The Doan Group is an auto appraisal franchise offering vehicle, specialty, and property damage assessments, serving insurers, fleet managers, and legal professionals, and known for national accounts, rigorous quality control, and local market experts providing timely, accurate claim support.
The Doan Group franchise is a national insurance appraisal and adjusting services brand serving insurance carriers across the United States. The Doan Group was founded in 1981 in Buffalo, New York, with a focus on delivering accurate and professional claims appraisal services.
The company is headquartered in Covington, Georgia, and operates as a nationwide provider of auto, specialty vehicle, heavy equipment, property, and desk adjusting services.
The Doan Group expanded its footprint by offering franchise opportunities to support its local-expert service model. While the brand has decades of operating history, its franchise system was developed in 2020 to scale coverage and strengthen local market presence.
Franchise owners operate within assigned territories and handle insurance claim assignments while leveraging the brand’s established systems and national carrier relationships.
The Doan Group sells insurance appraisal and claims adjusting services to insurance carriers and related stakeholders. Franchisees support a wide range of claims, from everyday auto damage to large-scale catastrophe events.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a The Doan Group franchise is
$14,000 - $68,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$10,000 – $50,000
Rent and Security Deposit (3 months)
$0 – $2,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 – $2,500
Equipment, Computer Hardware, and Software
$1,000 – $2,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$100 – $1,000
Utility Deposits
$0 – $1,000
Insurance
$300 – $1,500
Professional Fees
$50 – $2,000
Software License Fees (first 3 months)
$750 – $3,000
Training Expenses (including travel and lodging)
$800 – $1,500
Additional Operating Funds (first 3 months)
$600 – $1,500
Total Initial Investment
$14,050 – $68,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$10,000 – $50,000
Rent and Security Deposit (3 months)
$0 – $2,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 – $2,500
Equipment, Computer Hardware, and Software
$1,000 – $2,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$100 – $1,000
Utility Deposits
$0 – $1,000
Insurance
$300 – $1,500
Professional Fees
$50 – $2,000
Software License Fees (first 3 months)
$750 – $3,000
Training Expenses (including travel and lodging)
$800 – $1,500
Additional Operating Funds (first 3 months)
$600 – $1,500
Total Initial Investment
$14,050 – $68,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is The Doan Group's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
The Doan Group had 26 total units in 2025, of which 26 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
The Doan Group provides a structured training program designed to ensure that franchisees meet operational standards and are equipped to deliver services effectively. Training is primarily targeted at experienced property and casualty appraisers, with emphasis on using the company’s systems and procedures. Here are the main programs:
Initial Training Program: This includes 14 hours of classroom training covering the company’s operating system and standard procedures. The training is conducted in person or remotely via teleconference or webinar and is required for the Operating Principal and Designated Appraiser.
Mandatory Continuing and Additional Training: The franchisor may require franchisees to participate in refresher or additional training courses periodically, especially if there are changes in staff or system standards. Fees can apply, and franchisees are responsible for related travel and lodging expenses.
Optional Additional Training: Upon request, the franchisor may provide extra training to the franchisee’s team. These sessions may be delivered at the franchisor’s or franchisee’s location and are charged based on a weekly rate per attendee or trainer.
Conventions and Conferences: The Doan Group may hold optional regional or national conferences. These events are used to update franchisees on system changes and foster communication among franchisees and corporate personnel.
Operating Support and Manual: Franchisees also receive operational assistance, including guidance on advertising, customer service, and administrative functions, with access to a detailed Operations Manual for reference.
Territory Protection
The Doan Group grants franchisees a Designated Territory within which they have certain operational rights. While the franchisor agrees not to open another Doan Group office or grant a franchise to someone else within that territory, this protection is conditional on the franchisee remaining in good standing.
However, the franchisor retains the right to advertise, solicit clients, and provide services—including through National Account contracts—within any franchisee’s territory.
Franchisees are also limited in their ability to operate outside their assigned territory unless they receive written approval. Despite some protected rights within the Designated Territory, including exclusive rights to handle specific services like appraisals and inspections for financial institutions and auction houses, the territory is not considered exclusive overall.
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