Second vehicle assessor: when it’s worth it (and when it’s not)

Not all cases require a second expert.

But when the difference is significant, making a difference is possible.

After the DANA storm, we've seen a recurring situation: vehicles quickly compensated by applying GANVAM tables + 20%, without a real analysis of the specific case.

In many cases, this has been sufficient.

In others, it has meant losing thousands of euros.

The key is not to argue for the sake of arguing, but to know when a second expert makes sense… and when it doesn't.

The Current Context: DANA Storm, Volume, and Rapid Appraisals

In extraordinary situations like a DANA storm, insurance or Consortium experts work with very high workloads, thousands of simultaneous cases, and the need to finalize valuations quickly.

In this context, it is common for:

• A standard table to be applied
• A corrective percentage to be added
• The specific case of the vehicle not to be analyzed in depth

This does not imply bad faith. It implies a lack of time to go further.

The problem is that not all vehicles fit into a standard table, as we explained in the article about GANVAM

When IS a second appraiser worthwhile?

In our experience, it's usually worthwhile when:

• The difference exceeds 20–30%
• The vehicle has high mileage and is well-maintained
• It's an exotic or high-end car
• It has relevant extras not listed
• It's converted or adapted into a campervan
• It's a classic vehicle
• The version doesn't fit well into the table
• An incorrect table has been applied
• The total loss was declared automatically

During the DANA storm, we saw perfectly repairable vehicles treated as total losses, with ignored extras or incorrectly identified versions.

That's where a second appraiser doesn't argue, but rather corrects the technical aspects.

When It's Usually Not Worth It

It's not always the solution.

It's usually not worth it when:

• The vehicle is very standard
• The price difference is small
• The cost of the process exceeds the potential increase
• There's no solid technical basis

A good professional also knows when to say:

"It's not worth it here."

The Most Common Mistake by the Insured

The phrase we hear most often is:

"They told me nothing could be done."

Many times it could be done, but no one reviewed the report carefully or checked the valuation table.

Accepting a first offer without analyzing it usually closes doors.

The Role of the Second Appraiser

A second appraiser isn't there to argue. They are there to:

• Review the initial report
• Detect omissions
• Correct errors in the valuation table
• Justify the actual value
• Coordinate several appraisers if necessary

Is It Worth It?

It depends on the difference, the vehicle, and the initial report. When the difference is significant, yes. When it isn't, forcing it doesn't make sense.

If your vehicle was valued using a standard table and you have doubts about whether it reflects its true value, we can review your case and clearly tell you if it's worth taking further action.