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  • Diminished Valuation Services

    Your car is almost repaired and it's suffered a loss of value, now what? 
    We're here to help.
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Back to pre-accident condition is more than vehicle repairs.

Diminished value is one of the most overlooked losses after a car accident—even though it affects thousands of vehicles every day. Once your car has been in a collision, its resale value drops instantly, regardless of how well it’s repaired. Buyers hesitate, dealers reduce their offers, and online pricing algorithms flag the accident history. That loss in market value is known as diminished value, and for many owners, it can amount to thousands of dollars.


Insurance companies may downplay diminished value or make a minimal offer, claiming your car hasn’t lost much value. But this is rarely accurate. Calculating diminished value involves multiple factors—market conditions, the severity of the damage, your vehicle’s age, mileage, options, and more. And while insurers are required to compensate you for this loss in many states*, they also have a financial incentive to keep the payout as low as possible.


What most drivers don’t realize is that diminished value claims are negotiable, even when the insurer suggests otherwise.
To negotiate successfully, though, you need precise data that proves exactly how much value your vehicle has lost. Basic online searches or generic calculators won’t cut it—they simply don’t provide the depth or accuracy needed to substantiate a higher claim.


That’s where a qualified independent appraiser becomes essential. Autopraisal specializes in diminished value assessments, providing the detailed, defensible documentation you need to challenge low offers and recover the compensation you’re entitled to.


*Not every state recognizes DV claims and as such insurers can deny DV claims. Let's talk about it.

Diminished Value Checklist

In most states you'll need to meet these three criteria to pursue a Diminished Value claim. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list as requirements vary from state to state. We'll review your options and help to substantiate the claim before you pay for our services. 

Fault

The accident must be deemed not your fault to pursue a Diminished Value claim in most states. Depending on how liability is determined, you may need to be only 'majority' not at fault.

Insured

The at-fault driver must have active insurance coverage to pursue a Diminished Value claim. This is not something you can pursue on your own policy in most states.

Value

Your vehicle must have had reasonable value before the accident. Things like previous accidents, branded title, very high mileage, unrepaired prior damage, and more may disqualify a diminished value claim. 

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Diminished Valuation Services

Autopraisal will provide comprehensive unbiased independent research and reporting that will help you settle for more. We back that with our 'At-Least-the-Fee' Guarantee'. You've got nothing to lose, except time by not contacting us today!

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Diminished Value Concierge (DVC)

We'll complete our research, build our detailed report, review it with you, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf (vehicle settlement only). Let us shoulder the stress!


$599 Flat Fee

Diminished Value Express (DVE)

We'll complete our research, build our detailed report, review it - providing the evidence needed to justify that Diminished Value has occurred. You'll handle your own negotiations.


$399 Flat Fee

Service Areas

Kentucky Counties

Jefferson - Oldham - Trimble - Henry - Shelby  Spencer - Bullitt - Nelson - Hardin - Meade - Larue

Indiana Counties

Clark - Floyd - Harrison - Washington - Scott


Total Loss Valuation FAQs

What is diminished value?

Simply put, it's the amount of money lost because the vehicle was in an accident or in some cases, not repaired to proper standards. Often, when you sell your trade your vehicle the other party may run a Carfax or similar report. The report will most likely show that the vehicle was damaged. The other party to dealer may want to offer less (not not want the car at all) due to this. This claim of additional money is intended to compensate you for this loss.

Am I entitled to make a diminished value claim?

Generally yes! A DV claim is intended for the titled owner (leases generally don't qualify). Your vehicle should meet the three criteria mentioned above. And finally the state you live may null the option of pursuing a DV claim based on stated laws and regulations.

How much is my diminished value worth?

That's like asking for the recipe to our secret sauce. Not really! Actually, it depends. Basically we would determine what your vehicle was worth before the accident as compared to it's worth after the repairs are made. The difference is the amount of Diminished Value.

The repairs look perfect. Is there still a Diminished Value?

Usually yes. Unless your vehicle had a low value prior the loss due to prior accidents reported, age, condition, mileage, etc, then your vehicle likely still lost value even if it's minimal.

Can I claim Diminished Value after a total loss.

No. In the case of total loss, your being paid the actual cash value of the vehicle as it was prior to the accident. In this case, there is no loss of value due the accident.

Do newer or luxury cars have a higher Diminished Value?

Generally, yes! Newer vehicles and luxury vehicles carry a higher value, often cost more to repair, and are generally subject to high DV claims.