How to get items appraised for insurance?

To get items appraised for insurance, request a written valuation from a qualified appraiser who documents the item's condition, provenance, and market value in a report your insurer can use to set coverage or settle a claim. For a custom or collector motorcycle, that means working with an appraiser familiar with modified and specialty bikes, since standard book values rarely reflect the true replacement cost of custom work, aftermarket parts, or restoration.

What to gather before requesting an appraisal:

• Proof of ownership and title details, plus any registration paperwork.
• Maintenance and service records showing the bike's history.
• Receipts or documentation for modifications, custom paint, engine work, or upgrades, since these directly affect value.
• Clear, recent photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of custom features and any existing damage.
• Basic details: year, make, model, mileage, and current condition.

What the finished report should include:

A defensible insurance appraisal combines a hands-on condition inspection with a market analysis of comparable sales, then documents both in a formal report. Custom motorcycle appraisal services should produce a report prepared in accordance with USPAP, so the valuation holds up whether you're scheduling the bike on a policy, disputing a coverage amount, or settling a claim after a loss. This standard matters most for motorcycles that are rare, heavily customized, or no longer produced, since generic pricing guides won't capture what the bike would actually cost to replace.

Once you have the report, submit it to your insurer to establish an agreed value or confirm your coverage limits are accurate. If you're unsure what an appraiser will examine during the inspection, see what does an insurance appraiser look for for a breakdown of the process.