Estimate Consultants, an independent vehicle appraisal firm, details its nationwide virtual Appraisal Clause, Diminished Value and OEM estimating services.
-- Estimate Consultants, an independent vehicle appraisal firm, today announced details of its nationwide virtual services supporting consumers through the Appraisal Clause and Diminished Value processes, along with OEM-specific estimating for collision repair shops. The firm was founded by Kevin Murty, a former collision repair professional and insurance field adjuster, to address what he saw as a lack of consumer education and transparency in the automotive insurance claims industry.
Addressing a Gap in Consumer Education
Many vehicle owners enter the claims process without a clear understanding of their rights under an auto insurance policy. Insurers present settlement offers for total loss vehicles or repair-related losses, and policyholders often accept them without knowing whether the figures reflect the actual market value of the vehicle.
The firm focuses on two consumer-facing processes. The first is the Appraisal Clause, a provision found in many auto insurance policies that allows a policyholder to dispute an insurer's valuation of a vehicle. The second is Diminished Value, which refers to the loss in market value a vehicle experiences after it has been damaged and repaired, even when the repairs are completed properly.
Estimate Consultants provides certified valuations that support policyholders in both processes. The company states that its appraisals are unbiased and are prepared using a proprietary methodology for vehicle valuation developed by its founder.
A Client-First Evaluation Process
The firm reviews each claim before agreeing to take on work. If the review shows that the client would be better served by a different approach, Estimate Consultants provides that guidance directly, including free advice where appropriate.
"We evaluate every claim before taking work to ensure we feel it is in the best financial interest of our client," said Kevin Murty, Founder of Estimate Consultants. "If the best option for a client does not involve our services, we are honest and transparent about that, and we are willing to offer any advice we can to help."
The company also offers a free two-minute Offer Check, which allows a consumer to assess whether an insurer's offer may be disputable online.
Diminished Value Service Options
Estimate Consultants offers two pricing structures for Diminished Value claims. The Self-Service option is priced at $299 and is designed for clients who prefer to handle communication with the insurer themselves.
The Full-Service option requires a $199 retainer, with an additional $299 payable when the insurer makes an offer. The company states that this option includes a money-back guarantee on eligible claims.
Diminished Value appraisals in North Carolina differ and are available at $299. Diminished Value claims are not offered in Nebraska or Michigan. Clients in other states can review state-specific guides on the company's website to understand how Diminished Value claims are treated in their jurisdiction. You can email directly to [email protected].
Total Loss Appraisals and the Appraisal Clause
When an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss, the settlement offer is based on the insurer's determination of the vehicle's pre-loss value. Estimate Consultants provides a Total Loss Appraisal priced at $299. The appraisal includes a written certified valuation and support in communicating with the insurer.
Clients who disagree with the insurer's figure may also choose to dispute the offer by invoking the appraisal clause in the policy. The firm assists with this process, which can involve each party naming an appraiser and, if necessary, an umpire to resolve the difference in value.
Carlos T., a recent client, said, "I reached out to Kevin on a Friday and the work was done by Monday. Kevin went above and beyond to help me secure a much better appraisal than what the insurance was appraising our vehicle at. Something that has been taking me months to complete, he was able to do in a few days."
Fully Virtual Workflow
The company operates entirely online. Clients submit photographs and documents through a client portal, and Estimate Consultants prepares the valuation or contacts the insurer, depending on the service selected.
The firm also maintains a Preferred Partners discount program. Public client feedback is available on the company's Google reviews page.
Expanded Appraisal Categories
Beyond Diminished Value and Total Loss work, Estimate Consultants prepares appraisals for several additional categories. These include classic, exotic and collector vehicles, motorcycles, heavy equipment, estate and probate matters, bank and collateral requirements, Internal Revenue Service donation valuations, and divorce or legal settlement purposes.
OEM-Specific Estimating for Collision Repair Shops
In addition to consumer services, Estimate Consultants supports the collision repair industry. Mr. Murty worked more than a decade in collision repair before building a career as a field adjuster, where he became the top adjuster in the Mid-Atlantic Region at his prior employer. He now specializes in writing OEM-specific estimates. OEM-specific estimates are based on the repair procedures and recommendations published by that manufacturer.
These estimates are intended to help body shops identify all required repair operations, capture revenue for work that is necessary, and limit liability by documenting that repairs follow manufacturer guidance.
Jeff E., a body shop owner, described his experience: "I'm a small shop and do all of the estimating, painting, and most of the body side. I've had Kevin do 4-5 supplements for me over the past month and every supplement has come back with thousands of dollars in line items I missed or was just in too big of a hurry and overlooked them. I was also impressed that he pulls all of the OEM procedures and recommendations with each estimate. Insurance has not had any problems agreeing, which is a huge plus."
Founder Background and Industry Perspective
"Before starting this company, I felt the industry lacked consumer education and transparency," said Mr. Murty. "We are doing our best to highlight and change that. Our goal is to be informative and patient, and to keep the client updated at every step of the process."
About Estimate Consultants
Estimate Consultants is an independent vehicle appraisal firm founded by Kevin Murty. The company helps consumers use the Appraisal Clause and Diminished Value processes to pursue the full value of their vehicles from insurers, and it provides OEM-specific estimates for collision repair shops. Services are delivered virtually across the United States and include Diminished Value, Total Loss, classic and collector vehicle, motorcycle, heavy equipment, estate and probate, bank and collateral, IRS donation, and divorce or legal settlement appraisals.
Contact Info:
Name: Kevin Murty
Email: Send Email
Organization: Estimate Consultants
Website: https://www.estimateconsultants.com
Release ID: 89209364
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