News and Information for Moving Claims Adjusters
APPRAISAL OF ANTIQUE FURNITURE VALUE FOR MOVING CLAIMS
By J. Timothy Wilson
This article pertains to “antique furniture.” This does not address other classes of items like art work, china, silver, guns, etc. or other geographic areas. "Antique" is loosely defined. This is written because we have handled three significant claims in the last year that ran into this problem.
The moving claimant on their claim form are responsible to record the value of each item being claimed. This is particularly true for older items or of “high value.” The value for items purchased relatively recent becomes the value.
Claimants usually view their “antiques” as uniquely valuable. When the item is of high value and/or antique in nature according to the claimant, the claim adjuster views the establishment of value a responsibility of the claimant. The adjuster may request that the claimant justify their valuation by an independent written appraisal by a recognized expert in the subject matter such as furniture. Determinaton of value is needed when the item is totally or extensively damaged.
- Antique or auction dealer statements of value are not generally considered valid by the moving adjustment process iin that they are usually not formal, and not truly independent.
There are at least three major national associations for appraisers, particularly for furniture, recognized by most moving companies. There are others for specialty items like guns, jewelry, etc.
Click on any of those listed to go directly to their websites for a review their services and to search for a local area appraiser.
Each society’s website has a search capacity to “find an appraiser.”
- In all of Greater Kansas City there are no “antique furniture appraisers” listed by the three main societies. We find that amazing!
- Availability of appropriate appraisers will be different in other locations.
- A generalist appraiser might be able to appraise furniture by consulting with specialists if need be. Just because someone doesn’t list antique furniture as a specialty, don’t automatically discount them.
- The chosen appraiser should be familiar with the moving industry guidelines for claims, damages and value. Such an appraiser is a rare commodity.
- The various appraisal societies designate each member differently, such as accredited or certified or senior.
- For higher value items some moving companies might initiate and control the appraisal to ensure that it is being presented as needed in protection of the guidelines of their liability in the matter.
Generally, an appraiser must usually see the actual item. However, that is not always possible. A proper written description and documented set of photos of the item and its various aspects might be enough for a limited appraisal that clearly specifies it is not based on actual inspection. This is more feasible for more standard china or silver rather than furniture, which does not have “maker’s marks” to clearly identify the item.
A proper written appraisal should follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice USPAP. See at least “Elements of an Appraisal Report”:
http://appraisersassoc.org/personal-property-appraiser/fine-art-appraisals/find-an-appraiser/PageId/1/LId/0,17,28/Id/28/Elements-of-a-Correctly-Prepared-Appraisal.html
The Wood Works Inc of Overland Park (Greater Kansas City metro), Kansas 66202 —
Should not be used by others without giving due credits.
The Wood Works, Inc. (www.thewoodworksinc.com and themovingclaims.com) is located in the Kansas City metropolitan area. We have been serving our customers for 30 years in the areas of wood restoration and repair, moving claim resolution and repair, cabinet refacing and repair and interior and exterior shutters. |
