How do appraisers confirm previous repairs on a vehicle?

Appraisers confirm previous repairs on a vehicle primarily by reviewing the vehicle’s history report and service documentation. This method provides a comprehensive record of past repairs, maintenance, and any accidents the vehicle may have been involved in. The history report typically includes details such as whether the vehicle has been in any reported collisions, the extent of any damage, and the type of repairs that were performed. Service documentation, which may include receipts and work orders from repair shops, can give further insight into specific repairs, the quality of parts used, and whether the work was performed properly.

This method is preferred because it is reliable and based on verifiable information, allowing appraisers to develop an accurate understanding of the vehicle's condition and prior repairs. Other methods, such as inspecting the vehicle without documentation or consulting with previous owners, would not provide a complete and objective picture of the vehicle's repair history. While estimating costs based on similar vehicles may offer some comparative insights, it does not confirm actual repairs that have been conducted on the specific vehicle in question.