// free vs paid
Free car valuation or paid report: which do you need?
A free tool is enough when the number is only for you. The moment someone else has to accept it (a buyer, a dealer, an insurer, a solicitor, an executor, the other party in a settlement) you need the evidence behind it, and sometimes a valuer's signature. Here is the honest comparison.
| Free online estimate | Online Car Valuation · A$49.95 | Certified Comprehensive · A$149.95 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle match | Make, model and year you pick from a list | Exact variant from your rego, badge confirmed by you | Exact variant plus declared modifications and condition |
| Evidence shown | Usually none, or a count of listings | Every comparable listing used, with price, kilometres, year, state and source | Comparable evidence plus the valuer's analysis |
| Figures | One range | Market value, likely range, auction, trade-in, private sale, dealer retail, confidence | Value for the stated purpose and valuation date |
| Document | A web page, sometimes an email | Email plus PDF with report ID and valuation date | Signed PDF report naming the valuer |
| Inspection | None | None | Online video inspection with a valuer |
| Who it's for | You | You, a buyer, a dealer, a family member; supporting evidence for an insurer | Solicitors, courts, insurers, lenders, executors, the other party |
| Usually behind it | A dealer network or marketplace that wants your car or your listing | A valuation firm, paid by you only | A certified valuer, paid by you only |
| Time | Instant | About two minutes after you confirm the car | Within 2 business days of inspection |
When free is enough
Early research, idle curiosity, or a first look at whether an upgrade is realistic. Free tools are quick and most are reasonably close for common cars with average kilometres.
When it isn't
- You are negotiating. A dealer or buyer will discount a free range; it is harder to discount a list of the cars for sale this week at those prices.
- Your car isn't average. Rare badges, very high or very low kilometres, and accessories are where free ranges drift furthest.
- Someone else has to accept the number. Insurers, solicitors, courts, executors and lenders want a dated document with evidence, and often a valuer's signature.
- The free tool has a stake in the answer. Many are run by businesses that buy cars or sell leads to dealers, so the number may be the start of an offer rather than a valuation.
Value my car · from A$49.95Compare the two valuations
Questions
Is a paid report more accurate than a free one?
It is more specific: your registered variant and odometer against live listings, with the evidence printed. Accuracy depends on how many comparable cars are on the market; the report tells you its confidence level, and if there isn't enough evidence you are refunded.
Can I get the Online Car Valuation first and upgrade?
Yes. Order the certified service for the same vehicle whenever you need it; the valuer uses the live evidence as a starting point.
Do you buy cars or pass my details to dealers?
No. Online Car Valuations is a valuation service and a division of a valuation firm. We do not buy cars, sell leads or advertise listings.