers personally. Clear pricing, prompt turnaround, reports accepted by insurers, banks, the IRS, and courts.