Desktop or In-Person Car Valuation? What Nobody Checks
A desktop car valuation is built from your photos, the details you declare and live adverts for similar cars, and nobody inspects the car. An in-person valuation adds a valuer looking at the vehicle itself. Which one you need depends on who will read the figure, so ask them first.
What does a desktop valuation use?
Ours uses the vehicle details you give us (make, model, VIN, year, mileage, engine, fuel, owners, damage), four photos of the sides and one of the odometer, and comparable vehicles currently on the market. Each adjustment for mileage, condition or specification is written into the report.
| Desktop valuation | In-person valuation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who looks at the car | Nobody attends: photos and declared details | A valuer looks at the vehicle |
| Good when | Access is difficult, the car is far away, or a quick written figure is enough | You are buying a car and want the value checked before you pay |
| Speed | Usually the same day | Depends on arranging a visit |
Tell us what the figure is for and we will say what you need. Get a price for a car valuation.
Get a price for my car valuation
Your price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
What does a desktop valuation not check?
It does not test the car mechanically, look for hidden damage or check the vehicle's history. The report is only as accurate as the details and photos behind it, so the owner is responsible for what is declared. A valuation is also not expert evidence: we do not act as an expert witness and we do not attend court.
Send the make, model, mileage and photos, and we will confirm a price in writing before starting.
Get a price for my car valuationWhen is an in-person valuation worth asking for?
Mostly when you are about to pay for a car, for example before buying one to export, and you want a valuer to look at it first. We also value in person for some jobs. Tell us on the form what the valuation is for and where the car is, and we will say whether a desktop valuation is enough.
What if the car is no longer there?
A valuation at a past date, such as the date of death or the date of separation, has to work from the photos, records and details that exist for that date. Only a desktop valuation is possible when the car has been sold or cannot be reached.
Frequently asked questions
What is a desktop car valuation?
A written valuation prepared from the details and photos you send and from comparable vehicles on the market, without anyone inspecting the car.
Is a desktop valuation less accurate?
It depends on the details and photos behind it. It cannot find faults nobody has shown or declared, which is why the owner is responsible for the accuracy of what is declared.
Do you value cars in person?
Yes, for some jobs. Tell us what the valuation is for and where the car is, and we will say what you need.
Not sure which kind of valuation you need?
Send the details and photos. We confirm the cost first, and the written valuation, with the comparables set out, is usually with you the same day.
Get a price for my car valuationYour price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.