Massachusetts vehicle claims and appraiser requirements
Check assignment eligibility in Massachusetts
Ask whether your requested work can be accepted. Applicable licenses, inspection requirements and lawful fulfillment must be confirmed before commissioning work. This page provides state-specific information, not confirmation that California United Appraisals is licensed or available for regulated work in this state.
Assignment eligibility must be confirmed
Massachusetts regulates motor vehicle damage appraisers who inspect and estimate damage for insurance claims. Before any Massachusetts assignment is accepted, the applicable appraiser licensing and inspection requirements must be verified for the actual work and assigned professional. This page provides consumer information and an eligibility inquiry route; it does not represent that California United Appraisals or an assigned subcontractor is currently licensed in Massachusetts.
Working from photographs or remotely does not by itself establish an exemption from state requirements. Availability must be confirmed for the requested service before work is commissioned.
Check the pre-loss vehicle value
Massachusetts consumer guidance bases a total-loss assessment on the vehicle’s actual cash value immediately before the loss. Ask which valuation sources were used and check mileage, equipment, condition and prior damage. Comparable listings are most useful when their differences from the loss vehicle are explained.
Keep recent repair and maintenance records, but do not assume every expenditure increases market value dollar for dollar. A documentation review should identify factual errors and relevant market evidence rather than promise a higher settlement.
Diminished value depends on the claim and policy form
The Division’s FAQ distinguishes a claim under your own policy from a claim against another driver. Its discussion of third-party diminished value also distinguishes policy editions and requires evidence of actual diminished value and its amount. Do not assume every accident creates a payable diminished-value claim.
Get help with claim handling
For unresolved insurance concerns, the Division provides a consumer complaint route. Submit the relevant policy, claim correspondence and the specific disputed issue. A complaint is separate from purchasing an estimate or invoking any policy appraisal process.
Choose the service and evidence for your asset
Send unit identification, current location, damage photographs and the requested scope. Supplements need the baseline estimate and evidence for added operations; desk review needs specific questions.
Heavy trucks, trailers, agricultural or construction equipment, ATVs, boats and aircraft require asset-specific scope and fee confirmation. Auto rules do not automatically govern these assets. Estimating is not a safety, seaworthiness or airworthiness certification.
Estimating, policy appraisal and property valuation are distinct
A damage estimate does not appoint an appraisal-clause appraiser, umpire or adjuster. These roles have separate requirements. We do not decide coverage or guarantee payment.
Home and mortgage valuations require separate credentials, lender ordering and any applicable appraisal-management compliance. This page does not confirm an available real estate provider network.
Send an assignment inquiry for Massachusetts
Include the current city, ZIP code, loss location if different, and intended deliverable. We confirm eligibility, fees and service method before acceptance.
Sources and scope of this guide
Official sources reviewed November 3, 2026. General information, not legal advice or an exhaustive rules list. Read each source for full conditions. State-page selection does not determine governing law.