How to Claim Auto Diminished Value
I hate to break it to you, but all of the research you’ve done up to this point has been a waste of time. Did you do some calculations on Carvana to seek proof of your car’s diminished value after accident repairs? Toss it into the circular file. Diminished Value can’t be calculated using a formula or algorithm! Neither will an online ad comparison or the difference between the KBB or NADA clean and average trade-in values.
Ok, I admit, I am totally guilty of acknowledging that the methodology used by stlucieappraisal.net/ cannot be matched for forcing insurance companies to admit their situations. We provide conclusive proof, borne out of careful research, showing how much value your car has lost due to its now having a repair history.
You won’t find us using any of those short cuts because insurance companies simply inform car owners that those reports don’t prove a loss in value. I have trouble understanding them myself. It’s a true spectacle watching an insurance company defense attorney try to explain their claims department’s convoluted diminished value formula to a magistrate. What ultimately wins the day, as insurance company managers well know, is real-world evidence that has probative value. They don’t want to go to court any more than you do. Demonstrating why they would lose is the key to obtaining a fair settlement.
Since 1981: Decades of Independent Appraisal Experience
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has been appraising diminished value and total loss claims since 1981. That decades-long track record of dealing directly with insurance carriers, attorneys, and courts nationwide is what shapes the guidance below.
One Basic Tip for Claiming Diminished Value
Above all, don’t try to navigate those waters by yourself. Hire an independent appraiser, preferably one who is licensed in any state and definitely one who doesn’t also work for insurance companies. Your appraiser should be expected to make multiple inquiries to assess the value of the loss.
A Common Question About Auto Diminished Value
Will my appraiser work on my behalf to help me attain a fair settlement? It is a sad fact that many independent appraisers do no more than they have to, which means that they will write an appraisal then send you on your way. There is so much more to making a successful Auto Diminished Value claim than simply writing an appraisal. Expect an avalanche of misinformation and low-ball offers from the insurance company. The average person isn’t equipped to know whether they are being misled. Your appraiser needs to help you by guiding you through the process; helping to answer questions and speaking to insurance personnel on your behalf.
Want to learn more about Auto Diminished Value claims? Check out THIS LINK to become an expert!
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Areas We Serve
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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.
After 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.
AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
This is an Open Education resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diminished value be calculated with a formula or online tool?
No. Formulas, algorithms, online ad comparisons, and the gap between KBB or NADA clean versus average trade-in values are not accepted proof of loss. Insurance companies routinely reject these shortcuts because they don’t demonstrate real market impact.
What actually proves diminished value to an insurance company?
Real-world, probative evidence gathered through direct research carries the most weight. This is the kind of documentation that holds up when a claim moves toward litigation or a magistrate has to evaluate the numbers.
Should I hire an independent appraiser?
Yes. Choose an appraiser licensed to work in any state who does not also work for insurance companies, and who is willing to make multiple inquiries rather than a single quick estimate.
Will the appraiser help me negotiate with the insurance company?
A good appraiser does more than hand over a report. They should guide you through the claims process, answer your questions, and speak directly with insurance personnel on your behalf to help you avoid low-ball offers and misinformation.
How much does an appraisal cost and how do I pay?
The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is $275.00, payable by credit card or PayPal through the secure payment button, or by phone at 772-359-4300. Tesla and other exotic car owners should call for custom rates.
What do I do after I pay?
Email your body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net so the appraisal process can begin.