The St Lucie Appraisal Company

01/16/2026

🚨 Total Loss Victory: How a $10k+ Appraisal Clause Win Unfolded

Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Convertible (105,864 miles)
Insurer: State Farm
Valuation Stage Amount Difference
State Farm’s Offer $10,407.50 —
Independent Appraisal $21,411.45 +$11,003.95
Final Settlement $21,411.00 +$11,003.50

🔧 How It Worked

Dispute: Owner rejected State Farm’s offer and hired St. Lucie Appraisal Company ($275).
Appraisal Clause Invoked: State Farm appointed Ron Bartlett (Appraisal Express).
Resolution: Appraisers negotiated directly—no umpire needed.

💰 ROI Breakdown
Costs Amount
Appraisal Fee $275
Clause Representation $275
Total Investment $550
Net Gain $10,453.50
🔑 Key Takeaways

✅ Appraisal Clause Works: Resolved 1:1 between appraisers in 97%+ cases (industry data).
✅ Worth the Fight: ROI exceeded 19x here ($10k gain vs. $550 cost).
⚠️ Not Always Viable: Best for gaps >$2k after weighing costs.
⚖️ Your Right, Not a Favor: Insurers must participate if policy includes the clause.
📝 The Appraisal Process Simplified

YOU hire appraiser → INSURER hires appraiser
Appraisers exchange evidence (comps, photos, repair estimates)
✔️ 90-97% settle here
Umpire (costs split) only if deadlocked

Explore this post and more from the totallossdisputes community

12/23/2025

It pays to hire in independent appraisal company for your auto Auto Diminished Value claim.

12/13/2025

TOTAL LOSS DISPUTE WITH GEICO INSURANCE
2013 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD SUV 68,425 Miles
DATE RECEIVED 1/25/25
DATE OF LOSS 12/29/24

GEICO INSURANCE CCC OFFER: $16,970.96
ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL VALUATION $19,531.83
SETTLEMENT AWARD $18,750.00

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12/13/2025

TOTAL LOSS DISPUTE WITH ALLSTATE INSURANCE

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata GT Convertible 44,587 Miles 4Cyl 2.0L

DATE RECEIVED 1/24/25
DATE OF LOSS 10/9/24
VIN JM1NC2PF0F0######

ALLSTATE INSURANCE CCC OFFER: $14,048.00
ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL VALUATION $21,512.00
SETTLED: AWARD $19,350.00

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12/12/2025

TOTAL LOSS DISPUTE WITH AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

2013 Range Rover Sport HSE Luxury 4WD SUV 105,568 Miles
8 Cylinder 5.0L

Re-manufactured Engine, Fuel Injectors, Front & Rear Dash Cameras, R plate Pro Premium Early Adopter Bundle, Side Window Deflectors, Side Steps, Sport Pedal Covers, Bright Mirror Covers, Sports Exhaust Finisher, Rubber Cargo Mat, Rubber Mat Set, Custom Wheels

DATE RECEIVED 1/4/25
DATE OF LOSS 11/25/24
VIN SALSK2D47DA######

AMERICAN FAMILY CCC OFFER: $15,405.00
ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL VALUATION $24,072.00
SETTLED: AWARD $20,000.00

06/18/2025

This is what our clients have to say.

Stacy B (Florida) – Thank you very much. I wanted to make sure you knew how happy I am for these appraisals. So all I can say is after almost three years dealing with this divorce, my mother will be more than very happy to receive the reports. Thank you for your service.

Peter D (Florida) – Thank you very much for your extra effort. Geico increased their diminished value offer up to $3,115 and I will be accepting that offer. You’re a great example of there still being good people in this world.

Tania M (California) –Hi Franklin, I wanted to share the great news—I won my small claims case in full, and I just received the check from Progressive Insurance Company today for $6,460.00! I can’t thank you enough for your support, expertise, and guidance throughout this entire process. Your detailed diminished value report and your willingness to take the time to walk me through each step were absolutely invaluable. I felt so much more confident going into the hearing because of your insights and encouragement. This has been quite a journey for me, and having you in my corner made all the difference. I truly appreciate not just the professional help, but the genuine care and patience you showed along the way. The outcome was absolutely worth it, and I’m so grateful for everything you did to help make that happen. With sincere thanks, Tania

Jachelle P (California) –I just accessed the letter with their initial offer, just wanted to get your advice. Geico is offering $4000 for my diminished value. You appraised at $5475. Would you recommend accepting this offer or submitting my appraisal in hopes of obtaining more?

Rachit M (Washington) –Progressive originally offered $2,024.87, for diminished value vs. your DV appraisal of $4,875.00. After our conference call with Progressive’s supervisor we settled for $4,000.00.

Linda C (The Villages, Florida) –I never heard of a company that would help you with auto diminished value until Dec 2024. With a referral at the body shop I used to fix my car I contacted Franklin @ St Lucie Appraisal Co. to see if he could help. He was quick to answer my questions, knowledgeable, & timely getting the necessary paperwork work to state my claim. If it wasn’t for Franklin I would have loss the value of my car when I traded. I’m ahead because of this company.

Adwait S (New Jersey) –Hi Franklin, I wanted to sincerely thank you for your report and for your continued guidance throughout this process. You’ve been a great help in navigating this claim, and I truly appreciate your expertise.
After several rounds of offers, I decided to accept $5,400 to settle, though I must say that New Jersey Manufacturers’ repeated offers and their inconsistent, often ridiculous calculations were frustrating. I’m doing this to conclude the matter quickly and move on. Thanks again for all your help and support!

OVB81 (California) –A model 3 rear ended my model s, they had Tesla insurance. I finally got a settlement today. It was a journey.
Tips:
If Tesla Insurance does not respond to a DV request and ignores your emails, file a complaint with your state insurance office. That did the trick, finally got a response.
Tesla will low ball you, and they use DEKRA for their appraisal report. But they will negotiate at least.
After extensive research I used St Lucia, I liked their appraisal methodology the best. You’ll be working with Franklin the owner.
Franklin was actually willing to be on the phone with Tesla Insurance and me for 30 min while we negotiated. That was priceless.
In the end we met a little under halfway. I could have litigated and probably won, I just didn’t have the fight in me because total amount would not be worth my time. If it was in the 10k plus region though I would have litigated.
I’m being a bit vague with details as we just settled today and I’m waiting to get the check hopefully next week.

Bradley S (Florida) –The insurance company is agreeing to your diminished value figure $2,899.20, but not paying your fee ($275.00) which I am personally fine with. I see no reason to haggle with them over that. I appreciate your handling of this and glad our son sent us your way. I will recommend your services for those around me.

Kevin M (New Jersey) –I highly recommend everyone use the services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company! Their services are reliable and widely accepted in legal jurisdictions.

Lisa S (Florida) –Franklin Colletta helped me to get more money for my car!! Great job representing me as GEICO tried to underpay me for my totaled car! This was my first time dealing with insurance companies about car value and I was not equipped to deal with them. I let the St. Lucie Appraisal Co. do the hard work.

John R (Arizona) –Franklin’s report resulted in us getting $25k for diminished value in mediation when the insurance company refused to properly compensate, offering only $6k and telling me to sue the “bad neighbor” known as State Farm.

Jerry M (Florida) –Frank is a professional and helps you through the entire process from the time you submit your request for a DV report, til you get a payment from the insurance company. Highly recommend.

Jeffrey D (Florida) –Good morning Franklin, Yesterday, I received a check from North American Risk Services (NARS), settling my diminished value claim. It took an extended period of time, but in the end, I received the full amount ($14,400.00) of your appraisal.

As you may recall, NARS was totally unresponsive to my claim for an extended period of time. I want to thank you for your suggestion that I contact the president of the at-fault-driver’s insurance company. I did send a letter to David Clare, President and CEO of Trisura. I tracked the letter to his office in Canada and I was contacted by a Trisura representative the day after Mr. Clare received my letter. The Trisura folks had NARS respond. The initial NARS offer to settle my claim was slightly less than half of the appraisal you provided me. I didn’t accept it and pondered legal action while trying to continue to engage NARS in a negotiation.

After NARS became unresponsive to my emails again, I went back to the Trisura representatives and shared the entire story of my experience with NARS. They contacted NARS and had my claim settled for the full amount I originally requested. Persistence paid off! Thank you for all of your help!

Joe O (Indiana) –Hi Franklin, Just as follow up, State Farm has decided to issue a check for the full amount of your diminished value appraisal for my Toyota Highlander, $6,040.00. Thank you very much for all your help in this matter! Best regards, Joe

Raijean J (Florida) –Settled for $1873.75 diminished value with AAA Insurance. TY I left a referral.

John C (Delaware) –Frank, I thought I’d let you know that I agreed to settle for $15,300 (15%) in DV with Liberty Mutual which was the lowest amount quoted by three of your six dealers. I also got $1,400 in loss of use and of course the $$$ to repair the car. Not sure if you knew but I had filed a claim in court against them and that got things moving along. Not sure they would have been as agreeable without the court date being a month away. I’m happy. Thanks so much for your help on this.

Nate B (California) –Hi Franklin Just closing the loop here. I ended up settling with Allstate today for $30,000. That amount covers my out-of-pocket damages (primarily Tesla rental for 8 months it was in the shop) of $11,773.94 and then the remainder, $18,226.06 is for the DV claim. Thanks for your help! Cheers, /nate

02/02/2025

HAS THE MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT SHOT ITSELF IN THE FOOT?

MA consumers whose cars were wrecked by an at-fault party must now burden the court system to obtain judgements to collect for their vehicle’s diminished value.

01/04/2025

Subject: Request for Update of Service Locations Information

Dear Facebook Development Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share updated service location information for The St. Lucie Appraisal Company to ensure that the details in your system are accurate.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company specializes in automobile, personal property, and diminished value appraisals. Established in 1981, the company has been serving clients nationwide for over four decades, offering appraisal services across all 50 states. For inquiries, you can contact us at (772) 359-4300 or via email at [email protected]. Our official website is https://stlucieappraisal.net.

Updated Service Locations:
1. 1717 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce, Florida 34954, US | (772) 359-4300
2. 4114 North 28th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, US | (772) 359-4300
3. 4722 SE 17th Avenue, Coral City, Florida 33904, US | (772) 359-4300
4. 235 Pharr Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, US | (772) 359-4300
5. 343 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604, US | (772) 359-4300
6. 456 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, US | (772) 359-4300
7. 405 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, US | (772) 359-4300
8. 1010 N. Ridge Road, Wichita, Kansas 67212, US | (772) 359-4300
9. 657 South 3rd Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, US | (772) 359-4300
10. 701 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113, US | (772) 359-4300
11. 511 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 70113, US | (772) 359-4300
12. 1623 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, US | (772) 359-4300
13. 110 West Grant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403, US | (772) 359-4300
14. 127 South Roach Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201, US | (772) 359-4300
15. 628 South Main Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801, US | (772) 359-4300
16. 3875 Cambridge Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, US | (772) 359-4300
17. 66 West 38th Street, New York, New York 10018, US | (772) 359-4300
18. 6801 Los Volcanes Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87121, US | (772) 359-4300
19. 215 N. Pine Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, US | (772) 359-4300
20. 6730 Roosevelt Avenue, Middletown, Ohio 45005, US | (772) 359-4300
21. 320 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, US | (772) 359-4300
22. 101 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, US | (772) 359-4300
23. 100 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, US | (772) 359-4300
24. 534 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204, US | (772) 359-4300
25. 4000 S. Faber Place Drive, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405, US | (772) 359-4300
26. 95 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37205, US | (772) 359-4300
27. 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, US | (772) 359-4300
28. 33 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456, US | (772) 359-4300
29. 444 NE Ravens Blvd., Seattle, Washington 98115, US | (772) 359-4300
30. 100 Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94111, US | (772) 359-4300
31. 750 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, California 90017, US | (772) 359-4300
32. 1555 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, US | (772) 359-4300
33. 136 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, US | (772) 359-4300
34. 999 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, US | (772) 359-4300
35. 130 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, US | (772) 359-4300
36. 211 Trumbull Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, US | (772) 359-4300

I would greatly appreciate it if these updates could be reflected in your records. Please let me know if you need any additional information or clarification.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,
Franklin Colletta

12/24/2024

Hyundai Diminished Value Claim in Stuart, Florida
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Hyundai Sonata Limited with 38,645 miles that was involved in a Rear End Collision that caused $3,646.25 in damage. The car was disabled/towed and had structural damage but no air bag deployment.The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Hyundai dealerships in Florida – You will lose 25%+ give or take an this type of car with structural damage. Also with frame damage listed the dealer would have to sell the car for much less to appeal to potential buyers and also since the car had structural damage, the integrity of the car has been compromised which scares off most buyers.The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

diminished value Stuart, FloridaDealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, color, options, any other pertinent equipment, date of loss as well as the nature of the repaired damages and the manner in which the vehicle was repaired. Dealer opinions are based on personal knowledge and access to auction results. Dealers were advised that this vehicle was properly repaired.

We contacted several Hyundai dealers in Florida in order to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV.) Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.
FLORIDA ADJUSTERS LICENSE
FLORIDA LICENSED
INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Rear including damage to structural components. Repair cost $7,441.75 LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 29.17%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $12,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $3,646.25.

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Hyundai Sonata Limited with 38,645…

12/24/2024

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company offers automobile, personal property, and diminished value appraisal services across all 50 states. Their main office is located at 1717 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce, Florida 34954. They also have service locations in various cities, including Phoenix, Arizona; Coral City, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Des Moines, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Birmingham, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jackson, Mississippi; Joplin, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York, New York; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Charlotte, North Carolina; Middletown, Ohio; Little Rock, Arkansas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; North Charleston, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California; Denver, Colorado; Boston, Massachusetts; Newark, New Jersey; Providence, Rhode Island; and Hartford, Connecticut. For more info for an appraisal, you can contact them at (772) 359-4300 or via email at [email protected]

12/18/2024

Diminished Value Claim in King County, Washington
This article details the diminished value appraisal of a Mercedes-Benz E550 AWD Sport Sedan with 34,030 miles that was involved in a Left Front collision in King County, Washington that caused $8,115.01 in damage. The vehicle was disabled/towed, had no structural damage and no air bag deployment. The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
We learned from these examples from sales managers at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Washington and Oregon – One dealer said that generally around a 10% loss in value, it’s not going to hurt that bad if it’s mostly cosmetic as opposed to frame damage or anything like that, however it does vary and also depends what the market is doing. Another dealer, after we read off the repair estimate said with that you’re looking at closer to a 20% loss of value.

The unbiased opinions of six professional sales managers at recognized Mercedes-Benz dealerships form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain several of them to validate the diminished value report prepared by AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

The six dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, pre-accident condition, color, options, any other pertinent equipment, date of loss as well as the nature of the repaired damages and the manner in which the vehicle was repaired. Dealer opinions are based on personal knowledge and access to auction results. Dealers were advised that this vehicle was properly repaired.

We contacted several Mercedes-Benz dealers in Washington and Oregon to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Left Front with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $8,115.01. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 16.53%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $25,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $4,132.50

08/03/2024

RESPONSE TO A CLIENT WITH A THIRD-PARTY DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM AGAINST PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE
Hi Bill,
My responses to Progressive’s lowball offer for the inherent diminished value of your car are as follows:
Progressive wrote: "As such, we wanted to understand what your vehicle is actually retailing for, so we ran the CarFax for your specific vehicle."
Retail value has no bearing on your loss which would be felt at the fair market value level if the car was sold privately or the trade-in value level if traded in. These are similar values, however, retail value is what a dealer asks for the car which is unimportant.

Next, J.D. Power or other guidebook comparisons between clean and rough, which Progressive's representatives utilized, are no match for the real-world research that we implemented. We buttressed our opinion by querying six Hyundai dealers in your area who provided their unbiased feedback. Your evidence outweighs anything that the insurer can produce.

With regard to our diminished value appraisal, did the insurance company do a reasonable investigation of the evidence you provided? They can call any Hyundai dealer in the country to learn what we did.

What Progressive failed to mention is that your vehicle had structural damage. That is like poison to a dealer or other prospective buyer - especially in a new car. When looking at your vehicle repair estimate, I felt that structural damage was a real possibility so I called the shop to verify. I spoke with Craig at Nash Park Auto Body who confirmed that they repaired structural damage. I am guessing that Progressive made no such call.

Last, regarding their own appraiser, who they did not name, and his review that contributed to their settlement offer of $5,000.00, where is his report? Was their expert aware of the structural damage? Did he make a call to the shop to talk about it?

Regardless, should you find that litigation is necessary, there is nothing their appraiser nor anyone at Progressive can come up with that would have more probative evidence than our appraisal.
Best wishes,
Franklin Colletta