Auto Appraiser

We Specialize in Automotive Insurance Total Loss Appraisals and Negotiation.

 

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

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

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

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

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

Call us now for a free Claim Review: 503.420.3001

What is an Appraisal Clause?

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

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

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

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

A few recent Settlements:

  • Springfield, Oregon.Increase: $17,75752% increase – State Farm – Michael L.  – 2015 Lance Toy Hauler
  • Portland, OregonIncrease: $4,396 70% Increase – Progressive – M. Connly,  Portland, OR. 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5
  • Elmira, OregonIncrease: $2,324.0017% Increase – Progressive – Nick A. 1999 Ford F-350
  • St. Helens, OregonIncrease: $2,360.0028% increase – Travelers – 2011 Toyota RAV4
  • Goldendale, WashingtonIncrease: $2,399.716% increase – State Farm – T. Casey  2016 RAM 2500 Laramie Longhorn
  • Estacada, OregonIncrease: $5,177.02 118% Increase – Progressive – T. Harrington  2002 Subaru WRX
  • Hillsboro, OregonIncrease: $6,590.00 –  34% Increase – USAA – R. McCarthy – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel
  • Portland, OregonIncrease: $10,426.00 –  329% Increase – State Farm – R. Estrada – 1990 Harley Davideson FLHS Electic Glide
  • Hillsboro, OregonIncrease: $6,590.00 –  34% Increase – USAA – R. McCarthy – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel

Watch our Videos to better understand the Appraisal Clause Process

What Clients Are Saying About Leverage Auto Appraisals

Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisers is truly amazing. I was ready to give up in despair dealing with my claims specialist at State Farm, who was undervaluing our 2010 Toyota Highlander (which State Farm totaled after we hit a deer). Ken was a straight shooter, is extremely knowledgeable about the entire convoluted process, and helped every step of the way. Getting the appraisal from Ken was unexpectedly easy and fast (once State Farm assigned their appraiser, which took several weeks). Ken is a a pro and has real integrity! And he saved us over $2000!!!
Leverage Auto Appraisals and Ken Nix come highly recommended. When our pickup was totaled, Progressive insurance initially offered a settlement of $20,000. The vehicle's value was known to be higher, but navigating the insurance process can be difficult.
Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals provided expert assistance. He navigated the insurance process on the our behalf. Though the negotiation with Progressive took about a year, Ken's persistence led to a successful outcome. He negotiated a $26,000 settlement for the totaled truck, significantly higher than the original offer. I believe the key for us, in the negotiations, was to have patients and give Ken the space operate.
Ken was knowledgeable and communicative. If facing a total loss claim and believing the insurance company's offer is too low, consider contacting Ken at Leverage Auto Appraisals.
Faced with a total loss from USAA for hail damage they have been trying to undercut me on everything from my vehicles worth to the repairs that would be needed. For those reading this and are suffering from the Insurance companies abuse of power you aren't alone. Mr. Nix, who has been working my case fought and awarded me with 2k extra in my cars evaluation.
While not only fighting for me as a client he is very informative and knowledgeable on all kinds of cases. He has helped me understand the situation and going beyond what is required to help make sure things get settled properly. Even with my appraisal being settled he is further helping me fight USAA to do the right thing, for this I am truly grateful to hear a voice that cares.
11/10
Very happy to join Ken’s list of success stories and satisfied customers here 😁. When our family’s 2019 Mazda CX-9 was hit and totaled, USAA’s appraisal came in well below the cost to replace it.
I tried to prove our case to the insurance company, but they put up more obstacles and excuses, claiming our comps were too old, then they were too new, then they were not the exact same trim, etc. Having been a member in good standing for over 30 years, this was both disappointing and costly process for our family.
Ken got to work immediately and provided very clear insight on the process and his experience. Within one month, USAA sent us a check for an additional $5,500 to make up the difference for the revised and substantiated appraisal. Thank you Ken!
Ken was great! Helped us get more value for our car & was wonderful to work with. We highly recommend him!
Hello everyone, hope you come out as good as we did. My daughter and I totaled out my truck, and hurt my trailer and early bronco pretty bad. Insurance took care of the bronco fair so far. But my 2005 Dodge Cummings 2500 with a six speed manual didn’t fair so well. My truck saved our lives by giving its own body in trade. I bought this truck new and it was still a well taken care of truck with a handfull of dents. Still had the original windshield in it. Well insurance didn’t see it like that. Trucks cost $70k to over $100k now a days and they think my truck was worth $12k. After arguing with a guy from State Farm about the unfair practices they use I was able to get them to finally sell me my truck back, which he said they couldn’t do. Plus give me $11k. This was still way below what these trucks sell for used. I called Ken and he said he would look into it. By the next morning he called me and said he found three trucks on the market worth around $27k. So I hired him and he started doing his thing. Now everyone wants upfront service with a smile. Ken did exactly that for us. It took 6 months to deal with State Farm at their pace. He stayed with them every step of the way. I ended up getting $22k for my truck after it was all said and done. It went from $16k to $22k. The best part is the insurance has to pay his fee for him being right on the price. This took some time so it’s not fun or easy, paying insurance on a truck that they owe you on it frustrating also. So give Ken a call and be patient. He can only work as fast as the insurance will go, which is snail speed. I don’t really know what I would have done without him, I would of ate $6k just to be done with the insurance company. I’m glad I called him, he’s always a pleasure to talk to and a super easy guy to approach. Thanks Ken!
Ken delivered as advertised and I can confidently recommend him. He was able to get us 5k over the insurance offer. I plan to use him again.
Ken Nix does an awesome job, great communication, great guy. He has negotiated with insurance values on two vehicles for me now. Wouldn't go to anyone else. He got me 4-5k more both times, dont let insurance lowball your cars value. Reminder: Oregon law requires insurance to reimburse your costs for an appraisal for just a penny in raised value and he will get it for you, so don't hesitate.
Ken was amazing from start to finish. Communicative, helpful...like we had a friend in our back pocket working for us. Going through an insurance claim is never easy, but Ken always made us feel like we would be OK, even when the insurance guys seemed to want to take advantage. When all was said and done, he got us an ADDITIONAL $50K in total value, which was HUGE for us! Would highly recommend.
Ken was amazing and got my husband and I $2,000 more than State Farm initially offered us for our 2015 Honda Civic. It really made the difference in shopping for another vehicle. Thank you 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 14 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 knows he market, and how to discredit your insurance company’s comparable vehicles by identifying bad repairs, title issues, previous damage, bad paint, rust from being from a salt state, and more.
  • Ken has the tools available to see previous vehicle listings, prior damage, and market flucuations that would not be economically cost effective for a single claimant to use.

 

 

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

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

 

How To Video on The Appraisal Clause

Recent Total Loss Claims

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

2005 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT

Settlement Increase: $5,750.00

Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.

  • Insurance Offer: $18,750.00

  • Settlement: $24,500.00

  • Increase of: $5,750.00

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

2020 Ford F-550

Settlement Increase: $14,405.00

Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Truck Appraisal Clause Negotiation.
  • Insurance Offer: $10,954.00
  • Settlement: $15,700.00
  • Increase of: $4,746.00
Geico Total Loss Dispute insurance fair market value appraisal settlement

2017 Nissan Sentra "Stolen Vehicle"

Settlement Increase: $4,746.00

Details
  • Total Loss Dispute Appraisal and negotiation.

  • Insurance Offer: $18,750.00

  • Settlement: $24,500.00

  • Increase of: $5,750.00

ccc one national general appraisal dispute clause total loss

2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew

Settlement Increase: $2,573.00

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

Mitsubishi EVO

Settlement Increase: $9,417.00

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

2020 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD

Settlement Increase: $10,286.00

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

LEVERAGE

Auto Appraisals

(503) 420-3001

Location

Portland, OR. 97225

Email

leveragepdx@gmail.com

Open Hours

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