There is a little-known 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 Toyota, 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. Toyota 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, Toyota Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims are our specialty.
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Diminished Value Knoxville
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. This article details the diminished value appraisal of a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Sedan with 20,045 miles that was involved in a Left Side collision that caused $15,619.68 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.
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 exotic new car dealerships in Tennessee – One dealer said it would not be something they would take, could be 30-50% less in value depending on how it looks after repairs. They would not be a buyer but could be a third party facilitator. Another dealer explained it’s not a situation that is not gonna work in your favor that’s a piece they wouldn’t keep, look at losing about half the value because now the structural integrity has been compromised so they wouldn’t be able to certify the car.
The opinions of six unbiased professional sales managers at recognized exotic 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 AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM. 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 exotic new car dealers in Tennessee 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: Disabling collision damages to the Left Side with damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $15,619.58. 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 39.17%. 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 $47,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $18,605.75
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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.
Service in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson City, Bartlett, Hendersonville, Kingsport, Collierville and throughout Tennessee
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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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DIMINISHED VALUE SPELLED OUT
I’m sorry to report it, folks, but insurance companies don’t always play fair. Many insurers or their representatives make every effort to deceive third-party claimants as well as their own policy holders. In automobile diminished value claims, the egregious behavior is rampant, primarily because most of us have no familiarity with our right to be compensated for our car’s loss in value after accident repairs. This diminished value is a result of what’s commonly referred to as a Bad CARFAX but the impact on your car’s value is real so it is your responsibility to prove how much less your car is now worth. And you’ll have to spell it out so your evidence needs to be irrefutable.
WHY DO INSURANCE COMPANIES GET AWAY WITH CLAIM DENIALS BASED ON THEIR CONTENTION THAT A PROPERLY-REPAIRED CAR DOES NOT SUFFER ANY LOSS IN VALUE?
It is an obvious falsehood yet no insurance department has stepped up to the plate to sanction these actions.
This is a common insurance industry stance. The idea that a properly repaired car does not suffer any loss in value—often referred to as diminished value—is widely disputed by consumers, auto dealers, and even some legal experts. Here’s why insurers get away with denying these claims:
ACCURATE UNBIASED EVIDENCE OF DIMINISHED VALUE>
Third-party claims for the inherent diminished value of vehicles after accident repairs – If we aren’t shaping the narrative we are being shaped by it. Do not allow insurance companies to normalize denials and lowball offers for diminished value claims. Insurers have strategized ways to avoid paying. Instead of demonstrating the cornerstones of professional ethics like integrity, objectivity, and a fundamental commitment to truth, they have chosen to be arbitrary and insincere. For you, the car owners, the consequences of their misinformation are real – devaluation without compensation.
BEST AUTOMOBILE APPRAISERS
The independent auto appraisal business has gotten a black eye over the years and it has been well-deserved. From inadequate diminished value and total loss valuation appraisals to a lack of customer service, car owners are naturally hesitant to pursue insurance claims and court cases.
BEST DIMINISHED VALUE METHODOLOGY
DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISERS – WHO NOT TO HIRE
It is unfortunate that automobile diminished value appraisers throughout the country do such poor work. This has contributed to the public’s general notion that third-party claim reimbursements for inherent diminished value after accident repairs are difficult if not impossible to obtain. Insurance companies have created a number of boilerplate responses to claims such as “We are denying your claim because your appraisal was computer-generated”. This article illustrates common mistakes that consumers make when hiring independent appraisers.
CHOOSING A DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISER
AI Overview
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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.” In most states, this lost amount is recoverable from insurance companies of at-fault parties. The amount of diminished value is determined by the damages that were repaired and the vehicle itself.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Best rule of thumb #1 for choosing an independent appraiser is to make sure they don’t also work for insurance companies.
Best rule of thumb #2 for choosing an independent appraiser is to make sure they will act as your advocate when necessary during the course of the insurance claim.
Best rule of thumb #3 for choosing an independent appraiser is find one that does real-world research instead of short-cuts such as formulas, algorithms, online ad comparisons or book value condition differences that can’t be disputed by insurers or in court. In addition to their own opinion of DV, the unbiased opinions of at least six new car dealers to support the appraiser’s estimation is the most probative evidence..
SERVICE LOCATIONS
Call 772-359-4300 to inquire about your auto appraisal needs. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company specializes in automobile, personal property, and diminished value appraisals. Established in 1981, the company has been serving clients for over four decades. We operate nationwide, offering appraisal services across all 50 states. For inquiries, you can contact us at (772) 359-4300 or via email at contact@stlucieappraisal.net. Our official website is https://stlucieappraisal.net.
THERE IS ONLY ONE
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, commonly known as a “Bad CARFAX.” This lost amount is recoverable from insurance companies of at-fault parties. The amount of diminished value is determined by the damages that were repaired and the vehicle itself.
WE ARE THE BEST AND MOST HIGHLY-RATED AUTO DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISERS IN THE COUNTRY. OUR COMPANY VALIDATES OUR DIMINISHED VALUE RESEARCH BY SPEAKING TO SALES PERSONNEL AT SIX NEW CAR DEALERSHIPS IN YOUR AREA. THIS SUPPORTS OUR EXPERT OPINIONS, PROVIDING PROBATIVE EVIDENCE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM OR COURT CASE.
A CLIENT’S REVIEW OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY
Consumers may be surprised to learn that compensation for the diminished value of their vehicles after accident repairs isn’t impossible to obtain. No matter how difficult or obstinate and insurer may appear, there is always a higher power to which we can appeal – the courtroom.
DID YOUR AUTO BODY SHOP TELL YOU ABOUT DIMINISHED VALUE?
When an auto body shop owner goes out of his way to recommend an independent auto appraiser such as The St. Lucie Appraisal Company to prepare a customer’s automobile diminished value appraisal, it demonstrates their commitment to good customer service.
HAS THE MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT SHOT ITSELF IN THE FOOT?
Are car owners in Massachusetts now being forced into litigation in order to obtain compensation for the diminished value of their vehicles after accident repairs? A third-party claimant must obtain a final judgment against the responsible party to pay for their cars’ diminished value.
TASADOR DE DISMINUCIÓN DE VALOR DE AUTOMÓVILES
Contrate al mejor tasador de disminución de valor de automóviles del país. St. Lucie Appraisal Company ofrece servicio a nivel nacional, no tiene clientes de compañías de seguros, cuenta con las mejores reseñas de consumidores en todas las plataformas como BBB, Yelp, YP y Trustpilot, utiliza la metodología más sólida para confirmar nuestra opinión consultando a seis concesionarios de automóviles nuevos y le asistirá con su reclamación por disminución de valor si hay algún problema con la compañía de seguros. Contáctenos al 772-359-4300 o por correo electrónico a contact@stlucieappraisal.net.
ARE INHERENT DIMINISHED VALUE DAMAGES INTANGIBLE LOSSES?
It has been written that Inherent Diminished Value damages represent an intangible loss in market value rather than physical damage to tangible property. All research shows that cars with accident histories are worth less than comparable cars that were never wrecked. We are at the point where tangible and intangible intersect.
A SYNOPSIS OF THE ST LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY
AutoDiminishedValue.com is a service offered by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. Our company has received numerous positive reviews from clients across various platforms. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, we hold an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 stars, based on 35 customer reviews. Clients have praised our professionalism, thoroughness, and effectiveness in securing fair settlements.
Additionally, testimonials on our official website highlight successful outcomes in diminished value claims. For instance, a client from California shared, “I chose AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM (St. Lucie Appraisal) based on their unique methodology, and actually used the DV appraisal as evidence in small claims court. I won the case against Pronto Insurance, so can definitely vouch for their services & effectiveness.”
Yelp reviews (5.0) also reflect positive experiences. One reviewer mentioned, “St Lucie Appraisal was who we chose to prepare our auto diminished value report and we’re more than happy with our decision.”
Furthermore, Scamadviser.com indicates that autodiminishedvalue.com is legitimate and safe to use.
Given the consistent positive feedback, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a reputable choice for diminished value appraisals.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company offers automobile, personal property, and diminished value appraisal services across all 50 states. They have established locations in various cities nationwide, including Fort Pierce, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Coral City, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Des Moines, IA; Wichita, KS; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Minneapolis, MN; Jackson, MS; Joplin, MO; Las Vegas, NV; New York, NY; Albuquerque, NM; Charlotte, NC; Middletown, OH; Little Rock, AR; Oklahoma City, OK; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; North Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; Houston, TX; Virginia Beach, VA; Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Boston, MA; and Newark, NJ.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company handles total loss disputes. We offer nationwide services, providing independent appraisals for vehicles deemed total losses. Our expertise includes assisting clients in disputing insurance company valuations by preparing fair and objective valuation appraisals that accurately reflect a vehicle’s true pre-accident value.
In cases where there’s a disagreement between the car owner and the insurance company regarding the vehicle’s value, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company can represent clients through the Appraisal Clause process. This involves each party selecting a competent and impartial appraiser. If the appraisers cannot agree on a value, we will select an umpire to make a binding decision. We charge a fee of $275.00 for an automobile valuation appraisal, with an additional $275.00 for representation in Appraisal Clause negotiations. If an umpire is necessary, the associated costs are typically shared between both parties.
Clients have reported positive experiences with The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in total loss disputes. For instance, one client mentioned that after their truck was stolen and recovered with significant damage, their insurance company’s initial offer was substantially lower than expected. With the assistance of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, the client was able to negotiate a settlement almost three times higher than the initial offer.
For more information or to discuss a specific case, you can contact The St. Lucie Appraisal Company at 772-359-4300 or via email at contact@stlucieappraisal.net.
READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY
Please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com
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Then 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.
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
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a family-owned appraisal company that offers nationwide service.We provide Diminished Value Appraisals, Automobile Valuations for total losses, financing, underwriting, estates, bankruptcies, donations and Loss of Use Reports.This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, motor vehicle valuations, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.
AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM, AUTOLOSSOFUSE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
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State-Licensed Auto Appraisers vs. Certified Auto Appraisers
State-Licensed Auto Appraisers:
State-licensed auto appraisers are regulated by the state, and they are subject to a higher level of oversight and accountability. In most states, auto appraisers must undergo specific training, pass exams, and adhere to state laws and regulations. This process ensures that licensed appraisers have the proper qualifications and expertise to handle vehicle appraisals in a way that is legally sound and consistent with state guidelines.
DIMINISHED VALUE – WHY STATE FARM LOSES IN COURT

Insurance companies have become emboldened to force vehicle owners into taking legal action against them. What has enabled them to increase their control over claimants is the lack of credible evidence provided by plaintiffs – the vehicle owners and the independent appraisal companies that they hire. All of the large insurers, State Farm among them, routinely deny and low ball claims for the diminished value of automobiles that were repaired after accidents caused by their insureds.






