Western Appraisers of Central California
Services
Western Appraisers provides specialized, on-site damage appraisals and valuations for commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and specialty assets, serving insurance claims representatives, third-party administrators (TPAs), attorneys, and the public.
When a loss cannot be settled from photographs and a desk review, you need an appraiser who goes to the equipment. Western Appraisers of Central California provides independent, on-site damage appraisals and valuations for commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural and industrial machinery, emergency fleets, and collectible automobiles. We inspect the asset where it sits, whether that is a shop, a yard, a working ranch, or the scene of the loss, and hand you a documented file you can settle on.
Our Process
How a Field Appraisal Works
Field Appraisal Services for Commercial Claims
Western Appraisers of Central California handles the difficult field claims that cannot be resolved from a desk. We inspect commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, cargo and specialty assets in person, document their condition and deliver an appraisal report suited to the claim file. Our clients are claims adjusters, casualty and liability adjusters, TPAs and attorneys.
Field Inspection
We schedule an appointment and meet you, the shop, or the owner at the vehicle. Starting at the area of impact, we work through the loss, confirm damage, verify what remains functional, and identify each unit by serial number, plate, and hours or mileage, then photograph it in full.
Loss Determination
Back at the office, we determine the cost to repair or the value to replace, worked to your policy basis, whether actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV).
Resolution
If the loss falls within those limits, we can enter a repair contract with the shop or owner of choice. If the unit is beyond repair, we provide a market survey and can obtain salvage bids on an as is, where is basis.
Handoff
We package the complete file to you, the adjuster, representative, or third-party administrator (TPA), ready for your decision.
Our Primary Appraisal Services
Field Damage Appraisal Services
Our core service. In-person damage evaluation for commercial vehicles, equipment, machinery and complex losses anywhere in our California territory.
Specialty & Collectible Vehicles
Independent appraisal of collectible and specialty automobiles for claims and legal valuation matters, supported by hands-on knowledge of the vehicle’s condition and market.
Off-Road & Construction Equipment
Field appraisal of construction, farm and off-road equipment, plus emergency and pursuit vehicles, often at remote or active job sites where conditions affect both the damage and the evaluation.
Cargo & Trailer Claims
Inspection and valuation of damaged freight, trailers and cargo loads, including condition, salvage potential and documentation of how the loss occurred. Based in Modesto, we reach carriers, shippers and yards across Central California quickly.
Industrial Machinery
On-site appraisal of production equipment, fabrication machinery and industrial systems after fire, impact, water, theft or mechanical loss. We identify the machine, record serial numbers and hours, and assess whether repair or replacement is supported.
Additional Specialties
We also appraise farm equipment, emergency vehicles, pursuit vehicles and collectible automobiles for purchase, loan and legal valuation matters. Contact us to discuss any asset type not listed above.
- We do not appraise homes or real estate for loans.
- We do not handle personal property, except where it arises in a divorce matter.
- We do not provide rental cars for claims
- We do not interpret policy or confirm coverage. Those questions go to your agent or adjuster.
The Deliverable
What Your Report Includes
Every completed appraisal is delivered as a full file, built so your desk has everything it needs to resolve the claim.
- A billing sheet
- A summary report
- Complete photographic documentation
- Full vehicle identification
- For repairable units: an agreed repair price with the shop of the owner's choice
- For total losses: a market survey performed by us, or coordination with your evaluation vendor, with salvage bids available on request
Turnaround is set by the individual claim. Some files close within 24 to 48 hours. More complex claims take longer, and occasionally run through to litigation.
What We Don't Do
- We do not appraise homes or real estate for loans.
- We do not handle personal property, except where it arises in a divorce matter.
- We do not provide rental cars for claims
- We do not interpret policy or confirm coverage. Those questions go to your agent or adjuster.
Why Western Appraisers
Experience You Can Build a File On
Appraising Since 1976
Decades of in-field claims and evaluation experience across California.
An Established Firm
Formed in 1967, originally a department of Fireman's Fund, and family operated since 1972.
Errors & Omissions Insured
E&O coverage carried on every assignment we take.
Independent & Third-Party
No coverage interpretation, no conflicts, just documented, defensible findings.
Serving Northern and Central California
Western Appraisers is based in Modesto and regularly serves Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, San Francisco, Modesto, Oakland, Fresno and the Sierra foothills and mountain communities. If your loss is elsewhere in California, contact us to discuss availability.
- Sacramento
- San Jose
- Stockton
- San Francisco
- Modesto
- Oakland
- Fresno
- Sierra foothills and mountain communities
These cities are mileage and travel-time reference areas. They are not the outer limits of Western Appraisers’ service territory.
Approximate Service Territory
Service Areas
How Claims Professionals Work With Us
Submit the assignment through our Request an Appraisal form. We confirm receipt, schedule the field inspection, analyze the damage and issue a documented appraisal report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of claims do you handle?
Complex commercial, casualty and liability losses involving trucks, heavy equipment, machinery, cargo and specialty assets, where an in-person appraiser is needed to resolve the file.
Do you handle consumer or personal vehicle appraisals?
No. Our work is for claims professionals and attorneys handling commercial and specialty asset matters.
Which service page should I start with?
If you are unsure, begin with Field Damage Appraisal Services or submit the assignment and we will route it correctly.
Can you appraise assets that do not fit your five main categories?
Often yes. We regularly handle farm equipment, emergency and pursuit vehicles and collectible automobiles. Contact us with the details.
How quickly can you inspect an asset?
typical response and inspection timeframe.