Auto appraisals and pre-purchase inspections in Grand Rapids
Harold Bloomer appraises and inspects vehicles out of Grand Rapids, for two very different situations.
Which one are you in?
Two ways in
Your insurer has totaled a vehicle and the offer is too low
That figure came from a valuation system, not from anyone who looked at the car. Comparables from the wrong market, the wrong trim, options never counted, condition assumed rather than inspected — each moves the number, and each is documentable.
An independent appraisal establishes what the vehicle was worth before the loss, in writing, with the evidence attached. $350, flat. No percentage of your settlement.
You're about to buy a car you haven't stood next to
Photos are flattering and sellers are optimistic. What decides a collector car's value — filler, prior repair, rust where it actually starts, whether the numbers match — is none of it visible in a listing.
Harold drives to the car, goes over it properly, and sends you a written report before the money moves. $500, flat. Most of this work is for buyers who aren't in Michigan.
Also: a documented value for a car you own — agreed value, stated value, or a modified build no guide covers. $350. If the vehicle is a classic, custom, or collector car, any of the three applies; the car doesn't change the price.
The person who does the work
Harold has run an auto restoration and repair business in Grand Rapids since March 2018. The appraisal work grew out of it. He didn't learn what cars are worth from a valuation guide — he learned it from having them apart.
He's a licensed Michigan vehicle dealer, which in Michigan is what's required to perform appraisals. He doesn't work for insurance companies, and the phone is answered by the person who writes the report. More about Harold.
What it has done on real claims
Documented outcomes, published with the owners' consent — what the insurer first offered, and what the claim settled at.
| Vehicle | Insurer offered | Settled at |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 Toyota Tundra | $880 | $3,300 |
| 2014 Volkswagen Passat | $3,975 | $12,400 |
| 2013 Audi Q5 | $2,300 | $8,860 |
| 1990 BMW 325i | $10,800 | $20,286 |
Each cost the owner $350. Every claim is different and an appraisal is evidence rather than a guarantee — but these are real vehicles, real numbers, and photographs of the cars. See the documented cases.
What people say
Harry's Appraisals has 12 five-star reviews on Google.
Answered the phone first call, made himself available for immediate pre-purchase inspection, next-day had a full report with +50 images and detailed analysis. Was available to discuss deeper on the phone. Price of service was very reasonable. I can't recommend Harry higher! Fantastic service! 👏👏👏
— Brandon T.
Harry inspected my Jeep before we purchased it. His attention to detail and honest feedback made it very easy for us to make an informed decision. Trustworthy and knowledgeable.
— Jason C.
What it costs
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Insurance / total loss appraisal | $350 |
| Prior to loss / agreed value appraisal | $350 |
| Pre-purchase inspection | $500 |
Flat, published, the same for everyone. No quote process, no hourly rate, no share of your settlement. What's included in each.
Where Harold works
5723 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548. Appraisal customers can be received at the shop, and Harold travels to the vehicle across West Michigan: Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville, Holland, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and the lakeshore.
Cars only, including trucks and SUVs.
Start here
Describe the vehicle and what's going on with it. Harold will tell you which service applies, what it costs, and whether it's worth doing at all.