Actual Cash Value Appraisal
ACV appraisals of personal property, artwork, machinery & equipment, cars, boats and more - accepted by major insurance carriers.
Offered by world-class certified appraisers
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Joe Kattan
Anne Hay, ISA AM
Jason Dolph, CAGA
Ashley Innes, ISA AM
Tim Roy, ASA, CEA
Justin Ramirez, ASA, ABV, CFA
Marnie Erkelens, CAGA
Raymond Ghelardi, ASA
Aron Blue
About AppraiseItNow's Actual Cash Value (ACV) Appraisal Services
We provide independent, USPAP-compliant Actual Cash Value appraisals to support insurers, adjusters, brokers, risk professionals, and property owners in determining the depreciated value of assets at the time of loss or evaluation.
Actual Cash Value typically reflects replacement cost less depreciation for age, condition, obsolescence, and remaining useful life. Many assignments can be completed efficiently using documentation, photographs, and market research, while onsite inspections are recommended when complexity or dispute risk is elevated.
Vehicles, Boats & Transportation Assets
Actual Cash Value is most frequently requested for transportation equipment, particularly following damage, total loss, or settlement negotiations.
We regularly appraise:
- Passenger vehicles and light trucks
- Commercial trucks and specialty vehicles
- Recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers
- Boats, yachts, and personal watercraft
- Fleet and multi-unit portfolios
ACV conclusions reflect mileage or hours, condition prior to loss, options and configuration, prior repairs, and comparable market transactions. Where carriers require marine surveys or physical inspections, those must be performed onsite.
Personal Property & Collections
We appraise individual items and collections of tangible personal property commonly evaluated in insurance claims and coverage reviews, including:
- Fine art, decorative art, and collectibles
- Jewelry, watches, and gemstones
- Antiques and furniture
- Household contents and personal effects
- Memorabilia and specialty collections
ACV analysis considers wear, prior use, market desirability, and the realistic resale environment at the effective date of value.
Machinery & Equipment
Our credentialed appraisers provide ACV opinions across a wide range of commercial and industrial assets, often in the context of claims adjustment, loss measurement, or dispute resolution.
Common categories include:
- Industrial and manufacturing equipment
- Construction and heavy equipment
- Medical and laboratory equipment
- Restaurant, hospitality, and foodservice equipment
- Warehouse and material handling assets
Depreciation, maintenance history, functional utility, and market liquidity are key drivers in the analysis.
Business Assets & Inventory
We provide ACV appraisals for business-owned tangible property to help quantify exposure and support claim resolution, including:
- Inventory and stock
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
- Office, retail, and trade equipment
- Multi-location or portfolio assets
These reports are often used by adjusters, forensic accountants, and legal teams.
Assets That May Require Onsite Review
While many ACV assignments can be completed using documentation, some situations warrant physical inspection — particularly where condition, damage, authenticity, or pre-loss functionality is disputed.
If an onsite visit is necessary, we will advise you before engagement.
Built for Claims and Insurance Reliance
Our ACV appraisals are prepared by qualified professionals using recognized valuation methodologies and are structured for reliance by carriers, adjusters, brokers, and legal advisors.
Reports are commonly used for:
- Claim settlement support
- Loss measurement
- Subrogation and dispute resolution
- Coverage analysis
- Litigation support
If you are unsure whether Actual Cash Value is the correct definition or whether your assets can be evaluated remotely, our team can quickly confirm feasibility.
ACV appraisals for commercial and personal clients.
Servicing Commercial & Industrial Businesses
AppraiseItNow serves major businesses and commercial clients, including:
- Insurance carriers
- Insurance agents, brokers, and adjusters
- Industrial companies & Manufacturers
- Manufacturers
- Logistics providers
- Finance teams
- Attorneys & Financial Advisors
- Museums
Servicing Individuals & Households
AppraiseItNow also serves individual consumers with projects large and small. These clients often include:
- High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs)
- Households updating their insurance policies
- Couples going through marital divorce (depending on jurisdiction, FMV might be required instead)
- Households dealing with lost, stolen or damaged items.
- Individuals dealing with insurance or other third-party claims
Actual Cash Value (ACV) Appraisal – Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Actual Cash Value appraisal?
An Actual Cash Value appraisal provides an independent opinion of an asset’s value after accounting for depreciation, age, condition, and obsolescence.
In most insurance contexts, ACV represents the cost to replace the property with a similar item, minus reductions for physical deterioration and market realities at the effective date of value.
When is ACV used instead of Replacement Cost?
ACV is commonly applied when insurance policies settle losses on a depreciated basis or when determining the value of property immediately prior to damage or loss.
It is frequently relied upon in claim negotiations, total loss determinations, and dispute resolution.
What types of assets can be appraised for ACV?
We provide ACV opinions for a wide range of personal and commercial property, including:
- Household contents
- Antiques and collectibles
- Jewelry and watches
- Machinery and equipment
- Inventory and business property
- Vehicles, boats, and transportation equipment
If you are unsure whether your asset qualifies, we can confirm scope before starting.
How is depreciation calculated in an ACV appraisal?
Depreciation is not a flat percentage. Appraisers consider multiple factors, such as age, usage, maintenance, condition prior to loss, functional utility, and market demand.
The goal is to reflect how buyers and sellers in the relevant market would discount the property at the valuation date.
Are vehicles commonly valued using ACV?
Yes. ACV is one of the most frequently requested value definitions for:
- Automobiles
- Motorcycles & custom motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- Specialty vehicles
- Recreational vehicles and trailers
- Boats and personal watercraft
Values typically reflect mileage or hours, configuration, condition, prior damage, and comparable market transactions.
What information will I need to provide?
Most ACV assignments require photographs, descriptions of condition prior to loss, identifying information such as VINs or serial numbers, and any maintenance or purchase records that are available.
If additional documentation is needed, we will outline it during scoping.
Do you also provide appraisals using other value types?
Yes! In addition to ACV, we frequently provide Fair Market Value, Replacement Cost, Orderly Liquidation Value, and Forced Liquidation Value appraisals when the intended use calls for it.
Is an onsite inspection required?
Not always. Many ACV analyses can be completed efficiently using documentation and market data. However, inspections may be recommended when condition, authenticity, or damage severity is disputed.
Are your ACV appraisals USPAP compliant?
When required by the assignment, reports are prepared in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The methodology, scope of work, and definition of value are clearly stated in the report.
Who relies on ACV appraisals?
Our ACV reports are commonly used by insurance carriers, adjusters, attorneys, brokers, and policyholders to support claim decisions, negotiations, and litigation matters.
How long does an ACV appraisal take?
Most reports are completed within several business days after all necessary information has been received. Timing depends on asset complexity and research requirements. Rush service may be available.
How do I begin?
Provide basic information about the asset, the policy or claim context, and any deadlines. Our team will confirm scope, pricing, and documentation requirements so work can begin promptly.