Independent Vehicle Valuer UK: What to Check Before You Pay
An independent vehicle valuer gives you a written market value for a vehicle and has no stake in selling, repairing or insuring it. Before you pay one, check six things: the date the value is for, the comparable vehicles shown, how the condition was judged, who signs the report, what the report is not, and when it arrives.
What should a valuation report show?
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The date of the value | A value for today differs from a value at a past date, such as the date of death |
| Comparable vehicles | Shows which cars the figure rests on, not just a number |
| Condition | The value is for this vehicle as it is, not an average one |
| Who signs it | A named company, with its registration details, stands behind the report |
| What it is not | A valuation is not an inspection, a history check or expert evidence |
| Time to deliver | Know when it arrives before you pay |
Want to see what a report looks like for your vehicle? Get a price for an independent car valuation.
Get a price for my independent valuation
Your price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
What does a Bassett Valuations report contain?
Our standard report is four pages. It sets out the vehicle details and the final value, the specification, a condition assessment and photos, the comparable vehicles, a market analysis and a reliability analysis, then the factors that increase and reduce the value, a declaration and a signature on behalf of Bassett & Partners LTD (company number 15737912).
Do you need a qualification or a register?
HMRC's notes to the Inheritance Tax account do not set a qualification for the person who values a car, and Form E does not either. Who will read the report is what decides what it needs to show. Insurers and the Financial Ombudsman Service weigh evidence case by case, so ask whoever will receive the report what they accept.
Send the make, model, mileage and photos, and we will confirm a price in writing before starting.
Get a price for my independent valuationWhat is a valuation report not?
It is not a mechanical inspection, a check of the vehicle's history, or expert witness evidence. We do not act as an expert witness and we do not attend court. The report is a supporting document based on the details and photos you send, so the owner is responsible for the accuracy of what is declared.
How long does it take, and what do you need?
Once we have the details and photos, the report is usually with you the same day. We need the make, model, VIN, year, mileage, engine size, fuel type, number of previous owners, any damage, four photos (one per side) and one of the odometer.
Frequently asked questions
What does "independent" mean for a vehicle valuation?
The valuer has no stake in selling, repairing or insuring the vehicle, and gives a written value based on comparable vehicles and the vehicle's condition.
Is a valuation report the same as an inspection?
No. Ours is prepared from the details and photos you send and checked against comparable vehicles. It does not test the vehicle mechanically or check its history.
How long does a valuation report take?
Usually the same day, once we have the vehicle details and photos.
Want a valuation that shows its working?
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 independent car valuationYour price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.