A Toyota Diminished Value Claim in Anchorage, Alaska

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited with 4,108 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $8,593.72 in damage. The vehicle was disabled/towed, had structural damage and no air bag deployment. The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Toyota dealerships in Alaska – One dealer said that frame damaged vehicles usually cause anywhere between 30%-40% less because they have to sell it to a wholesaler in most cases and they just can’t offer more than that because the dealership may take a loss if it does not sell. Another dealer explained that due to the frame damage and towed from scene, the car owner can expect to lose 10K to possibly 13K or more.

The opinions of six unbiased professional sales managers at recognized new car dealerships form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them to validate the diminished value report prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

The six dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, pre-accident condition, color, options, any other pertinent equipment, date of loss as well as the nature of the repaired damages and the manner in which the vehicle was repaired. Dealer opinions are based on personal knowledge and access to auction results. Dealers were advised that this vehicle was properly repaired.

We contacted several Toyota dealers in Alaska to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.

A Diminished Value Claim in Anchorage, Alaska

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the right side including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $8,593.72. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 37.16%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $29,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $10,776.40

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE

Click on the payment button above to pay by Credit Card or Paypal. The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is
$275.00. You may also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.