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Leverage

AUTO APPRAISALS

TOTAL LOSS APPRAISALS

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

NOW SERVING WASHINGTON STATE ALSO!

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: $17,757 – 52% increase – State Farm – Michael L. – 2015 Lance Toy Hauler
Portland, Oregon – Increase: $32,917 – 27% Increase – State Farm – E. Doughtie, Portland, OR. 2022 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Off Grid Van
Rogue River, Oregon – Increase: $13,207 – 18% Increase – Progressive – A. Thakur 2023 Tesla Model X
St. Helens, Oregon – Increase: $2,360 – 28% increase – Travelers – 2011 Toyota RAV4
The Dalles, Oregon – Increase: $11.647 – 50% increase – State Farm – J. Brennan 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo 2500
Estacada, Oregon – Increase: $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, Oregon – Increase: $10,426 – 329% Increase – State Farm – R. Estrada – 1990 Harley Davideson FLHS Electic Glide
Hillsboro, Oregon – Increase: $6,590 – 34% Increase – USAA – R. McCarthy – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel

Watch our Videos to better understand the Appraisal Clause Process

CALL NOW - FOR A FREE TOTAL LOSS CLAIM REVIEW 503-420-3001

What Clients Are Saying About Leverage Auto Appraisals

Excellent

Leverage Auto Appraisals |Total Loss Appraiser

4.9

Based on 84 reviews

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

scotty 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trey Harrington

The insurance company made me out to be crazy or dishonest after i was very upset that they were offering me 3k on a total loss for a heavly modified wrx. Ken was extremely helpful, nice, and efficient. He did exactly what he said he would do in a very timely manner. Brought my 3700 offer all the way up to 9k. 118% increase. And continues to offered his help should I run into any other problems with the insurance company. I can't thank him enough. I highly recommend Ken and leverage Auto Appraisals.

Response from the owner: Trey, thank you for sharing your experience with both me and Leverage Auto Appraisals. Your review highlights the intricacies and challenges that can arise, especially when dealing with unique or heavily modified vehicles such as your WRX.It truly is remarkable that we managed to more than double the value of the Market Report originally provided by Progressive Insurance. Standard valuations can often fall short in recognizing the true worth of vehicles that have undergone significant modifications, and it's always my mission to ensure that such unique attributes are given their due consideration.I'm genuinely delighted to have been able to assist you in ensuring that you were treated fairly and received an accurate valuation for your cherished vehicle. An increase from $3,700 to $9,000 (a remarkable 118% increase) just makes me happy you reached out to me. Thank you for placing your trust in me and Leverage Auto Appraisals. Always remember, you shouldn't feel crazy, dishonest, or guilty for expecting a fair deal. Your passion for your car and your rightful claim is evident, and I’m pleased I could play a part in making that happen.In my opinion, it was sketchy and improper for the insurance company to attempt a renegotiation of the settlement after a signed agreement was in place. Such practices can further strain the trust between claimants and insurers. I am, however, elated that I was able to hold our ground and maintain the original, and rightful, settlement for your vehicle.Your trust in me and in Leverage Auto Appraisals has not been taken lightly. I want you to know that neither your passion for your car nor your rightful claim went unnoticed. I’m truly honored to have played a role in ensuring you received a fair and just valuation.Should you ever encounter any more hurdles with insurance matters in the future, do not hesitate to reach out. My dedication is to stand by our clients, ensuring they are supported and treated fairly every step of the way. Kind regards,Ken NixLeverage Auto Appraisals

Jason Scott

Ken did a great job of explaining to me how and why my truck was worth more then they offered, and he was able to get me $3000 more then they had offered. Although he thought we could have done better I was satisfied with his work and approach. If I ever need these services again I will be giving Ken a call!

Response from the owner: I really think it was worth a little more, but the opposing appraiser had a comp that was close to Newport that I couldn't discredit. Local Oregon truck with no negative history or anything that I could find that was negative about the truck. If it had been in a prior collision, someone did a really good repair job, as usually I can find accident indicators and discredit a low comparable like that. Still a nice increase, but I hate it when I can't get what I really believe the vehicle to be worth. Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to write a review. - Ken

Josh Buchholz

Ken was amazing. He cared and listened, I really enjoyed working with him. He ended up getting me $6,125 more for my vehicle than I was offered by Geico. I learned that if you buy a vehicle with upgrades (lift, rims, tires, exhaust, AMP steps etc etc...) and you do not have receipts then they will not be acknowledged by the insurance company unless you hire and appraiser and fight for them. Another thing I learned, if you personally add upgrades to your vehicle and do not declare the upgrade with your insurance company they may not be covered.Ken was a rock star and is well-known in this field. He was very responsive and talked me through the process. I appreciated that he texted and emailed as well as a chat on the phone! Very trustworthy. I think other appraisers know he knows his stuff, that is why he is so successful. Thank you Ken! I would highly recommend him to assist with a total loss settlement!

Response from the owner: It really sucks that insurance agents don't tell you about caps on aftermarket until after the loss. I get a lot of clients that have lifts, wheels, canopies, camping upfitting, etc. and some lose a lot of money because their agent wasn't transparent with them. I had a client with a Sprinter Van that lost over $250,000 in upfitting because they didn't have the upfitting covered in the policy. They gave him $1,000, which was the aftermarket cap for the $250k upfitting. Someone should be held accountable in my opinion. Guarantee if they made the agents pay out of their own pocket a couple of times, consumers would be a lot better informed. Thank you for taking the time to write such an awesome review. These don't just help me, but it also lets other people know they're not the only ones being screwed over by their insurance company. Thanks again, - Ken

embo

Ken did a fantastic job for me. He got $$$$ more than the insurance company wanted to give and did it quickly. Very good in keeping me informed about the process and where my case stood. Thank you Ken.

Response from the owner: Still think we should have gotten more for this claim too. It's hard dealing with these out of State appraisers. Especially when the come from areas where the cost of living is 35% than ours. Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice review. It is very much appreciated. - Ken

J Mier

Ken was an absolute God send in a tough situation. He spent time explaining all the process and provided details regarding our damaged vehicle.He is an honest, easy to talk to, person!We would absolutely highly recommend Leverage for any appraisal need! Topnotch!!

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the kind words. They are much appreciated. Happy to help you get another $4,000 out of State Farm for you. Can't believe how the CCC One valuation took off $1,914.00 on your F150 for condition when it shouldn't have. Even then, they low balled you even more. These billion dollar insurance and valuation companies are sneaky sneaky. Most people never catch it because the way their report is formatted most people think it's giving them credit, instead of taking it away. Especially in your report where the took the $1914 off you truck compared to their comparable truck with over 17,000 more miles. I don't understand why the insurance commission allows them to do this. The biggest problem is most people don't even know about the appraisal clause option in their policy. They just try to negotiate best the can, and finally give up. Most people are involved in a total loss only once or twice in their lifetime if they're lucky. Insurance reps do this every day and they know every way possible to gain the advantage. Thank you again for taking the time to write a review. - ken

Cole Webster

In January of 2023, I was headed to work when I came across a section of black ice, which caused me to fish tail and roll my 2007 Toyota Tacoma. My truck was in pristine condition before the accident, so I was optimistic that my insurance company would pay what it was worth... WRONG.After months of fighting with my insurance and going nowhere if not backwards, I felt like my back was against a wall. State Farm claims adjusters were beyond nasty to deal with and actually lowered their valuation offer after I refused their first offer.I thought I was pretty knowledgeable, so I typed up a 40+ page discrepancy review/ counter offer after I had received the CCC One valuation report, (What State Farm uses to devalue your totaled vehicle). State Farm refused to acknowledge anything I called out in my report. I was deflated and felt like nothing that I was doing was working.I was honestly close to giving up, and just taking State Farms offer. Then while looking online at options, I found out about the Appraisal clause. Upon further searching I came across Leverage Auto Appraisals. I went to their website, and requested a free valuation of my claim. Within minutes my phone was ringing... I screened the call thinking that I just signed up for a scam. Ken left me a voicemail, which I was hesitant to return (still thinking it was a scam).When I finally got around to getting back to Ken on the Phone we must have talked for hours. Ken explained the whole process, was super personable, friendly, and knowledgeable. (I'm sorry Ken) All of this seemed too good to be true. I truly thought this was a scam until I got a call from State Farm, and they explained that the appraisal brought the value up THOUSANDS of dollars from their original offer.If you find yourself in a similar situation, give Ken a call. I cannot recommend this man enough. Ken... Thank you for your hard work, and for being such a stand up dude. I can't imagine where I would be if I didn't have you in my corner representing me against State Farm. Thank you.-Cole

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to write a review for us Cole. It was a pleasure working with you. That's the biggest problem. Your insurance representative should be still providing basic information about the process, but they don't. You deal with a total loss hopefully never, but usually not more than once or twice in your lifetime. They do it every day. So, they know the ins and outs to pay you the least they can for your vehicle. No matter how nice they may seem, their job is to pay you the least amount possible. Thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser, I really appreciate it.

Fergy Fergy

I had an appraisal done by leverage Auto, my Appraiser's name was Ken, I've been around seven decades down I've seen and heard a lot of things but I was happy and thrilled with the results I received from Ken. I strongly suggest use this service. For me it was the best. Thanks Ken

Response from the owner: Thank you Tall, Dark and Handsome for the kind words. HA HA. You were a blast to work with. Please feel free to call me anytime just to talk. You're the best client ever. You kept me laughing so much it was just a lot of fun working with you. -Ken

Justin Peterson

Ken was very knowledgeable in what he does and really helped me out.

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your positive feedback on Google. I'm delighted to hear that I was able to assist you effectively and provide the help you needed. As an auto appraiser, knowledge and expertise in my field are key to delivering high-quality service, and I'm glad that it made a difference in your experience.

Lynn Wells

Ken helped me fight my own insurance company on the value of my totaled truck. Insurance was trying to low ball me with unfair vehicle comps and Ken was able to get a real practical vehicle value. It took some time but it was worth it for the increase in vehicle payout.

Response from the owner: Thank you Lynn, for taking the time to leave such a positive review on Google. I'm thrilled to hear that I was able to assist you in fighting your insurance company and achieving a fair value for your totaled truck.I understand the challenges that policyholders can face when dealing with insurance companies. It is unfortunate that some insurers may attempt to undervalue or provide unfair vehicle comparisons during the claims process. Especially trying to pay you $6,000 less than what we settled the claim for. However, I am glad that I could step in and help you navigate through this situation effectively.I appreciate your patience throughout the process, as obtaining a fair and practical vehicle value can sometimes take time. It's important to be thorough and meticulous when assessing the worth of your vehicle, ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into consideration. I'm glad that we were able to achieve a positive outcome that reflected the true value of your truck.If you have any further questions or require additional assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to help and provide you with the best possible service.Thank you once again for choosing Leverage Auto Appraisals, and for placing your trust in me to represent your interests. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you and I wish you all the best moving forward. - Ken

Adrian Stub

The Insurance Company forced me into an appraisal due to a low insurance offer. Ken did a great job getting a fair value. Due to Ken, we received around 33% more than the insurance companies final payout offer. The cost of the appraisal was well worth the return.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review Adrian. FYI, it was actually, it was a 63% increase, which was $8,300 more than their last offer. I really appreciate you selecting me as your auto appraiser. Although you didn't get a reimbursement since your policy wasn't in Oregon, you still got an additional $700 in tax, which more than covered the appraisal costs. 🙂 Thanks again, Ken

Marci Hare

I initially chose Leverage Auto Appraisals because of their Google reviews. I’m SO GLAD I made the RIGHT CHOICE!! Ken is very professional and very personable. He has decades of experience and is very good at what he does. We are getting a check for thousands more than the insurance company tried to pay us. Go with Ken. You won’t regret this decision!

Response from the owner: Marci, thank you for sharing your review on Google. I'm so happy to hear that I was able to assist you in obtaining a significant increase over the offer provided by State Farm for your totaled Toyota Avalon. Ensuring that our customers receive fair and just compensation is a priority for us, and I'm glad that I could help you achieve a better outcome.When it comes to negotiating with insurance companies, it's crucial to have a thorough understanding of the appraisal process and the factors that contribute to a vehicle's value. I'm pleased that my expertise and knowledge helped you secure a 42% increase over their offer. Your satisfaction and receiving the compensation you deserve are of utmost importance to me.If you have any further questions or require assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to provide ongoing support and ensure your needs are met.Thank you for entrusting me with your appraisal needs and for sharing your positive experience. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been of service. - Ken

Lama Basha

Ken is awesome! He helped me get $3,500 extra after Geico wanted to offer me way less than what my car is actually worth. I reached out to Ken and he explained the process. He was right about everything. Ken is very experienced and a pleasure to do business with. I recommend everyone to check the settlement amount with Ken before agreeing to receive it.Thanks Mr.Ken Nix for all your help!

Response from the owner: I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your auto appraiser, Lama. Once I reviewed the CCC ONE value, it became evident that it was grossly inaccurate. In particular, the third comparable they used had over 50,000 more miles than your car, which is more than double, yet they deducted $1,423 from your car's value for its condition. This logic is perplexing to me. How could a vehicle with over 50,000 more miles be in better condition and warrant a higher value? I see this consistently with some of these valuations. Thank you again! I appreciate you taking the time to write a review. -Ken

Taal Levi

Ken got us a very fair and rapid increase in the payout from the insurance company. Highly recommended!

Response from the owner: Thank you Taal for choosing me as your auto appraiser for your total loss claim. Here's another example where the CCC ONE took $2,372 off on the value of your Toyota Sienna for condition against another Sienna that had over 20,000 more miles. What kind of math is that??? I see a lot of these from State Farm, unfortunately. It makes me wonder just how much are insurance companies saving when policyholders just accept their lowball offers. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It is very much appreciated. - Ken

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 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)