Mercedes-Benz Diminished Value Claim in Allentown, Pennsylvania

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

St. Lucie Automobile and Diminished Value Appraiser

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Mercedes-Benz GLC300 AWD SUV with 31,960 miles that was involved in a Rear-End Collision that caused $2,221.44 in damage. The car was not disabled/towed and had no 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 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

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Pennsylvania. A sales manager told us that 10%-20 % is the typical loss of value when you have a car of this age being somewhat a newer vehicle with small amount of damage. Another sales manager said anytime you have a bad Carfax that shows minor damage on a Carfax report they have to give less than they would with a car with no damage – about a 10-15 % reduction and also that 10-15% is a typical deduction when you try and trade in at a larger dealer

The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 Mercedes-Benz dealers in Pennsylvania 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.

Diminished Value Claim in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Rear not including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $2,221.44. 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 13.33%. 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 $32,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $4,332.25

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ZIP Codes We Serve

18102, 18103, 18104, 18107, 18105, 18108

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.

Before making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com
TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Upper Darby Township, Scranton, Bethlehem, Bensalem, Lancaster, Lower Merion, Abington Township, Bristol, Millcreek, Harrisburg, Altoona, York, Stroudsburg, Wilkes-Barre and throughout Pennsylvania

Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York Counties. auto appraiser near 18052, auto appraiser near 18102, auto appraiser near 18103, auto appraiser near 18104, auto appraiser near Allentown,

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.

How to Convince an Insurance Company to Total your Car

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

It’s a matter of simple economics. The insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible when it comes to claim expenditures. This is part and parcel of their business model which isn’t difficult to understand. As with all corporations, turning a profit is typically the most important goal.

In automobile claims, when a vehicle is damaged, it will be deemed repairable or, if repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle’s value, it will be declared a total loss. Does the vehicle owner have a say in whether their car gets repaired or totaled? In first-party claims, where the accident was your fault, the answer is no. However, in third-party claims, where the at-fault party’s insurance company is picking up the tab, in certain situations, the answer is yes. All it takes is a little convincing.

Most folks have never heard of a third-party Auto Diminished Value claim. These are filed by car owners to recoup the value lost because their cars now have repair histories. Depending on the extent of the damages, the value lost can exceed 50% of the car’s pre-accident value. Even most of those who are familiar with Auto Diminished Value don’t realize that it isn’t necessary to have your car repaired to file such a claim. And many of our clients are doing just that. Prior to authorizing repairs, car owners can demonstrate how totaling their cars makes financial sense for both parties.

For this example, let’s consider a car with a Retail Value of $35K and a Fair Market Value (Trade-in Value) of $30K. Insurance companies typically consider totaling cars if the repair cost approaches 75% of the retail value. In this case, that figure is around $25K. But what if the car’s damage estimate comes to only $15K? Most of us don’t want to drive a car that had extensive damage, especially if structural damage or air bag deployment occurred. No matter – at these figures, the insurer will almost always elect to pay to have the car repaired.

So, how does the owner of this car convince the insurance company to total the car? Along with various other potential expenditures for the insurance company, Third-Party Auto Diminished Value claims represent another major disbursement. When repair costs are this high, the likelihood of structural damage and/or air bag deployment is almost certain.

Scenario #1 assumes a 30-day repair time and that the supplement won’t exceed the amount shown. Every insurance company has endured the nightmare repair where a car must go in for multiple supplements. Also, if the car is a luxury car, high-end SUV or pickup truck, renting a comparable vehicle will cost $125/Day and up. Add another few thousand dollars for a Loss of Use claim.

There are many other logical reasons for preferring that your car be totaled besides loss in value after repairs. Safety and quality of work issues aside, if another negligent driver slams into your car, good luck trying to collect for Auto Diminished Value without resorting to legal action. Insurance companies flat-out refuse to pay for DV on cars with previous repair histories.

From the insurance company’s point of view, negotiating repair costs with body shops and haggling over car rental and diminished value issues are time-consuming and costly – not to mention the potential for further litigation. The total loss and salvage recovery process is a snap, by comparison. If the insurers don’t recognize these mutually beneficial arrangements, it’s up to car owners to educate them.

Hire an Expert Automobile Diminished Value Appraiser

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John M (Arizona)- Thank you very much for the diminished value appraisal. I was able to use it along with the insurance company field appraiser’s salvage estimate and repair estimate to agree with them that the right thing to do was to declare the vehicle a total loss. I managed to pick up one of the few remaining new models in the nation last week and am bringing this to closure without having to file a diminished value case in court. Thanks again!

Service throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.

A Diminished Value Claim on a Lexus in Pembroke Pines, Florida

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company provides independent diminished value appraisals for vehicle owners in Pembroke Pines and throughout Florida. Our licensed appraisers serve all ZIP Codes listed below.

A diminished value appraisal of a Lexus RX450h AWD SUV with 1,542 miles that was involved in a Rear-end collision that caused $12,308.85 in damage. The vehicle was not 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 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

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Lexus dealerships in South Florida- One dealer said that with the car being somewhat new and it already having a bad Carfax he would not be able to offer full amount, unfortunately this is a pretty significant amount of damage and would normally take a minimum of 30% and could be much more. Another dealer explained that the car could lose 35% and go as high as 50% of its trade-in value depending on dealer, the Carfax and what is listed on it and normally with this amount of damage on top of frame damage you may be looking at that higher amount.

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.

FLORIDA ADJUSTERS LICENSE — FLORIDA LICENSEDINDEPENDENT ADJUSTER

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 Lexus dealers in South Florida 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.
Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $12,308.85. 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 37.92%. 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 $45,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $17,064.00

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ZIP Codes We Serve

33033, 33024, 33025, 33027, 33063, 33064, 33065, 33311, 33312, 33313

Before making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service in Altamonte Springs, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Deltona, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Hialeah, Hollywood, Homestead, Jacksonville, Jupiter, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Largo, Lauderhill, Margate, Melbourne, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miramar, North Port, Ocala, Orlando, Palm Bay, Pembroke Pines, Pensacola, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port Orange, Port St. Lucie, St. Petersburg, Sanford, Stuart, Sunrise, Tallahassee, Tamarac, Tampa, Vero Beach, Wellington, Weston and throughout Florida.

Alachua, Baker, Bay ,Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, De Soto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton and Washington Counties. auto appraiser near 33023, auto appraiser near 33024, auto appraiser near 33025, auto appraiser near 33027, auto appraiser near 33063, auto appraiser near 33064, auto appraiser near 33065, auto appraiser near 33311, auto appraiser near 33312, auto appraiser near 33313

This is an Open Education resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
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THE INDEPENDENT APPRAISER’S ROLE IN AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIMS

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The independent appraiser should not be part of the claim in which the automobile diminished value is in question, but is usually brought in from the outside to preserve impartiality. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s purpose and function is definite and simple. We must determine the existence and amount of diminished value in order to make the claimant whole. In doing so, our focus is always the fair and equitable treatment of both our client and the insurance company involved.

In a sense, the diminished value claim is an intellectual problem for both the insurance company and the claimant. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company stands as a surrogate for the claimant, as well as being the competition for the insurance company. That is, the independent appraiser finds the relevant information and, if he is playing fairly, presents his Diminished Value Report to the claimant along with a demand letter. The independent appraiser needs to emphasize the significance of each bit of information. Experience and intelligence mesh, making the independent appraiser a person who finds solutions to problems and dilemmas that seem to have no solution. He makes the connections that reveal the solution, as well as revealing the truth about the situation at large. He is a necessary figure in the access he has to people – the sales managers at recognized new car dealerships. He should be a specialist in disseminating information accurately in order to arrive at fair diminished value figures. Insurance companies must respect both the effort and the subsequent results.

Even while testing our clients resolve to insist on fair treatment and trying to outlast them, insurance companies have given The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s Diminished Value Reports a trust they rarely give those of other independent appraisers. Our reports compel them to face and to acknowledge when they are perpetrating unfair claim practices. But there is no doubt that the claimant must be persistent in following up on any suggestions the independent appraiser may make.

Though automobile diminished value claims are not an uplifting topic for an insurance company, an Automobile Diminished Value Report prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company influences them to recognize and admit both the harmful and time-consuming sides of claim mishandling, hopefully leading them from a dangerous and costly ignorance.

Answers and solutions can be found by people who are dedicated to the search for truth and who know where and how to look for the information that can lead to those solutions and answers. Insurance companies should, at the very least, use their capabilities of observation and logic to develop alternatives to their delay, denial and misinformation tactics. Low-ball settlement offers are contrary to good business despite how insurers view third-party diminished value claims because they project an appearance of bad faith industry wide.

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After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi , Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

An Auto Diminished Value Claim in Mesa, Arizona

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

This article details the diminished value appraisal of a Tesla S75 Sedan with 17,247 miles that was involved in a Rear-end collision that caused $15,607.87 in damage. The vehicle was not 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 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

We learned from these examples from sales managers at high-end new car dealerships in Arizona – One dealer said that anytime there is frame damage on any make of car or truck you are looking at taking a large loss of value. They have to disclose this to buyers and typically no dealership would be willing to take it on trade or resell it on lot due to the extensive nature of accident you could be looking at taking a loss of minimum of 35%, could it be much more. Another dealer explained that 15K worth of damage is not minor by any means plus frame damage on Carfax would be a very big loss, close to 30-40% of the pre-accident value could be more. For a Tesla, the loss would be significant

We contacted several high-end new car dealers in Arizona 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.

Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $15,607.87. 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 35.83%. 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 $65,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $23,289.50

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ZIP Codes We Serve

85204, 85201, 85207, 85212, 85205, 85210, 85209, 85202, 85203, 85213, 85208, 85206

Service in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, San Tan Valley, Yuma, Avondale, Goodyear, Casa Adobes, Flagstaff, Buckeye, Lake Havasu City, Catalina Foothills, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Sierra Vista and throughout Arizona.

Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Yuma Counties. Auto appraiser near 85201, auto appraiser near 85203, auto appraiser near 85204, auto appraiser near 85205, auto appraiser near 85206, auto appraiser near 85210, auto appraiser near 85213

A GMC Diminished Value Claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Crew Cab Pickup with 21,776 miles that was involved in a rear-end collision that caused $2,381.79 in damage. The truck was not disabled and had no structural damage or 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 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

We learned from these examples from sales managers – In most cases the buyer will want to see the Carfax and when they see it was in an accident -potential buyers want a big discount. Also that some dealers won’t take this car at all with ANY accident. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for a comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal. We obtain six of them which puts an appraisal prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

We contacted several GMC dealers in South Florida in order 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.

Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the Left Rear not including structural components. Repair cost $2,381.79. 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 11.39%. 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 $30,000.00 at the time of loss. Diminished Value = $3,417.00

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After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

A Honda Diminished Value Claim in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Honda Odyssey EX Van with 19,335 miles that was involved in a Front and Rear Collision that caused $14,255.71 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 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

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Honda dealerships in Eastern Pennsylvania- One dealer said because of the vehicle having close to $15,000.00 worth of damage and frame being damaged you may be looking at taking a 40% hit in a trade-in. Also, if this were brand new the loss would be much higher typically when you have severe damage on accident report. And, another sales manager said that anytime there is severe damage on Carfax the loss will be severe so you may see a loss of 40% or higher.

We contacted several Honda dealers in Eastern Pennsylvania 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 Honda Diminished Value Claim in Philadelphia, PA

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the front and rear including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $14,255.71. 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 37.50%. 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 $20,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $7,500.00

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ZIP Codes We Serve

19124, 19120, 19111, 19143, 19134, 19149, 19140, 19104, 19148, 19144

Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York Counties. auto appraiser near 19104, auto appraiser near 19111, auto appraiser near 19120, auto appraiser near 19124, auto appraiser near 19134, auto appraiser near 19143, auto appraiser near 19149

Porsche Diminished Value Claim in Reno, Nevada

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Our diminished value appraisal of a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe with 47,028 miles that was involved in a Rear-End Collision that caused $1,153.53 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed and had no 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 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

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Porsche dealerships in Nevada and surrounding states – Dealers would definitely take it as a trade however, because it does have a bad Carfax , depending on what the report says you could lose 10-15%. Also, as long as it is fixed correctly and there is not further damage such as frame or a branded title you shouldn’t see that much of a loss being that it’s a minor accident – maybe $3,500-$5,000 diminished value possible. And that 15% back is about typical for this type of listed damage

The opinions of these unbiased professionals form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which validates the diminished value report prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

We contacted several Porsche dealers in Nevada 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.

Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $1,153.53. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

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Before making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

ZIP Codes We Serve

89506, 89502, 89521, 89523, 89503, 89511, 89512, 89436, 89431

Service in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks and throughout Nevada

Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe and White Pine Counties. auto appraiser near 89436, auto appraiser near 89502, auto appraiser near 89506

Automobile and Personal Property Appraiser in all 50 States

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

Automobile Valuation and Diminished Value Experts

John Lyndgate, who coined the phrase “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time” never had the privilege of hiring The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. Our firm prepares automobile, truck, mobile home, personal property and diminished value appraisals in all 50 states. These include valuation appraisals for art, collectibles, musical instruments and all types of motor vehicles. We also prepare diminished value appraisals for cars and trucks that have lost value after undergoing collision repairs. As a result of our great service, many of our customers have left glowing reviews of St. Lucie Appraisal on Angie’s List, Yelp, YP.com, Superpages and other sites. But what would surprise Mr. Lyndgate is the fact that he wouldn’t find one negative review of our company. Not one.

In business, good customer relations stems from being honest and and making the best effort possible to do a good job. Returning calls, sending duplicate copies of our reports, putting in more hours than we bill for are just some of the things that lead to customer satisfaction. Whether you need an appraisal for financing, insurance, estate dissolution, bankruptcy, divorce or diminished value, count on The St. Lucie Appraisal Company to work hard for you. We understand your needs and always do our best to accommodate each and every customer.

Reputable businesses are proud of what their past customers have to say and websites such as Angie’s List and Yelp have shown how a positive track record can be a powerful marketing tool, even for relatively small businesses. We are thankful for those who took the time to make note of our good service and hope that this track record of no bad reviews continues forever. Proving John Lyndgate wrong is what we’re all about.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

ALFA-ROMEO DIMINISHED VALUE AND LOSS OF USE CLAIMS

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

There is a new phenomenon in the automotive world and it is called Diminished Value. For those who haven’t heard this term, it means the loss in value a vehicle experiences after undergoing collision repairs. The Alfa-Romeo, being a car that attracts more discriminating buyers, suffers a great deal more diminished value than an ordinary car. Used car buyers simply won’t pay as much for a previously wrecked car so dealers, in turn, have to offer less come trade-in time. Alfa-Romeo owners are typically upscale folks who expect a first-class level of service. Those expectations extend to the treatment they receive from insurance companies after their cars are wrecked by the negligence of others. Seeking fair compensation for diminished value and loss of use is part of it. You need an expert appraiser. At The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, Alfa-Romeo Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims are our specialty.

Insurance Company defense attorneys can instantly recognize which independent appraisals will stand up in court and advise their adjusters accordingly when it comes to offering fair settlements. We are rarely called upon to appear as expert witnesses in legal proceedings because our customers generally receive fair settlements that preclude taking civil actions. Alfa-Romeo diminished value and loss of use claims should present no problems if appraisals are prepared correctly.

Getting back to Alfa-Romeo and the difficulty obtaining proper diminished value information for the owners of these cars. When we receive an assignment to prepare a diminished value appraisal for a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Porsche, there is a nationwide network of dealers from whom we can obtain opinions. Not so with Alfa-Romeo. Dealers are few and far between. Therefore, obtaining the six verifiable quotes from Alfa-Romeo dealers that we feel are necessary to populate an irrefutable diminished value report is difficult.

ALFA-ROMEO DIMINISHED VALUE AND LOSS OF USE CLAIMS

So where does this leave the Alfa-Romeo owner when it comes to receiving fair compensation for Diminished Value and Loss of Use? The independent appraisers that use formulas and algorithms arrive at numbers that don’t remotely represent the Alfa-Romeo used car market. As for the independent appraisers that use automobile auction results, they are completely out of luck since so few Alfa-Romeos are put up for auction.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, despite being a small fish in the big pond of independent automobile diminished value appraisers, has gained the lion’s share of diminished value and loss of use requests from Alfa-Romeo owners due chiefly to word of mouth. It has been not only Alfa-Romeo owners but also the certified Alfa-Romeo repair shop managers who have sent their customers, friends and families to us.

Finally, with regard to Loss of Use claims, it costs $500 per day to rent a Dream Car such as the Tesla S from one of the Hertz locations in California. Anywhere else in the US, you can rent a marginally comparable car, a Porsche Panamera for $350 per day. Why do insurance companies feel that they can get away with offering lower-priced replacement vehicles to Alfa-Romeo owners? It is common knowledge that a wrecked Alfa-Romeo can take up to 60 days to repair. A typical Loss of Use report for a Alfa-Romeo owner whose car is laid up for two months is in excess of $25,000.00 which includes the Daily Collision Damage Waiver. Of special note: It is not necessary to actually rent a car in order to receive compensation for Loss of Use.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is $350.00. Tesla and other exotic car owners please call for rates. You may also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.

After making your secure payment please email the completed body shop estimate or insurance company damage appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net

HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM

December 25, 2025December 24, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

There is a gold standard when it comes to automobile diminished value appraisers and it is known as AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM, a service of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company available in all 50 states. If you ask any insurance adjuster or any of our competitors and you are liable to hear it from them as well. Insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, USAA, Safeco, Progressive, Liberty Mutual and most of the rest have seen our diminished value appraisals. And we have looked at appraisals prepared by just about every independent appraiser – but most of them have ever seen one of ours. Why not? Our appraisals don’t get tossed out for demonstrating a “lack of proof” of diminished value. Theirs do, and when we are called upon for a second opinion, we get to see many of their sad excuses for appraisals.

What goes without saying is that the insurance adjuster assigned to your case will make a ridiculously low initial settlement offer, regardless of how comprehensive an appraisal you’ve provided. It is when you start to push them, however – when the claim gets escalated to a supervisor or an unfair claim practices complaint is made to an insurance department that things get interesting. That’s when your appraisal gets sent upstairs to their defense attorneys for review. What, exactly are the lawyers looking for?

When an insurance company defense attorney looks over a diminished value appraisal that was prepared in less than ten minutes using a formula or what many appraisers have taken to calling “algorithms,” they see a document that will look as foreign to a magistrate or mediator as Sanskrit. Diminished value appraisals using automobile auction results aren’t valid as evidence because they represent a completely different market. The online ad comparison method is invalid as well. Two identical cars, listed for the same asking price, can be found,but one of which has an accident history. What is to prevent the seller of the previously-repaird car to ask an unrealistically-high price? You need absolute proof that your car or truck has lost value.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM provides what insurance defense attorneys fear most – irrefutable evidence of diminished value, based on the unbiased opinions of six managers at new car dealerships – the people who, day in and day out, purchase and take these bad Carfax cars in trades. Recognizing a valid methodology that any judge can easily understand, insurance company lawyers attorneys are far more likely to advise their adjusters to settle.

Obtaining this detailed information is time consuming but its time well-spent because to be the gold standard in automobile diminished value appraisals, it’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to put in the time.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

APPRAISING THE VALUE OF A RAT ROD FOR INSURANCE

December 24, 2025December 24, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Rat rods? Even insurance companies such as Hagerty and Grundy who will insure just about any vehicle sight-unseen – with no appraisal necessary – are confused when it comes to providing coverage for a rat rod. A typical policy states it can’t be a daily driver, and you also have to have another vehicle insured for each driver to use as a daily. Often, the only way you can get your ride covered as a daily driver is with liability only. The insurance industry doesn’t like old cars on the road. Making them difficult to insure is one way for them to solve the problem.

Your rat rod must be used on a very limited basis, such as exhibitions, club activities, and parades or similar events according to many policies offered. From Wikipedia: A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that, in most cases, imitates the early hot rods of the 1940s, 1950s, and early-1960s. The style is not to be confused with the somewhat closely related “traditional” hot rod, which is an accurate re-creation or period-correct restoration of a hot rod from the same era. The typical rat rod is a late-1920s through to late-1950s coupe or roadster, but sometimes a truck or sedan. Rat rods often appear unfinished and, at most, primer-only paint jobs are applied; satin, or matte, black and other flat colors are also common. “Natural patina” (the original paint job, with rust and blemishes left intact); a patchwork of original paint and primer; or bare metal, in rusty or oiled varieties, with no finish at all are some of the other finishes that may be used. Interiors of rat rods can range from spartan to fully finished, though this is typically the final phase of construction. Rat Rods have actually evolved over the years and have gone through several different changes and phases. They require imagination and craftsmanship to be done right. Rat rods are built to be enjoyed and driven. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company understands your build and can provide an appraisal which will satisfy the most demanding insurance underwriter.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

The cost to obtain a vehicle valuation appraisal is $275.00. Use the payment button above to pay by credit card or Paypal.

Please email photographs and build information to contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Service throughoutAlabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi , Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

APPRAISING A MOTORCYCLE FOR FINANCING OR INSURANCE

December 19, 2025December 19, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, Automobile Appraisers in all 50 States 772-359-4300 contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Motorcycle Appraisals for Financing, Insurance, and Donations

Appraising a motorcycle for financing or insurance purposes is often a necessity when lenders or insurers require a documented valuation. Beyond accuracy, a professional motorcycle appraisal report must be well-documented and professionally presented to be accepted by a bank, credit union, insurance company, or government agency.

Motorcycle appraisals are also commonly required for tax-deductible charitable donations, estate settlements, bankruptcy, purchase and sale transactions, damage claims, total loss disputes, and equitable distribution.

Nationwide Motorcycle Appraiser – All 50 States

Call 772-359-4300 for a Professional Motorcycle Appraisal

Donating a motorcycle to charity can be both personally rewarding and financially beneficial. When sold or auctioned, donated motorcycles provide funding that supports important charitable causes. In return, donors may qualify for a valuable IRS tax deduction.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company provides fair market value motorcycle appraisals in all 50 states for charitable donations, estate dissolution, equitable distribution, and insurance or legal purposes. Accurate motorcycle appraisals require more than general vehicle knowledge — they demand access to a reliable database of verified comparable sales.

Whether the appraisal is submitted to the IRS, an insurance carrier, a bank or credit union, or a court or magistrate, the valuation must be supported by documented sources.

IRS Motorcycle Appraisal Requirements

For tax-deductible motorcycle donations exceeding $5,000, IRS regulations require a written appraisal completed by a qualified appraiser. In these cases, the appraiser will also complete IRS Form 8283 for the donor.

Due to changes in IRS reporting requirements, a motorcycle may no longer be appraised by the selling dealer unless the donation occurs within two months of purchase. Motorcycles valued under $5,000 typically do not require a formal appraisal.

How Motorcycles Are Appraised

Like automobiles, motorcycles are evaluated based on year, make, model, and condition. Additional factors include upgrades, restorations, and custom modifications, all of which can significantly affect value.

Insurance Claims and Total Loss Motorcycle Appraisals

Insuring a motorcycle is generally straightforward — until a claim occurs. Claims involving wrecked, stolen, or total loss motorcycles are often disputed. Insurance companies are typically far less accommodating when paying claims than when collecting premiums.

In these situations, a professional motorcycle appraisal based on real-world comparable sales is essential to securing a fair settlement.

Motorcycle Appraisals for Financing and Lending

Banks and credit unions frequently require a motorcycle appraisal before approving financing, especially for used or customized motorcycles. Because motorcycles depreciate over time, lenders rely on accurate valuations to protect their interests.

Standard pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book and NADA motorcycle values often fail to account for custom work, upgrades, restorations, and choppers. As a result, borrowers may be denied adequate financing.

Hiring a licensed motorcycle appraiser can make the difference between loan approval and denial.

Why Choose The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

Licensed Motorcycle Appraisers Serving All 50 States

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has provided professional motorcycle valuation appraisals since 1981. We are fully licensed appraisers offering nationwide service in all 50 states.

The cost of a motorcycle appraisal depends on the level of research required. However, thanks to our extensive database of historical and current motorcycle sales, we are often able to provide a comprehensive fair market value appraisal for $275.00.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

Nationwide Service – All 50 States
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Nationwide Motorcycle Appraisal Coverage

We provide motorcycle appraisal services throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What Reddit Users Say about The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

December 5, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

1. Customer Experience & Communication

A recurring theme throughout the comments is the level of customer service provided by Franklin Colletta and his team. Several reviewers make specific references to how personable and supportive Franklin is. This type of feedback is particularly valuable when assessing a company’s overall reputation and customer satisfaction.

For example:

Stacy S (Virginia) says, “Thank you! You are a prince! I don’t know what wizardry you performed between him not negotiating and today but what a load off!” This comment suggests that Franklin or the team performed some form of negotiation or behind-the-scenes work that turned around a previously unyielding situation with Integon Insurance Company. The praise here goes beyond just the appraisal report itself, highlighting an added level of negotiation or consulting support that some appraisal companies might not provide.
Tania M (California) also shares that she felt confident and empowered going into her small claims hearing thanks to Franklin’s guidance. This is crucial because it shows that the company doesn’t just provide reports but also offers strategic support, walking clients through the claims or legal process as needed.

Deeper Analysis:
The ability to provide consultation and support beyond just the appraisal could be a key differentiator for The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. It’s not just about providing numbers; they seem to actively participate in supporting the client’s strategy for getting the best settlement.

2. The Effectiveness of Appraisal Reports

Joseph P (California) describes how the appraisal company helped him secure 2.5 times the original offer from his insurance company, which emphasizes the effectiveness of the reports.
Doug K (California) also mentions a significant improvement in his settlement, from a $3,915.00 offer to $8,000 after using their services.

Deeper Analysis:

The quality and reliability of the appraisal reports seem to be a major strength. The fact that these reports were able to hold up even when challenged by large insurers (like Geico or Progressive) speaks volumes about the thoroughness and professionalism of the appraisers.
This also suggests that the company uses a well-researched methodology, pulling data from reliable sources (such as dealerships, market data, and sometimes even comparable vehicles) to justify their valuations. This could be one of the reasons why clients feel confident challenging lowball offers from insurance companies.

Takeaway: If you’re dealing with a challenging insurance company that seems to lowball your claim, strong documentation and the backing of a reputable appraisal service like this can make a significant difference.

3. The Impact on Insurance Settlements

A number of customers share how the diminished value report directly influenced their settlements:
- Joseph V (Kansas) mentions how he settled without needing further calls with the appraisal company after sending the report, which is a testament to the clarity and power of the appraisal.
- Linda C (Florida) describes how the appraisal helped her avoid losing money when trading in her car. This suggests that diminished value reports are not only helpful for insurance claims but also valuable in other car-related financial decisions (such as trade-ins or resale).

Deeper Analysis:

The fact that these reports can lead to quicker settlements or better offers from insurance companies indicates the value of having a trusted appraisal service in the process. In some cases, it seems that just submitting the report, without needing further negotiation, is enough to prompt the insurance company to re-evaluate their initial low offer.
This means that the appraisal company’s influence goes beyond just documenting the vehicle’s diminished value; they appear to have enough expertise and credibility to pressure insurance companies into offering more reasonable settlements.

4. The Role of Franklin Colletta

The name Franklin Colletta comes up frequently in these reviews, and it’s clear he plays a central role in delivering these positive experiences. He is described as both an expert in diminished value appraisals and a genuine, caring professional.
- Tania M (California) writes, “Your detailed diminished value report and your willingness to take the time to walk me through each step were absolutely invaluable.” This suggests that Franklin’s involvement goes beyond the technical aspects of the appraisal, extending into a more personal and hands-on approach.

Deeper Analysis:

Franklin’s direct involvement and personal touch in guiding clients through the often-frustrating claims process could be a significant part of why customers have such a positive perception. His willingness to offer advice on legal matters and to walk clients through their next steps helps foster trust, which is critical when clients are dealing with often-complex insurance negotiations or claims processes.
This kind of customer interaction might also contribute to high retention rates, with customers likely returning for future services or referring others to the company.

5. The Pricing Structure

Mike L (Oklahoma) notes that they “cannot imagine things going better,” and Joseph V (Kansas) directly mentions the price of the appraisal service being $275 for his report, which resulted in a $3,100 diminished value claim.
Jachelle P (California) mentions how her appraisal came in at $5,475, while Geico offered just $4,000.

Deeper Analysis:

The pricing of $275 for a diminished value appraisal seems reasonable, considering the potential return on investment (ROI) clients report. If a client is able to secure an additional $2,000 to $5,000 in their settlement, paying for the appraisal appears to be a worthwhile investment.
Affordability and value for money are highlighted in several reviews, particularly because the service helps clients maximize their compensation from insurance companies, often by amounts that far exceed the cost of the appraisal.

6. Frustrations & Potential Areas for Improvement

Although most reviews are positive, some comments hint at frustrations with the insurance companies (like Geico offering lowball settlements initially) or difficulties in dealing with inconsistent offers (e.g., Rachit M with Progressive).
Jachelle P is unsure whether to accept a $4,000 offer or push for more, which shows that while the appraisal service is strong, the negotiation process with insurance companies can still involve some uncertainty or challenges.

Deeper Analysis:

This frustration is not unique to this company; it’s part of the broader insurance claims process, where companies often attempt to offer less than the actual diminished value to save money.
However, the fact that the appraisal service seems to provide reliable reports and support, and even prepares clients for court (as in Sue J’s case), positions them well to navigate these challenges effectively.

Final Takeaways:

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company stands out in the auto appraisal industry for offering detailed, well-supported diminished value reports that help clients achieve higher settlements.
Their personalized customer service (particularly from Franklin Colletta) is a significant factor in the positive feedback.
Pricing is reasonable compared to the value that clients report receiving, making this service a strong investment for anyone dealing with a diminished value claim.
Challenges with insurers remain a part of the process, but the company’s expertise and negotiation support give customers an edge in these tough situations.

In short, the overall feedback from these reviews paints a picture of a trusted, professional service that not only offers high-quality appraisals but also goes above and beyond to help clients navigate the often tricky insurance claims process.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Before making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

CONFIRMATION

December 3, 2025December 3, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

St. Lucie Appraisal, automobile, personal property, diminished value, appraiser

Overview
Learn more…Opens in new tab
The term “Auto Diminished Value” means that cars which were damaged and subsequently repaired lose market value as a result of having a repair history, sometimes known as a “Bad CARFAX.”

Read more

State-Licensed Auto Appraisers / Adjusters vs. “Certified” Appraisers (Huge Difference)

November 22, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

1. State-Licensed Appraisers or Adjusters (Real Credential)

A state license is a government-issued professional credential that requires:

Background checks
Verified experience or training
Continuing education
Compliance with state laws and regulations
The ability to be disciplined for misconduct

This is a regulated profession, not something you can just pay for.

When an appraiser or adjuster has a state license, it demonstrates:

Accountability
Legal responsibility
Formal training
Regulatory oversight
Professional legitimacy

This is why St. Lucie Appraisal’s state licensing across multiple states is such a major credibility advantage.

2. “Certified Appraisers” (Private Organizations You Pay Annually — No Oversight)

Most “certified appraiser” credentials come from private, for-profit companies such as:

IADA
ASA
IACP
IAAA
BOCAA
AdjusterPro
ASCAA
NAAA
I-CAR
AVDI

These certifications:

Are not government regulated
Have no background checks
Have no enforceable legal standards
Usually require only a yearly fee
Have no continuing education requirements
Do not verify real-world market competence
Do not remove members for biased, incomplete, or poor appraisal work

This is why relying on “certified appraisers” leads to so many low-quality DV reports.

Why St. Lucie Appraisal Is Different

State-licensed appraisers and/or adjusters in multiple states
Not private “certifications,” but real regulated credentials.
Over 40 years in business (since 1981)
Long-term history is another legitimacy indicator.
Real research
They call six dealerships in the customer’s actual market to confirm their opinion — not formulas, multipliers, or algorithms.
They do NOT work for insurers
No conflict of interest.
Strong reviews across multiple platforms
Not fake or paid reviews.

Why This Matters for Diminished Value

When negotiating diminished value, insurance companies look for weaknesses in an appraiser’s credibility.

A report from a “certified” appraiser with no regulatory license is easy for insurers to dismiss.

But a report from a state-licensed appraiser or adjuster is far more authoritative, defensible, and difficult for insurers to undermine.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Before making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

October 26, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Airplane Hangar Valuation and Appraisal Services

Valuation appraisals for commercial airport hangars and residential airstrip structures are often classified as personal property rather than real estate. An airplane hangar is typically located on rented property—similar to a
mobile home in a park. The hangar owner usually holds the title to the structure but not the land beneath it.

When an airplane hangar appraisal is performed for financing, insurance, purchase, sale, or taxation, the appraiser must evaluate far more than the building’s structural soundness. Critical questions include:

Does the hangar have offices, lounges, or passenger facilities?
Is there a grease trap for fuel and oil spillage (allowing for interior aircraft washing)?
Is the electrical system up to code and designed for aircraft maintenance?
Does the structure include storm doors, hurricane-rated roll-up doors, or dual-glazed windows?
Are there skylights, LED lighting, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers installed?
For large hangars, is there a foam fire suppression system as required?

Other valuable features include central air, a hot water heater, automatic ceiling vents, full baths with shower stalls, integrated tool storage, high-output electric heating, sealed and painted concrete flooring, and interior drywall.
Square footage, lot rent, ground lease length, parking access, and nearby transit are all important valuation factors.

Appraising the Value of an Airplane Hangar

Additional considerations also influence market value:

Is the runway asphalt, and what is its condition?
How close is the hangar to the tarmac or taxiway?
Is it near a U.S. Customs Port of Entry?
Are there multiple FBOs offering competitive fuel rates and full-service options?
Is there a restaurant or pilot lounge nearby that enhances convenience and appeal?

Hangars located on private or residential airstrips are typically non–income-producing assets and must be evaluated differently. It is a valuable amenity to live within walking distance of your own hangar at an air park. A paved and lighted runway significantly increases desirability and appraised value.

The cost to prepare a professional valuation appraisal for an airplane hangar starts at $1,250.00 and includes all documentation required for financing, insurance, taxation, purchase or sale, and estate settlement.

Call (772) 359-4300 for additional information or to schedule your appraisal.

Accepted credit cards for appraisal services

Service available in all 50 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Airplane Hangar Valuations

October 26, 2025October 26, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Airplane Hangar Valuation and Appraisal Services

Does the hangar have offices, lounges, or passenger facilities?
Is there a grease trap for fuel and oil spillage (allowing for interior aircraft washing)?
Is the electrical system up to code and designed for aircraft maintenance?
Does the structure include storm doors, hurricane-rated roll-up doors, or dual-glazed windows?
Are there skylights, LED lighting, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers installed?
For large hangars, is there a foam fire suppression system as required?

Appraising the Value of an Airplane Hangar

Additional considerations also influence market value:

Is the runway asphalt, and what is its condition?
How close is the hangar to the tarmac or taxiway?
Is it near a U.S. Customs Port of Entry?
Are there multiple FBOs offering competitive fuel rates and full-service options?
Is there a restaurant or pilot lounge nearby that enhances convenience and appeal?

Call (772) 359-4300 for additional information or to schedule your appraisal.

A Diminished Value Claim in Phoenix, Arizona

October 22, 2025October 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Phoenix, Arizona Diminished Value Appraiser | Independent Auto Appraisal Experts

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company provides independent diminished value appraisals for vehicle owners in Phoenix, Arizona and throughout the state. Our licensed auto appraisers serve all ZIP Codes and regions listed below, helping car owners recover their rightful loss in value after an accident.

Phoenix, Arizona ZIP Codes & Areas We Serve for Diminished Value Claims

85008, 85032, 85033, 85035, 85041, 85042, 85044, 85050, 85051, 85053,
85054, 85085, 85086, 85224, 85225, 85226, 85281, 85282, 85283, 85284,
85286, 85287, 85295, 85301, 85302, 85303, 85304, 85305, 85306, 85307,
85308, 85309, 85338, 85339, 85340, 85341, 85342, 85343, 85344, 85345,
85346, 85361, 85362, 85364, 85367, 85372, 85373, 85374, 85375, 85376,
85377, 85378, 85379, 85380, 85381, 85382, 85383, 85385

Service Locations Across Arizona

Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Bullhead City, Casa Grande, Chandler, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Lake Havasu City, Marana, Mesa, Oro Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Prescott, Scottsdale, Sierra Vista, Surprise, Tempe, Tucson, Yuma.

Counties served: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Yuma.

Independent Arizona Diminished Value Appraisals

Every week, we report on significant and informative examples of auto diminished value claims across Arizona. This case involves a Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab with 11,806 miles that sustained left-side collision damage totaling $14,380.82. The vehicle was disabled and towed, with structural damage and no airbag deployment. The owner hired an independent auto appraiser and pursued a third-party diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value.

After a collision, even high-quality repairs cannot restore a vehicle’s market value. Regardless of repair quality, buyers pay less for a previously wrecked vehicle compared to an identical undamaged one. Filing and negotiating a diminished value claim can be complex for most vehicle owners — which is why obtaining a professional Diminished Value Report from a licensed appraiser is crucial.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS, OR OTHER SHORTCUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE

Phoenix Diminished Value Case Example

Interviews with Arizona Chevrolet sales managers revealed consistent opinions about frame-damaged vehicles. One manager stated that frame damage causes a larger loss in value since it’s difficult to justify to potential buyers — typically resulting in about a 40% reduction. Another noted that such a truck would lose roughly half of its trade-in value because of the frame damage.

The opinions of six unbiased professional sales managers from recognized Arizona dealerships form the foundation of our Auto Diminished Value Appraisal. We gather six independent dealer quotes to confirm every report produced by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company — providing a realistic, market-based assessment of what your car is worth post-repair.

Each dealer was provided with details including year, make, model, pre-accident condition, mileage, color, options, repair date, and the nature of the damages. Dealer valuations were based on professional experience and access to current auction results, with the understanding that the vehicle was properly repaired.

We contacted multiple Chevrolet dealerships in
Arizona
to determine how the repairs and accident history affected the vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Dealers were given both pre-repair and post-repair condition summaries.

A Diminished Value Claim in Phoenix, Arizona

Description of damage: Left-side collision with structural damage, no airbag deployment. Repair cost: $14,380.82. No aftermarket or used parts (LKQ) were used in repairs or included in the diminished value assessment.

The average of six (6) dealer deductions was 34.17%, representing the percentage of diminished value applied to the vehicle’s FMV at the time of loss.

The vehicle’s Fair Market Value at the time of loss was approximately $27,500.00, resulting in a diminished value of $9,396.75.

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Diminished Value Saint Louis

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company provides independent diminished value appraisals for vehicle owners in Saint Louis and throughout Missouri. Our appraisers serve all ZIP Codes listed below.

A diminished value appraisal of a Ford F150 XLT Crew Cab with 11,264 miles that was involved in a left side collision that caused $16,952.53 in damage.