TOTAL LOSS APPRAISALS

Automotive Insurance Total Loss Appraisals and Negotiation by an Oregon Licensed and Certified Total Loss Appraiser.

 NOW SERVING WASHINGTON STATE ALSO!

Picture of Ken Nix, who is an Oregon Certified and Licensed Vehicle Appraiser who specializes in Oregon Total Loss Vehicle Disputes. Auto Appraisals by an Local Auto Appraiser.

Is your insurance company Offering an unfair offer that is less than what your totaled vehicle is worth?

We can help! You need a professional on your side that doesn’t work for the insurance companies. You deserve a fair settlement and hiring a Total Loss Auto Appraiser who specializes in Oregon total loss claims is your first step to receiving a Fair Total Loss Settlement.

We Don’t take a percentage and Oregon law guarantees you 100% Reimbursement for the appraisal if we increase the value over their last offer by just 1 cent.

Oregon Certified Vehicle Appraiser #V34-075 • We provide car appraisals for Totaled vehicle Insurance claims, Total Loss Appraisal Clause Disputes, Total Loss Appraisals and negotiation for stolen totaled Trucks and Cars, and other totaled vehicle appraisals.

Recently, many CCC ONE, Mitchell and JD Powers valuations have been coming in as little as 30 percent of the true market value for many Diesel Trucks with the 7.3, Duramax or Cummins engines. That’s what the appraisal clause in your policy is for. It allows you to  dispute their lowball valuations.

Call us now for a free Claim Review: 503.420.3001

What is an Appraisal Clause?

An appraisal clause is a contractual process in your auto insurance policy used to settle disputes between insurers and their policyholders when the parties fail to agree on the amount that will be covered by the policy.

If your insurer refuses to provide a fair settlement amount on your vehicle’s loss, you have the option to resolve the issue by going through your insurance policy’s appraisal clause. This prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of you.

If you do not agree on the amount of the loss, you may demand (invoke) an appraisal. In this scenario, each party will choose an independent  auto appraiser. In many cases, even their auto appraiser will be higher than the last offer your insurance company made to you. The appraisers will negotiate the value and come to an agreement, or have an umpire make a decision between the two appraisals.  I’ve been doing this for over 13 years, and have only had 5 times where we had to go to an Umpire. .

The key to a successful appraisal clause dispute is finding an expert who has the necessary vehicle knowledge and negotiation skills to handle the various aspects of the process. This includes choosing an umpire and negotiating with the other parties involved. Our Oregon Licensed Auto Appraiser, Ken Nix, has been negotiating Oregon Total Loss disputes for over 13 years in Oregon. He’s local, only works for consumers, and isn’t indebted to the insurance companies like many appraisers who rely on them for income.

A few recent Settlements:

  • Springfield, Oregon.Increase: $17,75752% increase – State Farm – Michael L.  – 2015 Lance Toy Hauler
  • Portland, OregonIncrease: $32,917 – 27% Increase – State Farm – E. Doughtie,  Portland, OR. 2022 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Off Grid Van
  • Rogue River, OregonIncrease: $13,207 – 18% Increase – Progressive – A. Thakur 2023 Tesla Model X
  • St. Helens, OregonIncrease: $2,360 – 28% increase – Travelers – 2011 Toyota RAV4
  • The Dalles, OregonIncrease: $11.64750% increase – State Farm – J. Brennan 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo 2500
  • Estacada, OregonIncrease: $5,177 118% Increase – Progressive – T. Harrington  2002 Subaru WRX
  • Brush Prarie, Washington – Increase: $9,169 –  58% Increase – American Family – J. Meracle – 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie Mega Cab Diesel
  • Portland, OregonIncrease: $10,426 –  329% Increase – State Farm – R. Estrada – 1990 Harley Davideson FLHS Electic Glide
  • Hillsboro, OregonIncrease: $6,590 –  34% Increase – USAA – R. McCarthy – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel

Watch our Videos to better understand the Appraisal Clause Process

What Clients Are Saying About Leverage Auto Appraisals

See all of our Reviews Here: Leverage Auto Appraisals REVIEWS

Leverage Auto Appraisals |Total Loss Appraiser
Excellent
4.9
Based on 99 reviews
Angel Song
Angel Song
Ken is the absolute best. He’s nice to work with and works hard to get you a better payout. These insurance companies are swindlers and he evens the playing field. My car was stolen but he accepted affirm so I was able to pay his fee in installments. Totally worth it because he got me double what the insurance company was offering for my stolen vehicle! Now they also have to reimburse me for the money I spent on Ken’s services as well.If you are wondering if it’ll be worth it, give him a call and he’ll look over your case and tell you if he thinks he can get you more.
Connor
Connor
Great working with Ken! Very professional and knowledgeable. Did an excellent job explaining the whole process. Can’t recommend him enough.
John Maass
John Maass
Our BMW was in an accident and totaled. The insurance carrier did the usual low ball routine and was very uncommunicative. I contacted Ken and was very impressed with his knowledge and expertise regarding the tactics in the insurance industry. This man knows his stuff and I would highly recommend him for any auto insurance claim disagreement.
Justin Matthews
Justin Matthews
If you’re at all on the fence, I could not recommend more having Ken and the team at Leverage auto help you get the most out of your total loss.Ken got me over $4,000 more out of my auto claim (140% of what my insurance offered me! Took me from 10k I was offered to 14k my car was actually worth). Plus in Oregon if your settlement increases at all, insurance has to reimburse you for all his costs. So at zero cost to me, I got a huge monetary increase.From start to finish, Ken explained the process to me, kept me updated, pushed my insurance to move much faster than they would have otherwise, and really helped me feel like I was appropriately compensated after a hit and run.Anyone and everyone who experiences a total loss should use his services. I will always go to him in the future if anything like this happens again, and would tell friends and family to do the same.Thanks to everyone at Leverage, and especially Ken!
Mike Stucky
Mike Stucky
I was told that Leverage was a good company to contact for a fair appraisal of a totaled vehicle. After speaking with Ken, I knew I had the right guy to advocate for me with the other appraiser hired by the insurance company to keep their payment to me as low as possible.I knew that my truck had intrinsic value, and so did Ken.A Pre-Def '06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Diesel. Those who Know, Know!Well...Wow!!! Ken got me the amount that truck would have brought if I could have sold it.An increase of 61% over what the insurance company had insulted me with in their initial offer.A total increase of $12,800If you need someone who understands what you're dealing with, and will fight to get you what you deserve from an insurance company bent on screwing you.You need Leverage Appraisals and Ken Nix!
barrett rosteck
barrett rosteck
Ken took the time to talk me through this unfamiliar process and indicated he felt the initial insurance offer was a low-ball estimate. He was able to find comparable cars and confidently negotiate an increase on my behalf.I was contacted by the insurance's hired appraiser when they were looking for pre-accident condition details on my car and even they mentioned they had been in negotiations with Ken over many cases in the past. His years of experience paid off for me! Thank you.
Kim Beason
Kim Beason
Ken was wonderful to work with and to have on my side. The insurance company was trying to lowball our totaled vehicle and after reaching out to him he did all the work and got us a substantial amount above what insurance was " willing to pay". He is also a wealth of knowledge and very passionate about his customers.
aaron oblvn
aaron oblvn
Ken was super knowledgable and helpful in walking me through my insurance appraisal and helped me get an increase in the insurance offer. I'd use him again in a heartbeat and recommend him to anyone looking for help with insurance appraisals.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words Aaron. I very happy I could put an additional $3,000 in your pocket. Thank you for choosing me as your auto apprasier.Kind regards, Ken
S D
S D
I recommend Ken Nix at Leverage Auto Appraisals without hesitation. He was able to negotiate an additional $2,245 in compensation from my insurance company after I had exhausted all my personal resources/negotiations (+ the insurance company paid my fee to retain him). This was for a totaled 2013 VW Golf in March 2024. I was thrilled with the outcome and it was a hassle-free process. He was a thoroughly professional expert throughout and exceeded my expectations.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much Stormie for the awesome review. I really appreciate you taking the time to do that. That was an insane dispute. It's crazy how these insurance companies can use appraisers from Kansas that have no idea of our market. They give them the Lion's share of their business and they have fear of loss of that business if they don't do what they're told. I made a suggestion to the Insurance Commissioner over 10 years ago that it would be more fair if they required an insurance company to go down a list of local appraisers willing to do appraisals rather than giving a few big companies the lion's share of the business. I feel this may not eliminate the corruption in the industry, but it would curtail it significantly. Thank you so much for choosing me as your auto appraiser. Ken
Viviana Rojas
Viviana Rojas
Response from the owner: Thank you for the 5 stars Vivian. That was very nice of you. I'm sorry we didn't get to work together, but very happy things worked out for you. Best Wishes - Ken
So Vaun
So Vaun
Where do I begin and how do I thank Ken? Not many know about a person’s right to have an auto appraiser to negotiate a fair price for your vehicle! If you ever need an appraiser, you must get Ken on your side! We were being lowballed, and they didn’t want to really negotiate.I found Ken Nix, his business “Leverage Auto Appraisal” when he says he’s on your side, he truly is!He got me way more than I could have ever expected. Not only that, what I learned from his expertise, was an eye opener! he explains every step in great detail, and breaks it down so it all makes sense.I hope I never have to go through this again, but if we had to. Ken, you’re the man!Thank you, for your patience, understanding and for answering my many questions and walking me through this.OH! The best part my husband was one satisfied and amazed client!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much, Lavaune! I truly appreciate you taking the time to write a review, and I'm thrilled that both you and your husband were pleased with my services. I'm especially grateful that you mentioned my efforts to explain the process in detail. I always strive to ensure that my clients fully understand each step, even though the process can sometimes take time. Negotiating a claim involves many variables such as whether the insurance company picks a local appraiser, an out-of-area one, or even a large, well-connected company can all impact the timeline and outcome.This job certainly isn't stress-free, and my priority is always to make sure my clients are satisfied. If I worked for the insurance companies, I'd probably earn about $250 more per case on average, and I wouldn’t have to worry as much about public opinion, marketing, negotiating, or selling my appraisal services. But the path I’ve chosen, while challenging, I feel is the right one for me. It is fulfilling because I get to help people who are being taken advantage in most cases, and I’m committed to advocating for my clients and ensuring they know their rights and understand the process. Your recognition of these efforts means the world to me. Thank you again! - Ken
Andrew M
Andrew M
Reached out because my insurance provided me low offer on a total loss and I was not willing to settle. Everyone kept telling me to research and request a new offer based on all of the information I gathered. It makes no sense to do all this work when leverage Auto appraisals can do all of that work and has an established working relationship with insurance companies where he knows what information to provide to get the end result his clients are looking for. After it was all said and done they were able to get an offer within a very close amount of what I was looking for. I hope I never have to use their service again but if I will I certainly will come back to this company. Thank you again for your guidance and your hard work. Now if only I can find my wife another car like the one she lost.
Freddie Todd
Freddie Todd
I would give 10 stars if i could. Ken Nix of Leverage Auto Apprasials is very knowledgeable with years of experience. It is important to know that Ken has not worked for the insurance companies. This makes him a truly independent appraiser. Ken is transparent and keeps you in the loop. He increased my settlement $2,660 over what the insurance company offered. Very happy about that! Ken does his very best to get you the most money for your car. He was a great help to me in navigating the settlement process. I strongly and highly recommend Leverage Auto Appraisals. BTW from start to finish it took 4 business days to get the insurance company to agree to giving $2,660 more. The $499 fee was paid by the insurance company. Thank you Ken for all your help!! Keep up the good work!
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words Freddie. Fortunately, your claim went quickly because they hired a local appraiser as the opposing appraiser. I really appreciate you choosing me as your appraiser and expecially the 10 stars! 🙂 - KenAlso, just to clarify for others, Freddie initially paid my fee upfront, and State Farm had to reimburse the fee per Oregon Law OAR 836-080-0240 which states: "Your insurer must reimburse your reasonable appraisal costs if the final appraised value is greater than the insurer’s last offer."
Harrison Parsons
Harrison Parsons
Ken did Did an amazing job not only was he very professional over the phone he went straight to work for us and got what we needed done.. My 1994 F-350 Diesel was in an accident and my insurance was only gunna only pay me 22k but Ken got me a 10k increase. I recommend Ken’s team (His family business) at leverage auto appraisals for any of your appraisals needs.
Response from the owner: As Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith says, "I love it when a plan comes together." 'nuff said. Thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser and for the trust you put into me. I did have to work for this one. 🙂 - Ken Nix
Mustafa Ateş
Mustafa Ateş
Ken is the man! He is the person, you would like to work with. My insurance company lowballed me and after a Google search, I hired Ken. He negotiated hard with them and raised the price by almost $2000 more. And I was reimbursed by the insurance company, so it was a free service for me. Appreciate your help, Ken.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much Mustafa for your kind words. I really feel we should have gotten more. And is why this took a longer than normal. Out of the last 126 claims I've settled over the past 4 1/2 months, I've only had 19 where the increase was $2,000 or under. The comparable vehicles in the market that were lower priced were impossible to discredit without going out and doing a physical inspection on them. I feel I'm very good at spotting current damages/issues, prior damage and bad repairs on opposing comparable vehicles that an opposing appraiser can come up with. But, when advertisements don't show the issues or the photos are from months previous, it's very hard to discredit their comps. Thank you for your trust, patience and for choosing me as your auto appraiser. - Ken
Jennifer Chamale
Jennifer Chamale
Ken is the best! He helped increase my settlement by 270%. I was so disheartened when a drunk driver ran into my parked car and totaled it, and even more disheartened when my insurance offered me such a low-ball settlement. Thanks to Ken, I can actually afford to buy a drivable car. I'm so glad I took the appraisal clause route. I couldn't have picked a better person to help me through the process. Ken was always quick to reply, and he got the ball rolling super quick. He is super transparent and helpful! 10/10 recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much Jennifer for taking the time to write a review. I apologize for taking so long to respond but I've been having to spank a few insurance companies lately. LOL We definitely spanked them on the value on your 4Runner. Never should we get a 270% increase. That's truly insane. Especially on a 4Runner. But, I see huge lowballs on 4runners all the time. Thank you for the 10/10 that's AWESOME! Makes me smile when a client is that happy. Thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser. - Ken
Jason Connelly
Jason Connelly
Absolutely blown away. My insurance company was trying to rob me on the value of my car. I’m very pleased than they were able to negotiate a settlement from 20k up to almost 24k. Well worth the $500 that I even got reimbursed
Response from the owner: Thank you, Jason, for your kind words. In Oregon, insurance companies are required to reimburse the cost of the appraisal on an appraisal clause dispute if we increase the settlement by just one cent over the last offer accourding to Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240. My flat fee includes negotiation, unlike many companies that charge a low initial fee and then demand exorbitant amounts to negotiate the claim at an hourly rate or as much as 50% of the increase. FYI, if a company charges you $225 for an appraisal, then an additional $300 per hour to negotiate the claim settlement, according to Oregon law, they only owe you $225 reimbursement, even if they charged you $600 more for the negotiation. It's very concerning that many out-of-state appraisers are now targeting Oregon in the last few months, most appear to be working for the insurance companies as many of them are the same opposing appraisers I'm having to fight against. Some even claim to be "insiders" because of their previous work with insurers as adjusters..... Yeah, I bet they're just very ethical and would never be biased against someone paying them a small amount even though they're making $100k a year from the same insurance company. Then I look at the skyrocketing online advertising costs, driven up from $2.52 last August, to $92.09 per click over the last few months due to these new out of state appraisers. My question is what business model makes this logical? I've been very fortunate to have supportive clients like you who post reviews. This helps others understand that I strive to secure fair settlements, not low ball offers. I only do approximately 20-25 appraisals per month, so I'm not looking for the path of least resistance like some of these companies doing 150 appraisals per month. I actually work the claim and audit the opposing appraiser's appraisal and comps. Thank you Jason for helping spread the word! I appreciate you taking your time. Kind regards, Kenps. I apologize for ranting, but it's not fair what's going on lately. People pay their premiums, but are being low balled with comparable vehicles that have no photos, and questionable condition when they have a claim? Some of these valuations I'm seeing have comparables with Branded Titles, structural damage, 3-4 prior accidents, bad repairs, and even thousands in current damage. Things that make you go hmmmmmm..........
Babak Jabbari
Babak Jabbari
If you want to talk about professionalism, experience, and honesty Ken is the man. He helped me understand the accident claim process and total loss comps and how insurance companies come up with payout amounts. He put me on ease to accept my settlement deal and move on. Thanks Ken
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words Babak. It's not very often I run up on a claim that is actually a good deal for the policyholder, but in your case, it was. I'm glad I could provide you with the information for you to make a well informed decision. It was really nice of you to take the time to write a review even though I wasn't able to help you achieve a higher settlement. If just everyone I helped get $3,000 or more on their claims wrote me a reviews, I'd have literally thousands of reviews instead of 80. So again, thank you VERY much to taking the time to provide your input.
David Winkler
David Winkler
I had a total loss claim on a vehicle with a rebuilt title. After receiving what I perceived to be a low offer, I hired Ken based on the great reviews and was not disappointed. Ken helped negotiate on our behalf and was able to raise the appraised value by more than 20%. He was also very informative and helpful walking me through the process. I would highly recommend Leverage Auto Appraisals to others in a similar situation.
Response from the owner: Thank you, David! I really appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Makes me feel good to be able to get the extra $3,300 you should have been offered to begin with. It's crazy how low some of these valuations have been recently. I was reviewing my records this morning, and out of 84 claims I've settled in the past few months, only 18 had increases of less than $3,000. This should never happen. Before the pandemic, only about 20-30% of the appraisal clause claims I worked on saw increases over $3,000. Now it's reverse???? Something really weird is going on in my opinion.
Timothy O'Connor
Timothy O'Connor
Ken is the man! He’s super informative and educates you through out the process and genuinely cares about you which is a huge breadth of fresh air after dealing with insurance agents. Also, at the end of the day he gets the job done. I’ve used him twice and each time my appraisal went up at least 130%! Ken’s the man!
Response from the owner: Thank you for your continued trust in my services and for taking the time to share your experience. I am thrilled to have successfully assisted you with your Honda Element claim, resulting in a $4,000 increase, and now again with your Volkswagen claim, achieving another significant increase of over $4,000.Your case highlights the importance of a thorough and expert appraisal process. The CCC ONE valuation initially deducted $1,895 from your vehicle compared to a similar vehicle with over 18,000 more miles, which was a clear oversight. Additionally, State Farm's CCC ONE valuation used comparables that were not the correct model trim, without making necessary adjustments for this discrepancy. Such inaccuracies can severely impact the Actual Cash Value and ultimately your settlement.As a licensed auto appraiser specializing in Total Loss Appraisal and Car Appraisal, my goal is to ensure that clients like you receive fair and accurate valuations. I leverage local market knowledge and detailed research to dispute total loss insurance claims effectively. Your experience underscores the critical need to challenge unfair valuations and seek adjustments based on accurate comparables and realistic market conditions.It's important to note that many appraisers out there work for insurance companies. While they may claim to be unbiased and "on your side," if they are earning $100k a year from claims provided by insurance companies, their loyalty might not truly lie with the consumer. Recently, there has been an influx of appraisers advertising in the Oregon area from places like Seattle, California, Georgia, and even Canada. These appraisers often don't realize we don't have an 8% sales tax in Oregon. They may claim to be "local," but in reality, they only have a PO Box in Oregon.I am grateful for your loyalty and pleased to see our efforts lead to such substantial financial gains. Your feedback is invaluable, and I remain committed to providing exceptional service and support to all my clients.Thank you once again for choosing my services for your total loss disputes. Should you or anyone you know need assistance with a total loss insurance claim, please do not hesitate to reach out.Best regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals
amy boynton
amy boynton
Ken Nix, Leverage Auto Appraisals, Portland Oregon★★★★★★★★★★If I could, I'd give Ken 10 ★s!! Ken Nix is a great advocate!! We were the original owners of a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser; it was stolen from the “secured” parking garage at our apartment in downtown Portland. We hardly ever drove it, so we didn't discover the cruiser was stolen for nearly a week. A couple days later I fell and broke my jaw & 2 ribs, so we had a LOT of stress going on. PDXstolencars (dot) com helped us locate the car, but the thieves totaled it - then State Farm tried to lowball us on the ACV.I started doing research on what to do when your insurance company undervalues your total loss vehicle and “stumbled upon” Ken Nix; well, that must have been an act of Grace, because Ken negotiated our settlement and not only got an increase in our ACV payout, but also helped alleviate the intense stress of the situation.When one is facing an unfamiliar state of affairs (i.e. the loss of your 33 yr old beloved land cruiser that's recently transitioned to the status of a “collector's car”), one needs an advocate that's not only well-versed in the domain of vehicle valuation and appraisal, but also knows the local players involved. In Oregon, you also need that appraiser to be licensed w/the Oregon Dept of Transportation.Ken Nix is your guy!! Ken ONLY advocates for regular people, not for the insurance companies. Everything he told us was accurate, and it all played out just as he expected. If you're facing the total loss of your vehicle, just call Ken Nix… you'll be glad you did!! ★★★★★★★★★★
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. I am genuinely sorry for the ordeal you went through with the theft and total loss of your 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially given your personal injuries and the emotional stress involved. Losing a beloved vehicle like your Land Cruiser, which holds significant sentimental value, can be incredibly tough. My heart goes out to you and your family during this time.Navigating a State Farm Appraisal Clause Dispute Claim under such circumstances is challenging, and I commend your resilience. I'm glad I could assist in this difficult time by negotiating an increase in the Actual Cash Value (ACV) payout from State Farm. Your praise for my expertise, local knowledge, and dedication to advocating for regular people, not insurance companies, means a lot to me.As a licensed auto appraiser specializing in Total Loss Appraisal and Car Appraisal, I focus on ensuring fair and accurate valuations for my clients. In your case, the initial CCC ONE valuation by State Farm undervalued your Land Cruiser. It is essential to challenge such lowball offers, as they often do not reflect the true market value, especially when relying on inaccurate comparables or incorrect CCC ONE Valuation data.Thank you for acknowledging the importance of knowing the local dealers, market, and area. Recently, there has been an influx of appraisers from places like Seattle, Florida, Georgia, California, and even Canada, who often charge policyholders $225 for an appraisal to "hook" them, then add $300 per hour or even 50% of the increase to negotiate the claim. Because their appraisals are low, insurance companies only reimburse the $225 appraisal cost, not the full $725 it actually costs, as the separate negotiation charge is not part of the appraisal. This practice seems nearly like bait and switch and raises questions about who their true client is—policyholders or insurance companies.That's why I refuse to work for insurance companies. Even if appraisers make a conscious decision to be unbiased, the significant amount of business they receive from insurance companies can unconsciously influence their valuations. Ensuring that my clients receive fair settlements without any conflict of interest is my top priority.I am grateful for your loyalty and pleased to see our efforts lead to a fair settlement. Your feedback is invaluable, and I remain committed to providing exceptional service and support to all my clients.Thank you once again for placing your trust in my services during such a stressful time. Should you or anyone you know need assistance with a total loss dispute or any other car appraisal needs, please do not hesitate to reach out.Best regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals
Travis
Travis
Ken was excellent to work with and really is an expert in his field. He does everything he can to help and got me over $4,000 more than my insurance's initial offer. Highly recommend getting yourself a quality appraiser like Ken.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much Travis, for your kind words and for taking the time to share your positive experience. I am delighted that we could secure over $4,000 more than the initial offer from the insurance company for your claim. Your recommendation means a lot to me.Achieving such a significant increase in the Market Value payout underscores the importance of a thorough and expert appraisal process. As a licensed auto appraiser specializing in Total Loss Appraisal and Car Appraisal, I am dedicated to providing accurate and fair valuations for all my clients. It's all too common for initial offers from insurance companies to be low, often based on incomplete or incorrect data from CCC ONE valuations or JD Powers Valuations.By carefully analyzing the market and ensuring that all factors are considered, I strive to dispute total loss insurance claims effectively and secure the settlements my clients deserve. Your case is a perfect example of why it's crucial to have a quality appraiser on your side.Thank you again for your trust and for recognizing my expertise and efforts. Should you or anyone you know need assistance with a total loss dispute or any other car appraisal needs, please do not hesitate to reach out. I remain committed to providing exceptional service and support to all my clients.Best regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals
Tim Moore
Tim Moore
Ken helped me through a tough total loss (theft) of a unique truck. I was getting nowhere with the insurance companies and thanks to Ken I feel that we reached a fair settlement.
Response from the owner: Thank you so very much Tim, for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. I am truly glad that I could assist you through the total loss dispute on your 1999 Ford F-550 Diesel Truck that was stolen. Your recognition of my assistance and expertise means a lot to me.Dealing with a total loss insurance appraisal clause claim for a unique vehicle, especially one stolen, presents specific challenges. Diesel trucks like yours have become common targets for car thieves lately, adding to the stress and complexity of the situation. The initial resistance from the insurance company to offer a fair settlement is a common issue many clients face. The complexity of valuing a unique truck accurately often leads to low initial offers based on incomplete or incorrect data from CCC ONE or JD Powers Valuations.This was a State Farm claim, and the initial appraisal from CCC ONE significantly undervalued your vehicle. Through thorough analysis and using my local market knowledge, I was able to increase the value by over $7,200, ensuring you received a fair settlement.I feel we should have gotten more, but again, we had to negotiate with an appraiser out of California. Funny, that's one of the same appraisers that are targeting Oregon consumers now. As an Oregon certified and licensed auto appraiser specializing in Total Loss Vehicle Appraisals, my goal is to ensure that clients like you receive a fair and accurate Market Value settlement. I strive to dispute total loss insurance claims effectively, leveraging local market knowledge and detailed analysis to challenge lowball offers.Your case underscores the importance of thorough and expert appraisals in achieving fair settlements, especially in difficult situations where the vehicle is unique and there are few comparable vehicles available. .Thank you once again for your trust and patience. Should you or anyone you know need assistance with a total loss dispute or any other car appraisal needs, please do not hesitate to reach out. I remain committed to providing exceptional service and support to all my clients.Best regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals
todd marshall
todd marshall
Ken is the man, understands in real time the games the insurance company plays. Thanks Ken, nice work.
Response from the owner: Todd, as the Senior Assistant Attorney General at the Oregon Department of Justice, it is a sincere honor to meet your standards. I am extremely grateful for the invaluable insights and knowledge you have shared with me regarding Oregon law and total loss claims. Honestly, I feel I was just along for the ride, watching a master at work. I really enjoyed working with you. It was so funny that they just kept digging a deeper hole because they didn't know who you were. You're a true unsung hero to consumers throughout Oregon. Keep up the great work. - Ken
Anshuman Thakur
Anshuman Thakur
The whole process took more than 75 days but Ken was able to negotiate $13K more from the insurance company. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to write a review Anshuman! It is truly appreciated. I share your frustration with the extended duration of the process, particularly for vehicles like yours, where it appears that the insurance company might be leveraging the payout period to their advantage. Wasn't always like this, and I hope it becomes easier again. We're just dealing with so many new people at the insurance companies and they aren't hiring as many local appraisers as the used to do. Luckily we worked with a local appraiser on this who understood our market, instead of someone from 1,000 miles away. My aim is always to streamline these proceedings, and it would indeed be faster if insurers acknowledged the rightful value of vehicles before it has to go to appraisal clause. Your trust in me handling your claim is greatly appreciated! Thank you for your patience and sticking with me.- Ken
Web Silvis
Web Silvis
Ken is a superhero.It has become increasingly difficult to get a fair settlement from insurance companies. It is their job to settle a claim as cheap as possible and it's my understanding that some companies even offer bonuses to your adjuster when the claim is settled for less than it could have been. Don't fall for the biased CCC One valuations!I was offered less than market value for my totaled car, calling it "actual cash value". When I kindly suggested that they were not being fair, they LOWERED the original offer by about $1000.The insurance appointed their own "independent" appraiser that agreed with their low ball value (no surprise.) Ken stepped in and held them accountable. He got me even MORE than I was asking for my car, raising my valuation by nearly 30% and my insurance company paid his fee because Oregon law requires them to if Ken increases the settlement by even 1¢!Be patient with Ken, some cases are harder than others and he is a "one man show". Trust his process and he will get you good results!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the superhero shout-out! Made me smile, especially since those "superhero rules" are more than just decoration in my office—I take 'em seriously!You hit the nail on the head about the insurance game. It's frustrating how they play hardball, lowballing offers and then daring to slash the price further when challenged. It's like they're testing to see if we'll just fold and accept whatever crumbs they throw our way.Your situation was a classic case of the insurance runaround. Stepping in to challenge that was exactly the kind of mission I gear up for. I'm glad I didn’t just meet your expectations. And yep, thanks to Oregon law, State Farm insurance company had to foot the bill for my fees, which is always a satisfying bonus for my clients in the end!I know my one-man operation can test patience sometimes, but I'm all about quality over quantity. Your trust in me paid off, and we showed them what fairness really looks like.Thanks a ton for your support and for sharing your story. It's experiences like yours that fire me up and keep me fighting the good fight. If you or anyone you need help again, I'm just a call or email away. Here’s to standing up to the giants and winning! - Ken
John Tucker
John Tucker
This is my first time with Ken. He certainly knows what he’s doing so listen to him. He came thru for us way more than expected, he’s actually a 10.
Response from the owner: A Ten? Thank you for the compliment, but I'm not quite that pretty John, although my wife says I'm a solid 8. LOL Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciate your trust in me. - Ken
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I have used Ken 2 times in the last 10 years. For the lowest rate around for this service he brought my claim up over $10,000 both times.On my last claim he found out that progressive has used a salvage titled vehicle as a comparable to my immaculate low mile diesel truck which actually got me paid back for the trucks current value.I recommend Ken on a regular basis to my friends who are unaware of what insurance companies try to do to you. I can tell you from experience he is a true car enthusiast and will go ABOVE AND BEYOND for his customers and he will fight for you. I wouldn’t be driving the truck I have now without his help.Thanks again, Ken!Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re the best. Hope all is well.
Response from the owner: We did knock it out of the park a couple of times didn't we? I really appreciate you and always love to see previous clients or their friends, although I hope you never do need me again. I'd prefer you just have a safe happy life. - Ken
Tisha Ticknor
Tisha Ticknor
Ken was very helpful and provided very sound advise. I appreciate the time he took to advise me and will definitely keep his information if I ever find a need to have a vehicle appraisal.Thank you Ken!
Response from the owner: Thank you Tisha, I really appreciate you taking the time to write a review. I happy I could answer your questions and lead you down the right road. Kind regards, Ken
Scott Hansen
Scott Hansen
I came to Ken after I had a feeling that progressive was undervaluing my claim. He agreed and pushed hard to help get the proper value when it comes to my vehicle. He reviewed their evaluation and explained to me why he would be able to get me more before I paid him. Then afterwards He made sure to stay communicative with me and helped to make sure that he was doing all he could to assure that I was getting a proper value for my vehicle. I’m grateful to Ken and would recommend his appraisal service to anyone who has doubts about the value of their vehicle when it comes to total loss claims.
Response from the owner: Progressive's JD Power / Mitchell valuations seem to just run low in my opinion. I'm really glad I could get that extra $3,800 so you could get closer to the real value of your 2002 GMC Pickup. It's crazy that Progressive was using comparable vehicles with twice the miles your truck had. Thank you again for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciate it. - Ken
Marisa Harris
Marisa Harris
I e-mailed Ken an appraisal from All State. He gave me very detailed answers regarding all of my questions and responded promptly! He seems like a great guy to do business with and I appreciated all of his help!
Response from the owner: Thank you Marisa for taking the time to write a review. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I'll do my best to answer them. - ken
King King
King King
So first of all Ken knew everyone in industry which set me at ease. Insurance tried to rip me off and give me 18150z Ken got me 26000 in little under 3 weeks. Extra 8000 almost. My man. Great job
Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciate it. Also, thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser. I'm glad I could help! Kind regards, Ken
Adam Springer
Adam Springer
Ken advocated for my client when the insurance company wouldn't play fair. Less than a week after they received his appraisal, the insurance company paid her 50% more than their previous top offer!
Response from the owner: Thank you Adam for taking the time to write a review. I know your time is valuable. Just let me know anytime I can help. I really appreciate your referrals. Kind regards, Ken
Scott McGraw
Scott McGraw
If your insurance company is declaring your car a total loss then you absolutely need to call Ken Nix. My insurance company only offered me $4,400 for my car. My car was old, but it had low miles. When I contacted Ken, he immediately went to work on our case. He ended up getting us $6800 for our car -- which is more than 150% what the insurance company offered.If your car is totaled, it is guaranteed that your insurance company will give you a low offer and try to rip you off. Ken does all the work of dealing with the appraiser hired by the insurance company to negotiate on your behalf. Other places will quote you a lower price than Ken, but they will just present you a report and you are on your own. Ken actually negotiates with the insurance company's appraiser to get you the best deal.Also -- if you live in Oregon -- the insurance company will have to reimburse you for the amount that you pay for Ken as long as Ken can get you at least one penny more than their offer.To summarize: I hired Ken and paid him $499. Ken was able to get me $2,400 more than my insurance company offered me and my insurance company reimbursed me for the $499 that I paid Ken.Just send Ken your insurance company's valuation report and if he knows that he can get you more, he will take your case and you will be reimbursed for what you paid him. You literally have nothing to lose.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your glowing review! I'm thrilled to hear about the success we achieved together with your total loss claim on the 2003 Toyota Prius. It's always my goal to make sure clients like you get the fair market value you deserve, not just what the insurance company initially offers.Dealing with California Casualty, brought its challenges, especially considering the age of your car versus its low mileage, which they significantly undervalued. It's a classic example of insurance companies trying to lowball, but we proved that your Prius was worth much more, achieving a 52 percent increase.Your situation highlights why it's crucial to have someone in your corner who’s willing to roll up their sleeves and negotiate directly with the insurance appraiser. Unlike some services that just hand over a report and leave you to fend for yourself, I'm committed to seeing the process through, ensuring we reach the best possible outcome.And yes, for Oregon residents, it's a win-win situation. The fact that you got reimbursed the fee for my services is just icing on the cake. I haven't raised our fee for over 6 years, even though I'm having to pay a lot more for research tools. Oregon reimbursement policy is something many don't know about, and I'm glad we could use it to your advantage.I appreciate your kind words and the trust you placed in Leverage Auto Appraisals. Stories like yours are why I do what I do—fighting to get every penny my clients deserve. If you or someone you know ever needs help again, I’m just a call away. Thanks again for sharing your experience and helping spread the word about the importance of the Total Loss Appraisal process. - Ken
Tyler Michael
Tyler Michael
Response from the owner: Thank you for the five-star review, Tyler. It was indeed a rewarding experience to handle the Total Loss Appraisal for your Dodge Ram Diesel one-ton truck, especially securing a substantial increase of $9,645.33 in your payout. It's astonishing how frequently the CCC ONE valuations fall short by $10,000 to $20,000 for diesel trucks, significantly underestimating their true value. Your recognition means a lot, and I'm delighted we could achieve such a positive outcome for you. Working with you was a pleasure, and I'm here to assist with any future appraisal needs you might have, make sure to submit the copy of the invoice to Geico so they can reimburse you for the fees you paid me. Thank you once again for the five stars and the opportunity to serve you!. - Ken
Ross J
Ross J
Ken and his staff were fantastic. I found his services via google, and his reviews are what sold me. He's a talker, but his results speak for themselves. My insurance company paid me about $4k more for my vehicle than they would have if I had not sought Ken's help. Ken, I really appreciate your time and attention to detail. Thank you!
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Ross. Your observation hits the mark—I do talk a lot, I'm very passionate in ensuring my clients receive fair compensation, rather than accepting the undervalued offers that are all too common. I also do my best to be very transparent on the process and what to expect so there are no surprises. If I can answer those questions before they're asked later on, it avails me with more time working my client's claims, rather than answering questions over multiple phone calls. As an Oregon Certified Auto Appraiser, it was gratifying to negotiate a $4,000 increase on your 2015 Ford Transit Cargo Van T-250 with Safeco. The initial assessment by CCC ONE, which deducted an additional $2,687 for the condition of your vehicle, despite your truck having 80,000 fewer miles than a comparable model, was perplexing, but unfortunately, very common. The specifics of these condition adjustments, often ending in amounts slightly over $50—yours being $2,687, for instance—always strike me as peculiar. Is it mere coincidence that these condition values exceed $50 in the ending number rounding them closer to $100, or is there more to it? It's details like these that reinforce the importance of a meticulous Total Loss Appraisal process, ensuring clients like you are not shortchanged. Your satisfaction is a testament to the value of persistence and expertise in navigating these claims. Thank you again for trusting me with your appraisal, and I'm here should you need assistance in the future. PS. Make sure to send a copy of the invoice to Safeco so they can reimburse you for my services. - Ken
Jack Jones
Jack Jones
I’d give Leverage six stars if I could. I appreciate the way they went to bat for me. Ken negotiated almost double what the insurance company originally offered. I highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Jack, for the wonderful review. I apologize, as it seems my previous response didn't go through on Google. I want to express my gratitude for your trust in choosing me as your total loss auto appraiser. If only every claim could turn out as successfully as yours did, I'd love it. A 94% increase, amounting to an actual value gain of $7,349 over the market value estimated by Progressive using Mitchell/JD Powers vehicle valuation report. Makes me wonder how many people are settling for half what they should have gotten. Additionally, because your policy is based in Oregon, they were required to reimburse you for the cost of our services. Hope you never need me again, but if you do, please let me know, it was a pleasure working with you. - Ken
Jen Anderson
Jen Anderson
Ken worked for several months to try to get us a bigger settlement when our carrier insisted on shortchanging us by refusing to use any comps in our actual vicinity. Despite being stonewalled by the m0bster-like "appraisers" the carrier used (who are halfway across the continent), we eventually ended up with much more than we could have gotten on our own. It's stressful when someone else's carelessness ruins your vehicle and adds insult the injury when you can't depend on your own carrier to go to bat for you. We would use Ken again (but hope to never need to 😂).
Response from the owner: Here's another one where the insurance company used an appraiser from Chicago. How can they know our market at all. Then pulled some of the most underhanded stunts as usual, all why claiming to be so caring for our military personnel. The opposing appraiser literally used a vehicle with current damage and extremely excessive wear. They use database data without providing actual advertisements or photos of the vehicles they use as comps. This insurance company consistently uses this appraisal company, and they company is extremely well connected. They never use local appraisers so they can try to strong arm the policyholder's appraiser. Never should a claim go on this long. Up until 6 months ago, most claims I did were completed in about a week. Lately, I've had to hunt and fight and spend weeks just looking for their comparable vehicles to discredit. Thank you for your patience and trust in me. I really appreciate you taking the time to write a review since it appears that companies out of Seattle and California have made it where it is so costly to even advertise locally. question is how can they afford to pay over $30 and up to $70 per click to advertise on G**gle ads makes me question how are they making that make business sense. Thank you again for your trust. Ken
Stacey Galarza
Stacey Galarza
Leverage Auto Company are outstanding -- from start to finish! I had never worked with them (or with any auto appraiser) before so I had some reservations. But I very, very quickly got a sense of trust from how they handled their basic communications with me. Excellent Experience! Great Company! Ken did a great job-thorough, knowledgeable ,professional, reliable and super available for follow-up clarifications and discussion. THANKS KEN!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate you putting your trust in me. GXXXX insurance has been doing a lot off tactics lately that I don't believe are completely ethical. I have another one I'm working right now, where they demanded that we provide the appraisal up front to give their appraiser a sneak peek. It's like playing poker and letting them see your cards before the draw their hand. mostly so they can try to discredit our comps. Of course instead of using a local appraiser, they used a company in Kansas. DMV isn't being any better. They're allowing out of state appraisers with no Oregon license to operate locally for the insurance companies, but it's another matter if local policyholders hire someone from out of state. One rule for them, another for the consumer as usual. Just not fair. And to drag this out for 2 months. That's not right either. The division of financial regulation is trying to make them treat policyholders right, but he who has the money, makes the rules or lobbies for the laws to give them an advantage.
Layne Michaud
Layne Michaud
Ken has been great to work with at Leverage Auto Appraisal! Helped me get the settlement I needed when the insurance companies offered a lowball offer. I’d hire him again in a second! Will 100% use him again if needed (but let’s hope I don’t!). I would and will recommend him to anyone else trying to negotiate a fair settlement with their insurance company.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words Layne. I really appreciate your faith in me. Can't believe how sneaky sneaky they acted on this case. But, that's the environment we're living in now. Insurance companies have lost so much money due to natural disasters, inflation and property values over the past few years, they're doing all kinds of weird things trying to pay the least amount possible. Thank you again! - Ken
Kirstie Forsey
Kirstie Forsey
I was involved in a not at fault accident in September 2023. My insurance company was giving me the run around and offered me a very low price for my 2018 Toyota 4Runner premium. I contacted Ken Nix to get a professional and more accurate evaluation of my vehicle. I am glad I did. Ken was able to get me 4K more for my vehicle than the insurance company offered me. This allowed me to be able to pay off my vehicle and have money down to get a new one. Ken was down to earth and kind; he worked diligently to get me the best price for my vehicle. I absolutely recommend him to all who are being taken advantage of by their insurance companies. Ken will get you a fair price and fast.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the Kind words Kirstie. I appreciate the trust you put in me choosing me as your auto appraiser. thank you so much! - Ken
David Smid
David Smid
I can't thank Ken Nix enough with Leverage Auto Appraisals for his help with my total loss claim. He doubled what my insurance company offered me. He got them to send me over $4,000. Don't fight for yourself, hire a professional. The cost of the appraisal is reimbursed to you by your insurance company in the state of Oregon.
Response from the owner: $4,000 increase is always pretty nice. Thank you so much for the awesome review. I really appreciate it. - ken
Justin Robinson
Justin Robinson
Hiring Ken was a great idea! He was able to bring my lowballing insurance offer up 27% for me which was over a $10,000 increase!!! That put a good chunk of change back in my pocket!! Couldnt be happier with how it turned out! Thanks alot for the hard work Ken i really appreciate it! Dont say yes to these insurance numbers and wake up! Youll be surprised what someone like this can actually do for you!
Response from the owner: Hi Justin, I'm incredibly grateful for your enthusiastic review. It's heartening to know that my efforts helped significantly with your insurance claim, resulting in a substantial gain for you.Your experience underscores the importance of not simply accepting initial insurance offers. It's a lesson many can benefit from, and I'm glad we could navigate this together to achieve such a positive outcome.On a related note, I'd like to share some insights that might be helpful for others reading this review. Recently, there's been a worrying trend in our industry. Appraisers from out of state are flooding the market, often lowballing their appraisal fees and then claiming a portion of the settlement. This practice is concerning because, in many cases, they charge exorbitant rates for claim negotiation or even demand up to 50% of the claim's value. For context, if I operated on a similar 50% commission basis, my earnings over the last four months would have been over $200,000, instead of the $43,000 I actually earned. This highlights the substantial impact these practices can have on both professionals in the field and policyholders.Furthermore, many of these appraisers aren't licensed to operate in Oregon, a critical issue that seems to be overlooked by regulatory bodies. This lack of oversight could have significant implications for vehicle owners and policyholders.Your review, Justin, brings much-needed attention to not only these issues, but the fact that many of these high volume appraisal companies are working for the insurance companies and appear to be taking the path of least resistance to settle quickly instead of for what vehicles are actually worth. It's been a pleasure working with you, and I'm here should you need any further assistance or advice in the future. Best wishes, Ken
Nic Clow
Nic Clow
Ken is a wealth on knowledge and great to work with. It is crazy how much insurance agencies get away with, and Ken helps you get what you deserve from them. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave this review. I’m thrilled to hear that you found my services helpful and valuable.Navigating insurance total loss appraisal clause claims can indeed be a complex and sometimes overwhelming process. I'm dedicated to ensure that my clients are empowered with the knowledge and support they need to get what they rightfully deserve, and make the insurance companies get what they rightfully deserve too. Your recognition of this aspect of my work means a lot to me.I'm glad to have been able to assist you in dealing with your insurance agency. It's important that policyholders understand their rights and the full potential of their policies, and I'm here to help bridge that gap.Thank you once again for your recommendation and trust in my services. Please feel free to reach out if you need any more assistance or advice in the future. Best regards, Ken
chris carpenter
chris carpenter
My son had his car stolen and the insurance company offered around $5k less then what was owed on the loan. Obviously, as a parent I wanted to do everything I could to help my son. After going back n' forth with the insurance company they mentioned I could get an independent appraisal of which I research and found Ken. He went above and beyond educating me that I could request a refund of the remaining service contract we purchased on the car. In following up with the dealer they agreed to credit us back the remaining amount of which we then found out we had GAP insurance. Ken Nix at that point could have easily just charged us for a appraisal anyway but rather declined stating it would just hold up the settlement process and may not benefit my son. Finding people with such high work ethic can be hard to find these days and I have complete confidence Ken would do everything necessary to get a client the highest payout if hired.
Response from the owner: Hi Chris, I deeply appreciate your thoughtful review and am glad to have been able to assist you and your son. It's always rewarding to help people navigate through challenging situations, even when it doesn't directly involve my services. Being able to provide guidance and support, paid or not, is a cornerstone of my professional ethos, especially when I can make the time.Lately, my availability has been more limited due to the influx of out-of-state appraisers who are not familiar with our unique market in the Pacific Northwest, and particularly in Oregon. Our region has its own set of market dynamics, including the absence of sales tax, which significantly impacts vehicle valuations. Additionally, many of these appraisers come from areas where the cost of living is substantially lower and road conditions differ notably, like places where roads are salted. This necessitates more extensive explanations and advocacy on behalf of my clients to ensure they receive fair settlements.I want to emphasize that my motivation for becoming a vehicle appraiser was not driven by financial gain but by a genuine desire to help people secure fair settlements. It's important to me that each client receives the attention and expertise needed to navigate these complex situations effectively.Thank you again for placing your trust in me. Your recognition of the effort and ethics behind my work is truly appreciated. Please remember, I'm here if you or your son need any further assistance in the future. thank you again, Ken
Tracey Jeffries
Tracey Jeffries
I worked with Ken and he persevered and got me a fair value. 8,000 more than what the insurance offered initially. I highly recommend them.
Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I'm delighted to hear that you were satisfied with the outcome of your case. Securing an additional $8,000 over the initial insurance offer is a significant achievement, and it was my pleasure to work diligently on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.Your recommendation means a great deal to me. It reinforces my commitment to perseverance and fairness in all my appraisals. In the current market, especially with the challenges we face in Oregon, achieving such results requires a thorough understanding and a determined approach, and I'm glad we could navigate this successfully together.Remember, my door is always open for any further assistance you might need in the future. I'm here to help, whether it's for a new case or simply to offer advice. Kind regards, Ken
l. lao
l. lao
Ken is peasant to work and effectively negotiated a better pricing, he definitely a top performer.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with Leverage Auto Appraisals.It was truly a pleasure working alongside you, especially in helping you receive a more accurate and deserving value for your 2013 BMW X1 sDrive 28i. Such unique vehicles demand a keen understanding and appreciation of their worth, and I'm glad we could ensure you got a fair deal.Your acknowledgment serves as a testament to the dedication we have in serving our clients to the best of our ability. If you ever need any further assistance or guidance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out.Warm regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals
WA prop
WA prop
Ken just helped me close the negotiations with insurance company. He was very dedicated and knowledgeable. He shared with me on each step of the progress and was very responsive. He helped me recover ~15% more than what the insurance company valued my loss. Great job, Ken.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Leverage Auto Appraisals and myself. It's always a priority for me to keep clients well-informed at each step, ensuring transparency and building trust.I'm glad to have been able to assist in getting a more accurate and just valuation for your vehicle. That extra 15% represents not just an increase in numbers, but a testament to ensuring fairness in what can sometimes be a complex negotiation process with insurance companies when dealing with a totaled vehicle.Your acknowledgment is very much appreciated and means a lot, and I'm here to assist if you ever require any further guidance or assistance in the future. Warm regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals
Michael Patrick
Michael Patrick
Mr. Kenny Nix I choose as my independant appraiser after reviewing his background and credentials in the field of appraising vehicles independantly. As I went through this process, I was not sure of all the twists and turns I would be faced with.I have been a law enforcement officer for over 27 years and this was my first experience in having a vehicle I owned that was totalled and challenged the insurance company as to the value of the vehicle. As time went on (3 months), Mr Nix kept me informed of the all information that was needed and how the process was moving forward.Mr. Nix eventually negotiated a deal that increased the offer from $35,000 to $52,000 which is nearly a 50% increase in value ($17,000 more)!Mr. Nix is a firm but fair negotiator that gets the job done! I would highly recommend him as your negotiator to extract the best deal for you possible!Thank you Kenny Nix,Michael Leary
Response from the owner: First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Leverage Auto Appraisals and with me, Ken Nix. I appreciate your kind words and recognition of the efforts I put into every appraisal and negotiation.I genuinely apologize for the length of time it took to finalize the claim on your behalf. A primary factor in the delay was the necessity to reestablish the exact date of loss and the condition of the vehicle at the time of the incident with the opposing appraiser and insurance company. It's crucial to understand that the initial valuation presented was not based on the correct details. Sorting out the facts and ensuring every piece of information was accurate with both the insurance company and their appraiser was paramount, but did unfortunately require additional time.At Leverage Auto Appraisals, I personally oversee every appraisal, negotiation, and audit of opposing appraisals. This hands-on approach is to guarantee that the quality and accuracy of our services meet the high standards I set for myself and for our company. Unlike larger firms, where appraisals and even negotiations may be performed by those less experienced or who might not carry the same dedication to truly proving a vehicle's worth, I ensure that each step in the process adheres to the highest standard. My commitment has always been to prove the value, not merely produce one.Again, I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the process. The aim was to ensure you received the value you deserved for your vehicle, and I'm grateful we could achieve a favorable outcome for you. Michael, your recommendation means the world to me, and it has been an honor to assist a dedicated law enforcement officer like yourself.Wishing you all the best and please feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance in the future.Warm regards,Kenny NixLeverage Auto Appraisals |Total Loss Appraiser
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Leverage Auto Appraisals |Total Loss Appraiser
Excellent
4.9
Based on 99 reviews
Ken is the absolute best. He’s nice to work with and works hard to get you a better payout. These insurance companies are swindlers and he evens the playing field. My car was stolen but he accepted affirm so I was able to pay his fee in installments. Totally worth it because he got me double what the insurance company was offering for my stolen vehicle! Now they also have to reimburse me for the money I spent on Ken’s services as well.If you are wondering if it’ll be worth it, give him a call and he’ll look over your case and tell you if he thinks he can get you more.
Great working with Ken! Very professional and knowledgeable. Did an excellent job explaining the whole process. Can’t recommend him enough.
Our BMW was in an accident and totaled. The insurance carrier did the usual low ball routine and was very uncommunicative. I contacted Ken and was very impressed with his knowledge and expertise regarding the tactics in the insurance industry. This man knows his stuff and I would highly recommend him for any auto insurance claim disagreement.
If you’re at all on the fence, I could not recommend more having Ken and the team at Leverage auto help you get the most out of your total loss.Ken got me over $4,000 more out of my auto claim (140% of what my insurance offered me! Took me from 10k I was offered to 14k my car was actually worth). Plus in Oregon if your settlement increases at all, insurance has to reimburse you for all his costs. So at zero cost to me, I got a huge monetary increase.From start to finish, Ken explained the process to me, kept me updated, pushed my insurance to move much faster than they would have otherwise, and really helped me feel like I was appropriately compensated after a hit and run.Anyone and everyone who experiences a total loss should use his services. I will always go to him in the future if anything like this happens again, and would tell friends and family to do the same.Thanks to everyone at Leverage, and especially Ken!
I was told that Leverage was a good company to contact for a fair appraisal of a totaled vehicle. After speaking with Ken, I knew I had the right guy to advocate for me with the other appraiser hired by the insurance company to keep their payment to me as low as possible.I knew that my truck had intrinsic value, and so did Ken.A Pre-Def '06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Diesel. Those who Know, Know!Well...Wow!!! Ken got me the amount that truck would have brought if I could have sold it.An increase of 61% over what the insurance company had insulted me with in their initial offer.A total increase of $12,800If you need someone who understands what you're dealing with, and will fight to get you what you deserve from an insurance company bent on screwing you.You need Leverage Appraisals and Ken Nix!
Ken took the time to talk me through this unfamiliar process and indicated he felt the initial insurance offer was a low-ball estimate. He was able to find comparable cars and confidently negotiate an increase on my behalf.I was contacted by the insurance's hired appraiser when they were looking for pre-accident condition details on my car and even they mentioned they had been in negotiations with Ken over many cases in the past. His years of experience paid off for me! Thank you.
Ken was wonderful to work with and to have on my side. The insurance company was trying to lowball our totaled vehicle and after reaching out to him he did all the work and got us a substantial amount above what insurance was " willing to pay". He is also a wealth of knowledge and very passionate about his customers.
Ken was super knowledgable and helpful in walking me through my insurance appraisal and helped me get an increase in the insurance offer. I'd use him again in a heartbeat and recommend him to anyone looking for help with insurance appraisals.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words Aaron. I very happy I could put an additional $3,000 in your pocket. Thank you for choosing me as your auto apprasier.Kind regards, Ken
I recommend Ken Nix at Leverage Auto Appraisals without hesitation. He was able to negotiate an additional $2,245 in compensation from my insurance company after I had exhausted all my personal resources/negotiations (+ the insurance company paid my fee to retain him). This was for a totaled 2013 VW Golf in March 2024. I was thrilled with the outcome and it was a hassle-free process. He was a thoroughly professional expert throughout and exceeded my expectations.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much Stormie for the awesome review. I really appreciate you taking the time to do that. That was an insane dispute. It's crazy how these insurance companies can use appraisers from Kansas that have no idea of our market. They give them the Lion's share of their business and they have fear of loss of that business if they don't do what they're told. I made a suggestion to the Insurance Commissioner over 10 years ago that it would be more fair if they required an insurance company to go down a list of local appraisers willing to do appraisals rather than giving a few big companies the lion's share of the business. I feel this may not eliminate the corruption in the industry, but it would curtail it significantly. Thank you so much for choosing me as your auto appraiser. Ken
Where do I begin and how do I thank Ken? Not many know about a person’s right to have an auto appraiser to negotiate a fair price for your vehicle! If you ever need an appraiser, you must get Ken on your side! We were being lowballed, and they didn’t want to really negotiate.I found Ken Nix, his business “Leverage Auto Appraisal” when he says he’s on your side, he truly is!He got me way more than I could have ever expected. Not only that, what I learned from his expertise, was an eye opener! he explains every step in great detail, and breaks it down so it all makes sense.I hope I never have to go through this again, but if we had to. Ken, you’re the man!Thank you, for your patience, understanding and for answering my many questions and walking me through this.OH! The best part my husband was one satisfied and amazed client!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much, Lavaune! I truly appreciate you taking the time to write a review, and I'm thrilled that both you and your husband were pleased with my services. I'm especially grateful that you mentioned my efforts to explain the process in detail. I always strive to ensure that my clients fully understand each step, even though the process can sometimes take time. Negotiating a claim involves many variables such as whether the insurance company picks a local appraiser, an out-of-area one, or even a large, well-connected company can all impact the timeline and outcome.This job certainly isn't stress-free, and my priority is always to make sure my clients are satisfied. If I worked for the insurance companies, I'd probably earn about $250 more per case on average, and I wouldn’t have to worry as much about public opinion, marketing, negotiating, or selling my appraisal services. But the path I’ve chosen, while challenging, I feel is the right one for me. It is fulfilling because I get to help people who are being taken advantage in most cases, and I’m committed to advocating for my clients and ensuring they know their rights and understand the process. Your recognition of these efforts means the world to me. Thank you again! - Ken
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WHY CALL THE BUSINESS LEVERAGE AUTO APPRAISALS?

Our name sorta pays homage to a TV series that ran from 2008 to 2012. It was about a group of unsavory characters that banded together to form a team to help the underdogs. Their tagline was “The rich and powerful take what they want, we steal it back for you. Of course, we don’t steal anything. We do negotiate for average people against companies that are worth up to 700 BIllion Dollars. We feel the little guy should be represented by a well rounded appraiser. The show was actually filmed here in Portland, Oregon. Although, for the first 4 seasons, it was fictionally based in Boston. The “crew” was composed of a Mastermind, Hacker, Thief, Grifter, and Hitter”. Although I’m not a team, I do bring some diverse traits to the table. To get a little taste of the Leverage TV Show, here’s a link to a the Leverage Intro on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsHQjVMtjrA

YOu can also catch both the old Leverage TV series on Prime TV or the new Leverage Redemption series also on Prime TV.

WHO IS KEN NIX

Picture of Ken Nix, who is an Oregon Certified and Licensed Vehicle Appraiser who specializes in Oregon Total Loss Vehicle Disputes.

  • Ken Nix is a local Oregon Certified and Licensed Vehicle appraiser who has been authorized by ODOT to appraise vehicles in Oregon for over 12 years.
  • Ken started in the automotive industry in the 1980s and has sold and appraised tens of thousands of vehicles including late model cars and trucks, Exotics, Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Vintage, Classics, Street Rods, Camper Conversions, and even Japanese right-hand drive vans while working for multiple franchises over 20 years. Ken is the independent appraiser chosen by Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo for independent vehicle assessments.
  • Previously employed by Diversiform and Reynolds and Reynolds. Ken worked for years with local Automotive Dealers to market vehicles. Hundreds of Dealership owners, managers, and staff know and trust him. Ken also worked with Lanphere Enterprises, and many other local dealers to provide digital solutions for automotive marketing.
  • Ken is the founder of Volkswagen Owners Club, My GTI, and Jetta Junkie and was an Administrator for Autoguide.com for over 10 years.
  • Ken’s wife jokes that sometimes she’s married to Liam Neeson because Ken has a very particular set of skills, skills he’s acquired over a very long career.

 

 

Ken Nix's current Oregon Auto Appraisers Certification and License issued by ODOT

  • Ken has actual long term automotive sales, appraisal and negotiation experience. Beware long term businesses with inexperienced vehicle appraisers claiming decades of experience because a relative founded the business. Make sure your automotive appraiser has the real world experience to back up their claims.
  • Ken’s background in training salespeople on Product Knowledge, combined with auto body repair assessment experience and his computer background provides negotiating leverage over opposing appraisers. The ability to spot bad repairs from prior damage on an opposing appraiser’s comparables to discrediting salt state and flood damaged vehicles used by your insurance company’s valuations from CCC One and Mitchell / J.D. Powers to lowball your vehicle.
  • Expert Negotiator. Personally trained one on one by Zig Ziglar, Tom Stuker, and Grant Cordone. Over 45 years experience as a professional negotiator.
  • Ken’s Automotive, Computer Technology, Legal Reseach, and Negotiating background provides a very specific skill set that makes him a nightmare to opposing appraisers.

 

Recent Total Loss Appraisal Clause Claim Settlements

2005 GMC 3500 SLT

  • Insurance Company: Progressive
  • Settlement Increase: $6297.07
  • Percentage Increase: 37%
  • Portland, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $17,202.93
  • Settlement: $23,500.00
  • Client: Cody B.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited

  • Insurance Company: Geico
  • Settlement Increase: $4,320
  • Percentage Increase: 84%
  • Hillsboro, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $5,180.00
  • Settlement: $9,500.00
  • Client: Nathaniel M.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

  • Insurance Company: Progessive
  • Settlement Increase: $7,971
  • Percentage Increase: 77%
  • Portland, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $10,428.68
  • Settlement: $18,400.00
  • Client: Alexandre B.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

2018 Hyundai Elantra

  • Insurance Company: Geico
  • Settlement Increase: $1,714.00
  • Percentage Increase: 12%
  • Portland, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $14,786.00
  • Settlement: $16,500.00
  • Client: Sadie B.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

2014 Jaguar XJ

  • Insurance Company: Allstate
  • Settlement Increase: $4093.00
  • Percentage Increase: 19%
  • Portland, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $5,180.00
  • Settlement: $9,500.00
  • Client: Kenneth P.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

1971 Ford Bronco

  • Insurance Company: USAA
  • Settlement Increase: $8,742.00
  • Percentage Increase: 14%
  • Klamath Falls, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $63,258
  • Settlement: $72,000.00
  • Client: Thomas H.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4

  • Insurance Company: Progressive
  • Settlement Increase: $8,083.00
  • Percentage Increase: 178%
  • Yakima, Washington
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $4,543.00
  • Settlement: $12,626.00
  • Client: Alex, C.
  • Final Cost to client for our services (Washington Does Not have a law that demands reimbursement, but his tax reimbursement increase was approximately $711.30, which was more than the cost of the appraisal): $499.00

2007 Toyota Prius

  • Insurance Company: Progressive
  • Settlement Increase: $5,550.00
  • Percentage Increase: 75%
  • Portland, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $7,449.95
  • Settlement: $13,000.00
  • Client: Grant M.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $0.00

1999 Honda Civic DX

  • Insurance Company: Progressive
  • Settlement Increase: $3,529.09.00
  • Percentage Increase: 180%
  • Vancouver, WA
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $1,970.91
  • Settlement: $5,500
  • Client: Matt S.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $499 (Washington Does not have a law that demands reimbursement like Oregon does. But, the client also received an additional $310.00 in taxes. So his net increase was $3,340.00)

2012 Toyota Prius V Five

  • Insurance Company: State Farm
  • Settlement Increase: $8,044.33
  • Percentage Increase: 63%
  • Vancouver, Washington
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $12,784.00 CCC ONE
  • Settlement: $20,828.33
  • Client: Jeffery H.
  • Final Cost to client for our services (Washington Does Not have a law that guarantees reimbursement, but his tax reimbursement increase was approximately $707.90, which alone was more than the cost of the appraisal): $499.00

1981 Chevrolet C10 Pickup

  • Insurance Company: Progressive
  • Settlement Increase: $7,028.67
  • Percentage Increase: 72%
  • Vancouver, Washington
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $9,800.00 Mitchell – JD Powers Valuation
  • Settlement: $16,828.67
  • Client: Jeffery H.
  • Final Cost to client for our services (Washington Does Not have a law that guarantees reimbursement, but his tax reimbursement increase was approximately $618.52, which alone was more than the cost of the appraisal): $499.00

2001 Ford F250 SD

  • Insurance Company: Progressive
  • Settlement Increase: $9,581.69
  • Percentage Increase: 98%
  • Creswell, Oregon
Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $1,970.91
  • Settlement: $5,500
  • Client: Matt S.
  • Final Cost to client for our services after reimbursement from their insurance company: $499 (Washington Does not have a law that demands reimbursement like Oregon does. But, the client also received an additional $310.00 in taxes. So his net increase was $3,340.00)

How To Video on The Appraisal Clause

Recent Total Loss Claims

Dodge Ram Totaled Total Loss appraisal for insurance dispute with Progressive Insurance company

2005 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT

Settlement Increase: $5,750.00

Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.

  • Insurance Offer: $18,750.00

  • Settlement: $24,500.00

  • Increase of: $5,750.00

Dodge Ram Totaled Total Loss appraisal for insurance dispute with Progressive Insurance company

2020 Ford F-550

Settlement Increase: $25,624.15

Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Truck Appraisal Clause Negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $54,370.85
  • Settlement: $79,995.00
  • Increase of: $25,624.15
Geico Total Loss Dispute insurance fair market value appraisal settlement

2017 Nissan Sentra "Stolen Vehicle"

Settlement Increase: $4,746.00

Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.

  • Insurance Offer: $18,750.00

  • Settlement: $24,500.00

  • Increase of: $5,750.00

ccc one national general appraisal dispute clause total loss

2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew

Settlement Increase: $2,573.00

Details
  • Insurance company: National General Insurance
  • Initial Valuation: CCC One Market Valuation Report
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $40,427.00
  • Settlement: $43,0500.00
  • Increase of: $2,573.00
farmers insurance total loss dispute 2015 mitsubishi lancer evo ccc one evaluation

Mitsubishi EVO

Settlement Increase: $9,417.00

Details
  • Farmers Insurance Total Loss Appraisal clause dispute
  • CCC One Valuation
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $18,833.00
  • Settlement: $28,250.00
  • Increase of: $9,417.00
Geico Total Loss Dispute insurance fair market value appraisal settlement

2020 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD

Settlement Increase: $10,286.00

Details
  • Progressive Insurance Total Loss Dispute
  • Mitchel / J.D. Powers Valuation
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $50,214.00
  • Settlement: $60,500.00
  • Increase of: $10,286.00

LEVERAGE

Auto Appraisals

(503) 420-3001

Location

Portland, OR. 97225

Email

Open Hours

Mon:10am – 5pm
Tue: 10am – 5pm
Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thur: 10am – 5pm
Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: Closed

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