21st Century Truck and Heavy Equipment Physical Damage Appraisal

We have all heard the terms “photo inspection” or “desk review”. These have traditionally been stigmatized in the industry as they imply a limited scope of information and a less accurate appraisal. These terms are often misapplied to define a process based on out of date assumptions, but do not accurately reflect the current appraisal model or the current environment of technology and expertise available in the industry. 

There was a time not long ago that we hand-wrote estimates and relied on hands-on experience or Mitchell Collision Estimating Guides to estimate labor times. It was often necessary to see an assembly on a new or unfamiliar model to determine an accurate repair solution. We called dealerships to request part pricing and had a substantial Rolodex of LKQ and aftermarket resources. 

Estimating software for heavy and medium trucks was well behind similar software for passenger vehicles, but started to develop in the late 90’s. This software included labor times, but still did not provide any part pricing or labor times for most specialty vehicles. Now, in 2025, we have collision estimating software that provides comprehensive labor and pricing guides for most heavy and medium trucks.

This technology has allowed us to evolve our methods and become more efficient in providing a complete and accurate damage appraisal. When appraisals were handwritten and parts prices required multiple phone calls and faxes, an estimate required unique knowledge of every part of every vehicle. With modern technology, any visible damage can be written, and parts assemblies can be dissected within the software, providing a clear view to the appraiser of the individual parts of an assembly. This ensures a more accurate appraisal as vehicle technology continues to advance.

An experienced heavy equipment appraiser can accurately evaluate damage to a tractor, trailer, medium truck, or piece of equipment without removing parts. While there may be structural or mechanical damage that cannot be confirmed, an experienced heavy equipment appraiser will be able to identify the likelihood of such damage. 

At Veritas, we focus on accuracy. We exclusively employ expert appraisers who have many years in the business. We look for hands-on knowledge, shop experience, and experience writing estimates in the field. We utilize the most efficient means to obtain accurate documentation of the damage, and this is where our process is different.

When we send someone to take photos of the damage, the resource is vetted by us and held accountable to specific standards. The photos they provide enable our expert appraisers to see the vehicle through their eyes. As mentioned, these appraisers are experts and will accurately assess the damage from those photographs. With rare exceptions, there is no damage that can be captured by the naked eye in a field inspection that cannot be captured in a photo.

We often obtain photos from the vehicle owner. Who is most qualified to show us the damage? We are always willing to provide “boots on the ground” to inspect the vehicle, but no one knows what the vehicle looked like before the accident better than the owner. 

In this way, the vehicle owner becomes a partner in resolving the claim. This creates a much better experience than a traditional physical damage claim, where an owner is forced to wait for updates and is subject to being told what damage will be included.

Even with the best experts, writing appraisals utilizing the best technology available, there will be damage that cannot be seen during a field inspection. This damage may require a teardown or specialty equipment that is not available in the field. We have a strong focus on reducing the impact on our client and the vehicle owner from such damage. 

At Veritas, we have an exceptionally low supplement ratio. While a supplement for hidden damage generally cannot be entirely eliminated by a field inspection, the expertise of our team reduces the frequency of such supplements and ensures our appraisers set expectations when such damage is likely.

There was a time when overwriting an estimate was a way to reduce supplements. This does not serve our clients and is not something we consider an acceptable practice. We have a robust internal quality audit program that ensures all estimates are accurate based on the documentation available to us. 

We believe that our model is the future. Ensuring accuracy, creating better and more timely outcomes for our clients and their insureds, and focusing on efficiency without sacrificing quality are the standards we have set for our team and encompassed within our core values.