Response from the owner:Thank you, Cesilia! It was a real pleasure helping you through this process. I know out-of-state claims can come with a few extra wrinkles, but I’m glad we could simplify things and get you the clarity you needed. Fast communication and clear next steps are a big part of how we support our clients, so I’m thrilled to hear that made a difference for you.

We are here for Oregon drivers and beyond, whether it is an insurance value dispute or just figuring out what to do next. Don’t hesitate to reach out again if anything else comes up. We are just a phone call away.

Kind regards,
Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you, Aaron! You did all the right things—gathering comps, pushing back, and invoking the appraisal clause when Liberty Mutual started playing games. I’m really glad I could help bring your claim up from their $9,500 lowball to a proper $15,500. That $5,000 difference isn’t just numbers—it’s peace of mind and a real-world win.

And you're absolutely right about Oregon law. Because the final settlement exceeded Liberty’s offer by more than a penny, they had to reimburse you for the full appraisal cost. I’ll never stop reminding folks—when done right, the appraisal clause doesn’t cost the consumer anything in the end. Thank you for putting your trust in me, and I’m grateful for your recommendation.

Kind regards,
Ken

Response from the owner:Mona, thank you so much for the kind review and for putting your trust in me during such a frustrating claim. That original $4,296 offer from USAA was, frankly, ridiculous. I’m proud we pushed back and got you $8,999, even if they were too stingy to throw in that final dollar. I guess leaving you one dollar shy of $9,000 made their day... but it made ours too, because we fought back and won big!

It’s an honor to be your advocate when the insurance company won’t step up. I’m especially grateful you’re already recommending me to family—that's the best compliment I could ask for.

Kind regards,
Ken

Response from the owner:Nathan, you rock. I’m grateful for the kind words and even more grateful for those 7 amazing truck photos you added to your review. Most people don’t think to do that, but it really helps others see the quality of vehicles we’re fighting to get properly valued. Your truck deserved that $6,120 boost and then some!

Thank you again for your trust, your review, and your willingness to refer others my way. That kind of support helps keep the playing field a little more level when insurance companies try to shortchange people. I'm always happy to step in and make things right.

Kind regards,
Ken

Response from the owner:Gabe, thank you so much for the generous review! You were such a pleasure to work with—truly one of the kindest folks I’ve had the chance to help. I appreciate your trust and your words more than you know.

I’m glad we could put my knowledge of the appraisal clause and insurance world to good use and get you the result you deserved. It means a lot that you’d recommend me so highly. You made the process smooth and enjoyable, and I’m always here if you or anyone you know needs help down the road.

Kind regards,
Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you Kepha for the great review! I would like to address one thing I'm seeing from some other company reviews about how their appraiser picks up on the first ring. The majority of my calls go to my live answering service. I don't just sit around all day focusing on selling appraisals. I'm normally working on negotiating claims or conducting research to discredit the opposing appraiser's comps. Not, sitting around focusing on selling appraisals. I've had a lot of people ask why I put so much time and energy into fighting for my clients, and it's simple. I get to be "BATMAN". Protecting people from being taken advantage of. Shame on the insurance companies for using database valuations that are mostly crap in my personal opinion. Using comps with structural damage, branded titles or just claiming they're in "Excellent" shape and the insured's vehicle is AVERAGE "Private Party" at best then taking as much as an additional $2,000 off for condition, against vehicles that have as many as 50,000 more miles???? Of course, the comps are from a database, and have been sold and scrubbed from the internet. So you can't see that $2,000 current damage or the bad paint or improper repair from a collision. Not to mention giving the Lion's share of business to large appraisal companies that then have Hope for gain (getting more business) or fear of loss (losing a million dollar contract). It should be where insurance companies would have to hire a "true" independent auto appraiser. Where all available auto appraisers were put on a list and then selected in sequence instead of giving one company a large amount of business. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks again Kepha!
-Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you, Devin, for your review and recommendation—I truly appreciate it!

Insurance companies often start with a lowball offer, hoping policyholders will accept it without question. In your case, they undervalued your vehicle by about $4,000. While the appraiser they hired out of Texas attempted to minimize the increase using questionable tactics, we still secured an additional $2,000—money that helps bridge the gap to a comparable replacement. Plus, they had to reimburse you 100% for the appraisal.

Unfortunately, I’m seeing more insurance companies hiring appraisers who are more focused on limiting increases than providing fair market valuations. Many of these appraisers are out-of-state and unfamiliar with Oregon’s market, yet they determine values that impact local policyholders. Additionally, I’ve noticed several OUT OF STATE companies claiming to be “FAIR” yet they require policyholders to pay a percentage of the increase before finalizing the award—fees that insurance companies don’t reimburse. These tactics put consumers at a disadvantage. They also claim to have reviews, but are no where to be found online, neither is their actual true contact information. Not to mention, they're not licensed to appraise vehicles in Oregon, but certified by a company out of Texas that isn't certified by any government agency.

I fight against these practices every day to ensure people like you aren’t shortchanged. I’m grateful you trusted me to handle your claim, and I’m glad we achieved a better outcome. If you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for your review!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting Leverage Auto Appraisals! I’m thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience.

We take pride in providing detailed, accurate appraisals and ensuring our clients fully understand the process. Clear communication is a priority because insurance claims can be confusing, and too many companies take advantage of that lack of knowledge. I’m glad we could make the process seamless for you.

If you ever need assistance in the future, whether it’s another appraisal or just advice on dealing with insurance claims, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your recommendation means a lot, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Thanks again!
—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the awesome review! I’m glad we were able to secure a **$6,955 increase** on your **2003 Lexus IS 300** claim with **State Farm**, bringing your total settlement to **$11,900**—a **140.6% increase** over their original lowball offer of **$4,945**.

Rare and unique vehicles are often undervalued because insurers rely on flawed automated systems that fail to recognize their true market worth. I make it a priority to research and present accurate valuations so my clients get what they actually deserve. I'm also happy we were able to reach a fair settlement quickly!

Additionally, per **Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240**, **State Farm was required to reimburse you 100% of our appraisal fee**, meaning you not only secured a significantly higher payout but also had your appraisal costs fully covered.

I truly appreciate your recommendation, and if you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for trusting me with your claim!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you, Daniel! I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

I know how overwhelming a total loss can be, especially when dealing with an insurance company that’s trying to undercut the true value of your vehicle. I’m glad I was able to step in and secure a **$8,800 settlement** on your **State Farm total loss claim** in less than a month. That’s exactly why I do what I do—to make sure people like you aren’t left shortchanged.

Also, per **Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240**, **State Farm was required to reimburse you 100% of the appraisal fee**, meaning you got the full benefit of the increase without any out-of-pocket cost for the appraisal itself.

Enjoy that well-deserved vacation, and if you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for trusting me with your claim!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review! I’m glad I could **significantly increase your settlement** and make the process easy for you. State Farm, like many insurance companies, often undervalues vehicles, but I’m committed to ensuring my clients get what they truly deserve.

Also, per **Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240**, **State Farm was required to reimburse you 100% of the appraisal fee**, so not only did you receive a higher payout, but your appraisal costs were fully covered as well.

I appreciate your kind words and for trusting me with your claim. If you ever need help again, don’t hesitate to reach out!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience! This was definitely a tricky claim, and the negotiation with the opposing appraiser was particularly tough, but I’m glad we were able to secure a **$7,006 increase**—bringing your total settlement from **$47,056.80 to $54,063.00**, a **14% higher appraisal award**.

It’s also important to mention that if you had used the **"FAIR"** company, they would have charged **$300 upfront** for the appraisal and then taken **15% of the increase**—which in your case would have been an additional **$1,050.90**. That means you would have lost **$1,350.90** from your final settlement, and **Progressive would have only been required to reimburse you for the $300 appraisal fee**. The rest would have come straight out of your pocket.

In my personal opinion, I feel this is akin to a **bait-and-switch scam**—they lure people in with a low initial fee, but once they secure an increase, they take a significant percentage of the payout. Meanwhile, they market themselves as a no-risk option, when in reality, clients end up paying far more than they should.

By choosing me, you **kept 100% of the increase**, and **Progressive was required to reimburse you for the full cost of our appraisal** as per **Oregon law OAR 836-080-0240**. That’s how it should be—fair, transparent, and in the best interest of the policyholder.

I appreciate you trusting me to fight for a fair valuation, and I’m glad we could achieve this strong result. If you ever need assistance again, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for your review and for choosing me to handle your claim!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the awesome review! I appreciate the kind words and am glad I could help secure an **$8,395 increase** on your **State Farm total loss claim**.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but I make sure my clients don’t get shortchanged. Thorough research, market knowledge, and persistence are key to getting a fair settlement. I truly appreciate your trust in me to handle your claim and fight for what you deserved.

If you ever need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for your support!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic review! I’m glad I could help you navigate the process and secure a $4,875 increase on your 2006 Honda Element total loss claim with State Farm—raising your settlement from $5,625 to $10,500, an 87% increase!

Your experience is, unfortunately, a common one—insurance companies start with a lowball offer, and even when policyholders push back, they make only minimal adjustments. That’s why having an experienced appraiser on your side makes all the difference.

I truly appreciate your trust and recommendation. If you ever need assistance again or know someone else facing a total loss, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for choosing Leverage Auto Appraisals!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for including the pictures of your truck! I’m really glad we were able to secure a $4,233 increase on your Chevy pickup total loss claim with State Farm—especially after their total loss agent tried to justify an unfair depreciation adjustment on the comps.

You’re absolutely right—vehicle prices, like groceries and gas, have appreciated, not depreciated. Yet, insurance companies often manipulate valuations by applying unnecessary deductions, hoping policyholders will just accept them. By invoking the Appraisal Clause and hiring me, you were able to get the fair value you deserved, and State Farm was required to reimburse you 100% of the appraisal fee, making it a win-win.

I appreciate you trusting Leverage Auto Appraisals to handle your claim, and I hope your next truck serves you well throughout your retirement! If you ever need assistance again, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for the review!

—Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Andy. They've definitely made it hard on me lately. So many of these insurance companies are now hirig out of state large appraisal firms that have million dollar contracts with the insurance companies. So few ethical appraisers we're working with now days. Even after I spend hours researching some of their comps and showing why they shouldn't be used, they just change the comps and manipulate them another way. I've been doing this for nearly 15 years professionally, with over 4,000 total loss claims. Up until 3 months ago, I had only had 27 times that an opposing appraiser came in under the Market value from the insurance company. In the last 3 months, I've had 19. that says something about the way they're handling claims lately. I think it's mostly due to the high losses over the past few years, but with some I think it's just a cash grab. Thank you again for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciate it. I just wanted to add one last thing. According to the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, you can not receive less than the last offer. I've been having a lot of clients tell me their adjusters said that if we came to a determination that the value was less than the last offer, they could actually get less. This is not true. Only in the event there was fraud or something significant such as the mileage was rolled back, etc. could this happen.
Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Chrissy. I truly appreciate your praise. Fortunately most claims do NOT take this long and typically wrap up within a week or two. However the timeline often depends on how long it takes the insurance company to hire an appraiser and it also depends on the opposing appraiser and the effort required to discredit their appraisal while defending my own.

In your case we secured a $5,396 increase from State Farm’s final offer which is a fantastic result. I do believe your Jeep Wrangler was worth more given its lower mileage but being a 2004 with very low miles and in much better condition that 98% of 2004 Jeeps out there made it challenging to build a higher credible valuation with the available comparable vehicles. Many of the comps had higher miles, prior damage, improper repairs, or even current damage while being listed at much lower values. Which makes it harder to quantify or discredit, especially if there is no damage history or visible damage on the opposing appraiser's comps. In comparison someone could purchase a four-year newer Wrangler with about 10,000 more miles for the same value we settled for. That had to be considered in our negotiation.

The extended timeline for your claim reflects my commitment to not settling for less. I will not take the path of least resistance or agree to a lowball offer just to expedite negotiations. If I believe a significant increase is achievable I continue to fight for my clients even if it takes longer.

Recently negotiations have slowed due to the large volume of claims following the hurricanes. Many large appraisal companies hired by insurers are overwhelmed with appraisers handling 75 to 150 assignments per month which is far beyond what allows for quality work. In comparison, I only took on 25 assignments last month which gives me time to actually work each claim to the best of my ability. Many of these appraisers are from out of state and are not licensed or authorized to produce appraisals in Oregon and are using comps from the East Coast, Salt States, etc to lowball valueations.

Over the past 14 years, I have been able to disqualify a large number of out of state appraisers. Unfortunately due to changes in ODOT's rules, since January 2024 it has become nearly impossible to disqualify these appraisers if they are working for an insurance company.

Thank you again for your patience and trust in me. I am so glad we were able to achieve such a strong outcome for your claim.

Response from the owner:Thank you Ron, That was a nice settlement, but a hard claim. I'm really surprised they let us get that much without pushing to go to umpire earlier. Over the past couple of months, anytime we should have a large increase like this, opposing appraisers are trying to push it to Umpire. Which in my personal opinion, is a rigged system. Most of the umpires work for insurance companies. I'm seeing more and more appraisers target the Pacific Northwest from Florida, Utah, Michigan, California, and the funny thing is a lot of them are the same auto appraisers working for insurance companies and I'm negotiating against them. Thank you for selecting me as your auto appraiser Ron. So happy I could help.


Thank you, Ron! That was indeed a nice settlement, though it was a very challenging claim. I’m honestly surprised the opposing appraiser didn’t push for an umpire earlier, especially with an increase this significant. Lately, whenever we’re aiming for a large increase, opposing appraisers are quick to push to go to umpire. A system that, in my personal opinion, often favors insurers, as most umpires have close ties with them.

It’s also interesting to see more appraisers targeting the Pacific Northwest from places like Florida, Utah, Michigan, and California. Many of them are the same opposing appraisers I encounter working for insurance companies in other claims. I appreciate you choosing me as your auto appraiser and taking the time to write a review.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Mario. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope I didn't bore you too much. I try to provide a very transparent conversation so everyone is on the same page. Thank you again for choosing me as your auto appraiser. - Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Skyler. I actually started advocating for consumers back in 2005 when I realized I was justifying everything I did, no matter how bad it was. I didn't want my kids to grow up like that person, so I started helping people on forums first, then started my own forums where I helped people for free. In 2010, I moved to doing this professionally. I'm by no means rich, with the exception of my family and friends, which I could be compared to Elon there. LOL But, I make a nice living and it's a huge bonus to be able to help people along the way, even if I don't get paid. My son sent me a meme today, that was about how all the material things we cherish will either be trash or belong to someone else in 100 years. Family, Friends, Relationships and being your best should be on everyone's top priority. I'm a true believer in Karma, you reap what you sow. 'nuff said. - ('Nuff Said credit to Stan Lee who believed in fighting for the underdog.)

Response from the owner:Don't know if I am the best, but I do my best to work for my clients. Thank you for taking the time to write a review Angel, and for choosing me as your auto appraiser. - Ken

Response from the owner:Thanks for giving me the idea to put together a video to explain the process better to clients. And, thank you again for choosing me as your auto appraiser! - Ken

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

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

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

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! 🙂 - Ken

Also, 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."

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

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

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

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,
Ken

ps. 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..........

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.

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.

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Response from the owner:$4,000 increase is always pretty nice. Thank you so much for the awesome review. I really appreciate it. - ken

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

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

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

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

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals |Total Loss Appraiser

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 Nix
Leverage Auto Appraisals

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Response from the owner:Shelly, I couldn't help but do a little happy dance when I read your review. It makes me happier than a June bug to know that I was able to assist you in securing a 139% increase over Progressive Insurance's last offer on your Toyota 4Runner. Sorry, although I've lived longer in Oregon than Texas, this made me so happy a little Texas just popped right out of me. LOL

Dealing with insurance companies can often be a challenging task, but I make it my priority to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

Thank you sincerely for sharing your appraisal success story. Your trust in me and your positive review are deeply appreciated. It is customers like you that make my job truly fulfilling. -Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you Kent for taking the time to leave us a review. I am thrilled to hear about your positive experience and the successful outcome of our negotiation and appraisal services.

I greatly appreciate your trust in my expertise, and I am delighted to have played a role in securing an additional $3,158 from your insurance company on your behalf. There are so many complexities of the insurance industry and I strive to navigate the process on your behalf. It is incredibly satisfying to know that my efforts have made a tangible impact on your financial recovery.

Response from the owner:I want to personally thank you for taking the time to share your experience and leave us a review. It was a pleasure working with you to dispute your insurance company's evaluation of your total loss vehicle.

I understand how surprised you were by the initial low offer, and I'm glad I could assist you in disputing their valuation. With my years of experience in the auto industry and extensive knowledge of vehicles and modifications, I was able to provide a thorough appraisal and negotiation strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Your converted Honda Element E-Camper with the aftermarket pop-top, required a specialized understanding. By leveraging my expertise and advocating for the true value of your vehicle, we were able to secure an additional $8,000 for you. I'm thrilled that my efforts had such a significant impact on your financial recovery.

At LEVERAGE, we take pride in our ability to navigate the appraisal process and fight for fair compensation for our clients. It's rewarding to know that my knowledge and dedication resulted in a positive outcome for you.

I sincerely appreciate your trust in me as your auto appraiser, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to assist you. Should you ever require our services in the future or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for choosing me as your auto appraiser, and I wish you all the best.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the nice words Tim. I just try to help people get what they should have been getting from the start. State Farm's valuation was definitely lower than it should have been. Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review, I really appreciate you and your business. If you haven't received your reimbursement from State Farm for your appraisal, please reach out and let me know.

Response from the owner:I've hear this same story from so many of their policyholders, it's scary. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. I truly appreciate you and thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser.

Response from the owner:Coming from you, that's high praise. I really appreciate the kind words and value your business and friendship. Thank you for letting me handle your truck's total loss claim.

Response from the owner:I still can't believe they wouldn't give me the additional 23 cents to make it an even $8,500 increase from their offer on your truck. I really appreciate you and thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser for your total loss claim.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such an amazing review, so few people actually take the time to write a good review. It's such a shame to see such a beautiful car destroyed in a total loss. But, I'm so happy I was able to successfully increase the evaluation of your car by that much. It's reviews like yours that motivate me to keep striving to be the best auto appraiser in Oregon. Thanks again for your kind words!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Brian. I'm glad I was able to help!

Response from the owner:Thanks Kawser for taking the time to write us a review. I really appreciate it. Awesome I was able to increase the value $8,754.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the Kind words Jeff. So many insurance companies lowballing their policyholders lately. I so glad I could help.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Jerry, I'm very glad I was able to increase your CCC One offer from Geico by $4,853 on your 1988 Chevrolet truck. Thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser.

Response from the owner:Thank you Yevgeniy for choosing me as your Oregon certified Vehicle Appraiser on your total loss. Jettas and Volkswagens are my forte since I founded Jetta Junkie and Volkswagen Owners club back in 2006. I really appreciate you.

Response from the owner:Thank you for choosing me as your appraiser Alex. Getting $8,083 more than what you were offered on your Neon made me feel good too. Thank you for the recommendation and taking time to write a review.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking time to write a review Grant. I'm happy I was able to increase your last offer $5,550.05 more than Progressive offered you for your Prius.

Response from the owner:I want to express my deepest gratitude for your heartfelt review. I am thrilled that I was able to assist you in fighting your insurance company and achieving a fair settlement for your car.

It is disheartening to hear that your insurance initially offered such a low amount for your vehicle. I'm very happy I was able to get them to agree to an additional $7,000. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review, I know it takes valuable time to do so, especially with such a nice review as you provided. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Ken Nix

Response from the owner:Thank you Dylan, It was a pleasure working with you. I understand the frustration of insurance companies using lowball comparisons with salvage vehicles, especially when your truck was in prime condition. That's where Leverage Auto Appraisals comes in—to ensure that you receive a truly fair market value in your settlement.

I'm glad you let others know that under Oregon law, insurance companies are required to reimburse appraisal fees paid by the customer if they are successful increasing the value. Most people don't know this at all. It's a great relief to know that my services didn't cost you anything and that you received the compensation you deserved.

If you ever need assistance in the future or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to support you and ensure your appraisal needs are met.

Thank you once again for your positive review. Your satisfaction and success in obtaining a fair settlement mean a lot to me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been of service. -ken

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review. I am so pleased to hear that I was able to help you secure a good result with your insurance company. I appreciate you taking the time to commend my work on your total loss dispute and it is truly motivating when clients are happy with the results they get. Thank you again for trusting me with your State Farm case and for recommending me to others.

Response from the owner:Unfortunately, this is a repetitive tale. So many insurance companies are pulling some real weird and questionable ethics/stunts to try to drag out claims. Given that they save literally billions of dollars every year when their policyholders just take their lowball offers. Think of it, $4,000 times 1,000 claims is four million dollars. It's pretty scary to think they can get away with doing this year after year and no one does anything about it. Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I really appreciate that you took the time to write such a nice review.

Response from the owner:I'm thrilled to hear that I was able to help you obtain the true value of your car when your insurance company fell short in their offer after it was stolen and recovered.
Thank you Ben, I understand how frustrating it can be when an insurance company undervalues your vehicle, leaving you unable to replace it adequately. I appreciate your trust in my expertise.

It's actually Oregon law that they have to reimburse the appraisal fee if we increase the settlement even one cent. My goal is always to ensure that my customers receive fair compensation for their vehicles.

If you ever find yourself in need of further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for sharing your experience. Your satisfaction is my utmost priority, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been of service.
Ken

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words Rachel. Very few client will normally leave a review unless they're upset. So, I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to write a review. I really means a lot to us. Thank you again!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much Jason for taking the time to write a review regarding my work on your total loss appraisal and negotiation. I had to go up against one of the hardest opposing appraisers I have to work with, but even he had to agree when I pointed out that Your Mercedes had the Sport Package Plus which included the AMG badging and sport suspension. Thank you again for taking the time to write your review. It is very much appreciated!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words Michael. I apologize for not replying sooner, but I've been extremely busy lately with the insurance companies trying their best to pay the least amount possible on claims. It really means a lot to me that you took your time to let others know about our service. Thank you again, it's very much appreciated!

Response from the owner:"I won't name my insuranceG#!&@", HAHAHA Yep, they've really been stinkers lately. I really appreciate you taking the time to write a few words about your experience. It is very much appreciated!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words Paul. Even though we got $8,000 more, they still should have reimbursed you for your appraisal cost. Let me know if they didn't and I'll get that rectified for you. Thank you for taking the time out of your day and writing a review. It's very much appreciated!

Response from the owner:Thank you Briana for taking the time to write a review. Happy I was able to get you another $3,100 and you received full reimbursement of the appraisal cost. Thank you again, it is very much appreciated!

Response from the owner:Wow thank you for the awesome review.

Response from the owner:Thank you for choosing me as your auto appraiser for your total loss dispute. I truly appreciate you taking the time to write such kind words. Thank you!!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you Jeanette, for taking the time to write a review. Although we did get a significant increase, I really felt that it should have been more. Progressive will normally hire a local Oregon certified auto appraiser. This was not the case here. The opposing appraiser was from Las Vegas, Nevada and is not certified to appraise vehicles in Oregon. I've tried repeatedly to try to prevent these type of auto appraisers, who don't know anything about our market from doing appraisals here as it just isn't fair for them to use an appraiser from a totally different market where the cost of living is 19.3% less than here. I do apologize, as I had Covid during this time, and feel this may have resulted in the claim taking longer than normal. I do apologize for that.

Response from the owner:Thank you Nick for taking the time to post a review. HAHA, $12,800 increase was a "LOT". Thank you so much for choosing me as your auto appraiser for your total loss claim dispute.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to post a review Tami, and also for choosing me as your auto appraiser. Sorry it took me so long to get in here and tell you thank you.

Response from the owner:That was a really nice increase. A $6,500 increase from what they offered you shows that something is definitely wrong with their system. Thank you for all the nice words.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind word Donald. I truly appreciate you taking the time to write a review. I apologize for taking so long to respond to it. For some reason, it was not showing on my responses for reviews through our Google interface. Thank you again. Ken