I have waited about 1-2 weeks after my experience with this company to write a review. It is still clear in my head as if it had happened yesterday.
My beloved mint '08 Honda S2000 was totaled by a teenager who sideswiped me forcing me off the road, taking out a firehydrant and everything. I had started negotiating with my insurance company right away, them and I knowing it would certainly be a total loss.
Keep in mind, newer S2000s in excellent condition with low (less than 50k) mileage are are rare as hen's teeth in Hawaii. My insurance had initially appraised it around $23,300. I knew this was not going to be enough to acquire an S2000 even remotely in a similar condition, even if several model years older. At this point, I got in touch with Roy from "Houston Auto Appraisers", I had explained my situation to him at this point, and he assured me he would get me "at least 2-3k$ more" than my insurance company were offering me. I told him I would consider using him as an appraiser, if needed.
I had continued negotiating with my insurance, who were reasonable in admitting that they were using comparables from other states on the mainland, not Hawaii. I had talked to Roy again, letting him know that my insurance company was giving me under $24,000, which he assured me my vehicle was worth way more. At this point, I had explained to him that I would have to pay HIM $455 for the appraisal, as well as ~$30/day for a rental car, and asked if it would be worth it financially for me to go ahead with the appraisal. I am paraphrasing here "definitely, I feel bad to turn down customers and I have to do it frequently, if I think its not worth it. In your case, we can definitely get you at least $26,000, do you want to place your order now?" Roy likes this phrase, and as you will see, values money a lot more than people (his customers).
I decided to give Roy a call, after my insurance gave me a final offer of $23,900. I had the same conversation with Roy as I described in the paragraph above, again explaining to him my cost of $455 for the appraisal, as well as ~$30/day for rental car. Same assurance. Same 'piece of mind'. My friend this time was sitting next to me and heard the whole conversation. I placed the order this time.
AFTER ROY TAKES YOUR MONEY, YOU WILL LIKELY NEVER GET A CHANCE TO TALK TO HIM. He would never be available when I called the office. Funny how available he was BEFORE charging my credit card, even calling me back himself. After many back and forths with his nice assistant Magen, who told me she was talking to my insurance's (USAA) adjuster, and they ultimately came up with $24,780 for the car. I said this would barely be worth the hassle and financially for me, and to see if she can get low $25s, if not its okay because I am growing tired of the process.
I was them notified by my insurance that Magen had agreed to a final appraisal of $24,500. LESS THAN the number she had told me they were currently at!! She of course denied even having this conversation with me. I must be deaf and they still let me practice medicine in this state. I was done dealing with a dishonest company at this point.
As Roy told me, he "has people in Hawaii"; and he puts his name at the bottom of the appraisal, never having seen the vehicle in question? And never being available after charging your credit card.
Its very clear when a company cares more about making money than their customers, I am yet another customer who experienced this first hand from Houston Auto Appraisers/Honolulu Auto Appraisers. read more