Tesla S90D Diminished Value Claim — Brooklyn, New York Case Study
This case study covers our diminished value appraisal of a Tesla Motors S90D with 2,847 miles that was involved in a front-end collision causing $10,858.27 in damage. The vehicle was disabled and towed but sustained no structural damage and had no airbag deployment.
The claimant hired St. Lucie Appraisal, which services Brooklyn, and filed a third-party inherent diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in market value.
Once a vehicle is repaired after a collision, it typically loses market value regardless of repair quality. Even when fully restored, a previously damaged vehicle is worth less than an identical vehicle with a clean history. Presenting a diminished value claim and achieving a fair settlement can be challenging for most vehicle owners — a comprehensive, professionally prepared diminished value report is essential.
WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
Tesla Diminished Value Market Insight
We learned from real-world dealer feedback that vehicle brand and market position significantly influence diminished value. Higher-value vehicles such as Tesla models generally experience greater absolute loss compared to lower-value vehicles like economy cars, due to stronger buyer expectations and resale sensitivity.
In many cases, buyers spending this level of money on a Tesla expect a clean CARFAX history and may require a discount when accident history is present.
The opinions of independent experts form the basis for a comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal. We obtain six dealer opinions to ensure the appraisal reflects real-world market conditions experienced by vehicle owners.
Dealers providing opinions were given detailed information including year, make, model, mileage, color, options, date of loss, and full repair documentation. All dealer opinions are based on market knowledge and auction experience, and dealers were informed that the vehicle was properly repaired.
Vehicle Damage Details
Description of damage: Front-end collision damage excluding structural components and without airbag deployment. Repair cost: $10,858.27. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not used or factored into the diminished value calculation.
Appraisal Results
The average of six dealer deductions was 15.56%, representing the estimated diminished value percentage applied to the vehicle’s fair market value at the time of loss.
The vehicle’s estimated fair market value at the time of loss was approximately $75,000.00, resulting in a calculated diminished value of $11,670.00.
Questions & Answers About This Diminished Value Claim
Why did this Tesla see a smaller percentage loss than some other luxury vehicle claims?
This collision caused no structural damage and no airbag deployment, which are two of the biggest factors dealers weigh when estimating value loss. The 15.56% deduction reflects a relatively contained repair, even on a high-value vehicle.
Why is the dollar loss on a Tesla often higher than on an economy car with similar damage?
Diminished value is typically expressed as a percentage of fair market value. Since the S90D’s pre-loss value was around $75,000, even a moderate percentage loss translates into a large dollar figure — over $11,000 in this case.
Who pays for a diminished value claim in Brooklyn or elsewhere in New York?
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is generally responsible for compensating the vehicle owner under a third-party inherent diminished value claim.
Is a physical inspection required for this type of claim?
No. Inherent diminished value claims like this one don’t require a physical inspection, since the vehicle has already been properly repaired. The loss stems from the CARFAX record, not a visible defect.
Why does St. Lucie Appraisal use six dealer opinions instead of a formula?
Formulas and algorithms don’t reflect how buyers in a specific local market actually respond to a vehicle’s repair history. Six independent, unbiased dealer opinions give a defensible, real-world figure instead.
What does an Automobile Diminished Value Report cost?
$275.00, payable by credit card or PayPal. Tesla and exotic vehicle owners should call for rates. Telephone consultations are always free.
The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is $275.00. Tesla and exotic vehicle owners please call for rates. Phone: 772-359-4300.
Before making payment, email the completed body shop estimate or insurance appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net
Tesla and other exotic car owners please call for rates.
Service Area
Service in Albany, Amherst, Babylon, Brookhaven, Brooklyn, Bronx, Cheektowaga, Clarkstown, Colonie, Greece, Greenburgh, Hamburg, Hempstead, Huntington, Irondequoit, Islip, Manhattan, North Hempstead, New York City, and throughout New York.
Auto appraiser near 11208, 11211, 11220, 11226, 11234, 11236.
This is an Open Educational Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge, and the sharing of scholarly content.
NewYorkDiminishedValue.com and TotalLossDispute.com are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.