Photographs & findings
- Detailed photographs identifying damaged areas and components
- Inspection notes describing the location and extent of observed damage
Damage inspection & documentation
Document the damage. Support the repair cost.
When an estimate misses damage or the claim file does not accurately describe your vehicle, clear evidence matters. Ryckman Appraisals provides independent damage inspections, repair-cost analysis and written reports for vehicle owners and body shops.
We document what we find, explain the repair costs and give you a factual basis to request corrections from the insurer’s claims department.
01 / Inspection & evidence
A precise record of your vehicle’s damage
A useful inspection connects each finding to the vehicle and the repair work it supports. We examine accessible damage and review the available estimates, photographs and repair documentation.
Depending on the assignment, documentation can include:
Measurements & comparison
- Measurements where appropriate to the damage and inspection scope
- Comparison of observed damage with the existing estimate or claim record
Areas to investigate
- Identification of areas needing further access, disassembly or supporting information
The report distinguishes observed findings from issues that require further investigation, so readers can understand the evidence behind each conclusion.
02 / Repair-cost analysis
Repair costs with a clear basis
We can calculate the cost of repairing the documented damage and explain how that figure was developed. The analysis considers the applicable parts, labor, materials and repair operations, supported by relevant estimating information and repair procedures where appropriate.
If estimates disagree, we identify the specific differences and explain our conclusions. This gives owners and body shops a clearer way to address omitted damage, disputed operations or unsupported assumptions.
03 / Your written report
A report to help correct the claim record
You receive a written report that organizes the findings and supporting evidence for review. It can be provided to the insurer’s claims department to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete damage information and reconsideration of the repair estimate.
For vehicle owners, it makes the technical issues easier to understand. For body shops, it provides an independent explanation of disputed damage and repair costs. The purpose is a clear, supportable record that the people reviewing your claim can evaluate.
When the dispute needs further review
Technical support for the next stage.
The assignment depends on your policy, the dispute and the forum reviewing the evidence.
RTA: Right to Appraisal support
If your policy provides an appraisal process for a dispute over the amount of loss, we can provide damage documentation and repair-cost analysis to support that process. Appraisal availability and procedures depend on the policy and the dispute.
When an umpire review is needed, we can present and explain the technical basis for our findings within the agreed assignment.
Expert witness services
If your dispute proceeds to court, expert witness services are available by separate engagement. We can explain the inspection, supporting documentation and repair-cost conclusions, subject to the requirements of the case and the court’s determination of expert qualification and admissibility.
Common questions
Who is this service for?
Vehicle owners and body shops seeking independent documentation of damage or a supported repair-cost opinion, including when an existing estimate is incomplete or disputed.
What should I provide?
Start with your vehicle information, its location, available estimates and photographs, and a short explanation of the disagreement. Include relevant claims correspondence and any upcoming review dates.
Will the report change the insurer’s decision?
The report gives the claims department documented findings to review. A correction or payment change depends on the evidence, the policy and the claim.
What does the service cost?
Contact us to discuss the vehicle, inspection needs and intended use of the report. We’ll establish the scope and fee before work begins.
Our role is independent vehicle inspection, appraisal and technical testimony; we do not act as your public adjuster or attorney.
Get the damage documented
Tell us what happened and where the current record falls short. We’ll discuss the inspection and reporting needed for your case.