Appraiser Blog Archives - Appraisal Engine Inc

The March 2026 Used Commercial Truck Market: What February’s Pullback Means for Owners

Mark Franzen — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:47:46 +0000

February 2026 brought softer used commercial truck prices across every channel, with auction volume nearly tripling month over month. Full data breakdown covering retail, wholesale, and auction selling prices, volume trends, and retail inventory metrics, with analysis of what it means for owners with active claims or pending appraisals.

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2026 Wholesale vs Retail Pricing Gap

Mark Franzen — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:57:25 +0000

The 2026 wholesale vs retail pricing gap affects total loss settlements and diminished value calculations. Learn how market spreads impact vehicle appraisals.

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The Insurance Company Said There’s No Diminished Value Because Repairs Were Done Right

Mark Franzen — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:27:48 +0000

Why That’s One of the Most Wrong Arguments in 2026 If you were in an accident, had your vehicle repaired, and then heard this from the insurance company… “Your car was fixed properly, so there’s no diminished value.” …you’re not alone. This has become one of the most common ways insurers try to shut down […]

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Why Repair Estimates After a Collision Often Miss the Real Financial Impact

Mark Franzen — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:08:36 +0000

After a collision, most vehicle owners assume the repair estimate tells the full story. Once the bodywork is done and the paint dries, the problem feels “resolved.” But in reality, the financial impact of an accident often goes far beyond what appears on a standard repair estimate. At Appraisal Engine, we regularly review cases where […]

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U.S. New-Car Sales Lose Steam Heading Into Year-End (And What It Means for Buyers)

Appraisal Engine Inc. — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:16:04 +0000

As 2025 winds down, the U.S. new-vehicle market is showing clear signs of fatigue. Shoppers are still buying, but the tone has shifted: affordability is the priority, interest rates remain a hurdle, and the electric vehicle (EV) segment continues to cool after key incentives changed. The result? A slower market overall, with momentum concentrating in […]

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Insurance Claim FAQ: What You Need to Know About Appraisals, Diminished Value and Total Loss

Noah — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:07:48 +0000

If you’ve been in an accident, you probably have questions about how insurance works when it comes to your vehicle’s value. This insurance claim FAQ covers the most important topics drivers face after a crash: total loss settlements, diminished value claims, and vehicle appraisals. By the end, you’ll understand how each affects your payout and, […]

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Full Coverage with a High Deductible on Low-Value Cars

Noah — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:36:54 +0000

Paying for high deductible full coverage on an older car usually fails the math. With high deductible full coverage, the payout can be wiped out by the deductible. Understanding Full Coverage and High Deductibles “Full coverage” typically includes: A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. A high deductible (e.g., […]

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Police Report for Insurance Claim: How It Protects Your Diminished Value

Noah — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:08:13 +0000

A police report for insurance claim isn’t red tape—it’s leverage. After a crash, your car either takes a diminished value (DV) hit or it becomes a total loss. In both situations, the report works as neutral proof that locks down the facts, backs your appraisal, and speeds negotiations. Without it, insurers can dispute fault, downplay […]

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Drones in Appraisals: The New Tool Transforming Inspections

Noah — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:32:38 +0000

From rooftops to accident scenes, drones in appraisals are transforming inspections. What once took hours and exposed appraisers to risk now takes minutes with aerial footage and precise data. Although fewer than 20% of appraisals use drones today, their adoption is rising quickly. In this guide, you’ll learn how often drones are used, when they […]

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Claim Settlement Offer: How to Spot Lowball Payouts

Noah — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:28:16 +0000

Accidents create chaos, and insurers rush in fast with a claim settlement offer. Their goal isn’t protecting you — it’s closing your claim quickly and cheaply. Many drivers receive a settlement offer within days, often before the full damage is clear. The danger? Saying “yes” too soon can trap you in an unfair settlement that […]

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