Category: Auto Diminished Value

YOUR CAR WAS WRECKED AND REPAIRED.WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

If the crash was the someone else’s fault, you can file a diminished value claim to recover your car’s loss in value.

The terminology for this type of claim is a Third-Party Inherent Auto Diminished Value Claim. It is part of the overall claim that can include Bodily Injury, Collision, Loss of Use, etc. With a Collision Claim, the cost of a fender is known (although insurance companies will try to stick you with cheaper aftermarket or used ones) and the labor and paint times are fixed. With a Loss of Use Claim, the amounts that car rental companies charge for comparable cars are pretty much in the same ball park. With Auto Diminished Value Claims, however, who is to determine the approximate amount a vehicle has lost in value after being fixed and now having a repair history? Which methodology should be used? Insurance companies sometimes try to deny Auto Diminished Value claims altogether despite insurmountable evidence that all cars lose value after undergoing collision repairs. A vehicle that sustained structural damage or air bag deployment can lose half of its value.

third-party-inherent-diminished-value-claim — YOUR CAR WAS WRECKED AND REPAIRED.WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?

Auto Diminished Value is considered a “stigma” loss and opinions as to the existence and approximate amount of the loss in value differ. In the history of such claims, it is doubtful that an insurance appraiser’s assessment of a car’s loss in value has ever been higher than that of the claimant’s independent appraiser. At The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, our methodology is time-consuming but simple. We query the sales managers at multiple new car dealerships to support our opinion of DV, describing the car and the repairs, they in turn will tell us how much less, typically, they would pay for the car. We obtain six of them and they are unbiased, professional opinions that confirm the validity of our numbers. A claimant should be aware that most independent appraisers do not go to these lengths, instead employing formulas, algorithms, online ad comparisons or other short cuts. We offer all prospective clients the same advice. You’ll need two things – a good appraisal and persistence. The second part of the equation is that the claimant must be pro-active and follow our suggestions such as insisting on written correspondences, escalating claims to supervisors, letting the file handler know that we are willing to speak to them, filing unfair claims practices complaints with state insurance departments, etc.

Auto Diminished Value claims can go smoothly or in the opposite direction. We rarely hear back from our clients but inevitably the ones who do call asking “what do I do next?” are the ones who don’t follow the suggestions we provide for them.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

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@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

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

Auto Diminished Value Case in Small Claims Court

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

NOTE: This article is intended as a guide and not as a form of legal advice.

Among the various and many articles that have been written about automobile diminished value, there are but a scant few that describe what happens when an irate claimant decides to become a plaintiff and escalates his claim into small claims court. Of course, there are many diminished value losses that exceed the $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 limit – each state has different thresholds – of this venue but for this article we will examine diminished value in small claims court. Small Claims Court is a special court where individuals, representing themselves, resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively in an informal setting. The person who sues is the plaintiff; the person who is sued is the defendant. In small claims court, you may ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you cannot have a lawyer in court. Again, different state laws apply.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company had occasion to prepare an automobile diminished value report for a client, but not before he had made a few mistakes. The gentleman owned a Honda Pilot which was damaged by a negligent driver who was insured with Safeco Insurance. After having his 3,900 mile vehicle repaired for $1,446.13, not a great deal of damage, he filed an automobile diminished value claim against Safeco. He presented as evidence of diminution, a document from his Honda dealer which stated that his vehicle, due to its now having a bad Carfax, was worth $4,000.00 less.

DIMINISHED VALUE IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT 772-359-4300

Insurance companies in general have become sophisticated in recognizing what types of claimants they are dealing with when it comes to diminished value. This claimant did not seek out an independent appraiser, rather, he decided to forgo the cost and present his case armed with a letter from his Honda dealer. Safeco, in turn, likely categorized him as someone who would not cause them any trouble; as might someone who would spring for the cost of an independent appraisal. Insurers take the same approach when claimants present them with the low-cost types of diminished value appraisals found on the internet. Safeco denied his diminished value claim, offering him absolutely nothing, not even a token few hundred dollars as many insurers typically do.

That’s when our client contacted us to prepare an automobile diminished value report. Our appraisal, which was done on the basis of six quotes obtained from area Honda dealers to confirm our opinion, came to $2,000.00. With the appraisal in hand, he then contacted his attorney who filed a small claims action against the defendant vehicle owner in civil court. We were again contracted to appear as an expert witness to defend our findings.

When Bringing a Diminished Value Lawsuit to Small Claims Court, Be Prepared to Win

Safeco brought it’s own defense team that included an expert witness. Their expert witness did not produce an appraisal based on dealer quotes – their contention was, repairs having been done to industry standards, that diminished value did not exist.

We were questioned by both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys before the judge rendered his decision. Objections of hearsay are common and you or your counsel must be prepared to meet that if you are to get the full benefit of the report. One of the questions asked by Safeco’s attorney was whether our diminished value report was biased. The answer was no and it was a truthful answer. When The St. Lucie Appraisal Company prepares an automobile diminished value report, we present the facts to the dealers queried exactly as they are. The year, make, model, options condition and color of the subject vehicle as well as the specific damages that were repaired. All of the dealers queried are informed that the subject vehicle is not available for purchase or trade, therefore none of the dealers queried had any vested interest in the subject vehicle. The results of our inquiries speak for themselves. We neither add nor subtract any opinions of our own, nor do we attempt to skew results in favor of our clients.

Our appraisal fee is $275.00 and the cost to hire us as an expert witness is $675.00. Our client’s’s attorney fees were in the neighborhood of $1,000.00. However, he was so put off by the cavalier treatment he received from Safeco, he decided to risk spending the additional monies in order to extract a fair settlement from the insurer.

In the end, the magistrate agreed with our appraisal and also with the fact that compensation for diminished value was due even though the claimant had no intention of selling his vehicle. In addition to awarding the claimant $2,000.00 in diminished value, the judge ruled that Safeco should also pay all of the claimant’s appraisal, expert witness and legal fees. It was a bad day for the insurance company seeing as they were also on the hook for payment of their own defense costs, but it took the fervor of the claimant – his David vs. Goliath mentality – to put all of that in motion.

Our client’s attorney could not seek any punitive damages even though evidence of unfair claim practices existed. Perhaps in the future, when more Davids summon the courage to challenge Goliaths, all 50 states will adopt uniform laws that require fair and equitable treatment by insurers in automobile diminished value cases. Penalties for ignoring an obvious fact – that automobile diminished value does exist – may someday be imposed upon predatory insurance companies. On this day it was sweet vindication for our client and, hopefully, a warning for insurers to start walking a straighter line when presented with claims involving automobile diminished value.

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.

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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Fullerton Diminished Value

September 16, 2025September 16, 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 Lexus IS350 Sedan with 21,832 miles that was involved in a Front-end collision that caused $26,942.00 in damage. The vehicle was disabled/towed, had structural damage and 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 Southern California – One dealer said that there definitely would be a loss could be as much as 45% of the cars value something of this nature would 9 times out of 10 go right to auction. Another dealer explained that if this were a $100,000 car you may only be offered now only 50- 60k for it because of the large amount of damage and the airbags and frame being damaged due to the wreck itself. Once they disclose to buyers they either walk away or expect to pay half of retail.

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

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

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

A Diminished Value Claim in Fullerton, California

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Front including damage to structural components and air bag deployment. Repair cost $26,942.00. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 44.17%. 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 $32,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $14,134.40

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.

Service in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Irvine, Fremont, San Bernardino, Modesto, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Oceanside, Santa Rosa, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Elk Grove, Lancaster, Corona, Palmdale, Salinas, Hayward, Pomona, Escondido, Sunnyvale, Torrance, Orange, Pasadena, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Visalia, Roseville, Simi Valley, Concord, Victorville, Santa Clara, Vallejo, Berkeley, El Monte, Downey, Costa Mesa, Inglewood, Carlsbad, Fairfield, Ventura, Richmond, Murrieta, Antioch, Temecula, Norwalk, Daly City, Burbank, Santa Maria, El Cajon, Rialto, San Mateo, Clovis, Jurupa Valley, Compton, Vista, Mission Viejo, South Gate, Vacaville, Carson, Santa Monica, Arden-Arcade, Hesperia, Westminster, Redding, Santa Barbara, San Marcos, Chico, San Leandro, Newport Beach, Whittier, Hawthorne, Citrus Heights, Livermore, Tracy, Alhambra, Indio, Menifee, Buena Park, Hemet, Lakewood, Merced, Chino, Redwood City, Lake Forest, Napa, Tustin, Mountain View, Bellflower, Baldwin Park, Alameda, Upland, San Ramon, Pleasanton and throughout California.

Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo and Yuba Counties. auto appraiser near 92831, auto appraiser near 92832, auto appraiser near 92833

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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Questions About Free Diminished Value Appraisals

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

QUESTION – ARE FREE DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISALS REALLY FREE?

It’s a wonder that The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is still in the business of providing diminished value appraisals in all 50 states. If you are wondering why we’re making such a statement – especially in light of the fact that we’re the best at recovering fair diminished value settlements from insurance companies – it’s because other appraisers are doing it for free! There are almost as many independent appraisal companies touting their free automobile diminished value services in Google as there are attorneys that hawk the same thing.

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

The late, great Nobel-prize winning Chicago-school economist Milton Friedman is famous for saying, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” The phrase was coined much earlier than that but, for all intents and purposes, it refers to the economic theory, and also the lay opinion, that whatever goods and services are provided, they must be paid for by someone – that is, you don’t get something for nothing. So, what’s the catch with all of these independent diminished value appraisers? What would Milton Friedman have to say about the twenty-plus Google pages of “free” offers from the appraisal community?

Among our past clients, there were more than a few who admitted to taking the bait, only to be informed that they would be better served by such and such appraiser’s “concierge” diminished value appraisal. Those appraisals, as Milton Friedman would no doubt have predicted, are not free. Some of them even went so far as to pay for what turned out to be worthless reports.

So, in the interest of learning whether any of these independent diminished value appraisers that offer free service are good guys or bad guys, do a Google search. You’ll find more than a hundred appraisal companies willing to provide you with a “free lunch.” If they are on the level, it will cost us business. If they prove to be scammers, however, we’ll talk to you soon and you can tell us all about it. Free advice? Go for it. Free appraisals? Better think twice.

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.

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.
READ MORE ARTICLES…

Diminished Value Anchorage

August 28, 2025August 28, 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. A diminished value appraisal of a Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited with 4,108 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $8,593.72 in damage.

How Diminished Value Impacts New Car Sales

August 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Turn “Bad Carfax” Trade-Ins into New Car Sales – How Diminished Value Claims Can Save the Deal

The Challenge

Many trade-ins come with an accident history, often cutting $10,000+ off their trade-in value. Most customers walk away, and the dealership loses the sale.

But if the accident was another driver’s fault, your customer may be entitled to recover diminished value from the at-fault insurer. The outcome depends on how they pursue the claim.

Three Possible Scenarios

Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer

• Insurer pays a low settlement

• Typical recovery: $0 – $1,500

• Customer reaction: Still out most of the $10,000 loss

• Odds of buying new car:

Low

Weak Diminished Value Appraisal

• Customer hires an appraiser who relies on formulas, book values, or online ads

• Insurance companies often dispute these reports

• Typical recovery: ~$4,000

• Customer reaction: Partial recovery, not enough to feel whole

• Odds of buying new car:

Maybe

Strong Independent Appraisal

• Customer hires a firm like The St. Lucie Appraisal Company

• Methodology: Combines expert opinion with trade-in values from six new car dealerships

• Appraiser acts as advocate in disputes to maximize settlement

• Typical recovery: $7,000 – $10,000

• Customer reaction: Closer to full recovery of $10,000 loss

• Odds of buying new car:

High

Why Dealers Should Care

• Customers with accident-history trade-ins often feel stuck

• Guiding them toward credible appraisers helps them recover more and return to buy

• Builds trust, loyalty, and stronger sales opportunities

Choosing the Right Independent Appraiser

When recommending an appraiser, make sure they:

A. Are licensed in any state as an auto appraiser or adjuster — not just “certified” by a private organization

B. Offer services nationwide for broader expertise

C. Have excellent consumer reviews across all platforms

D. Do not also work for insurance companies, to avoid conflicts of interest

E. Avoid appraisers, such as some public adjusters, who take a percentage of the recovery rather than a flat fee, as this can inherently cast doubt on the credibility of the report

The Takeaway

Helping your customers recover diminished value isn’t just good for them – it’s good for your dealership

A smarter way for sales managers to turn “bad Carfax” trade-ins into closed deals

When customers recover more… they buy more

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

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net

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.

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.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Determining the Amount of DV

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

There are three types of diminished value claims: inherent, repair-related, and insurance-related. The general consensus among insurance companies, vehicle owners, car dealers and automobile appraisers considers inherent diminished value to be value lost due to stigma, repair-related diminished value to be value lost due to repairs not returning a vehicle to pre-accident condition, and insurance diminished value to be value lost due to the use of lesser parts. The most significant issues relate to the evidentiary standard required for proving a claim in inherent diminished value and to quantifying that loss in value. How does an appraiser go about determining the amount of auto diminished value?

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

In order for you to prove inherent diminished value it would be insufficient to express an opinion that the vehicle is worth less by employing a formula, algorithm or simply the uncorroborated opinion of an appraiser who considers himself an expert. Without reliable evidence, an individual appraiser’s experience is insufficient to prove inherent diminished value on a balance of probabilities. The burden remains with the car owner to quantify their claim of inherent diminished value with actual evidence.

DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF DIMINISHED VALUE

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company generates diminished value appraisals crafted from the unbiased opinions of numerous authorities on the buying, selling and auctioning of cars – the sales managers at new car dealerships. In fact, we are the only independent appraisal company in the United States that can reference literally thousands of such opinions. Proving the existence and amount of automobile diminished value is critical both in claim negotiations and legal proceedings should matters escalate to that stage. Insurance adjusters and their supervisors are not impressed by formula-based appraisals and give them scant respect when negotiating settlements. If a car owner seeking compensation for diminished value doesn’t submit an appraisal that convinces insurers that they would lose in court, you are likely to lose a great deal in terms of not only time and money but also emotional duress. Nobody likes being treated unfairly.

A pro-active approach works best. Obtain a credible automobile diminished value appraisal from an appraiser who holds a state-issued license. An automobile adjuster and appraiser license from any state is a nationally accepted credential. Make certain that the appraiser is agreeable to discussing his appraisal with insurance representatives. Document everything by insisting that all correspondences with the insurer be in writing. Escalate the claim up the chain of command. Supervisors have the authority to increase settlement offers and will likely consult with their legal team about the chances of a successful defense. If their lawyers tell them that the evidence is compelling, your chance of obtaining equitable treatment increases considerably. If you are still faced with arbitrary and capricious responses, make an unfair claim practices complaint to your state insurance department. Finally, should all else fail, you may have to sue them.

It is our goal to eliminate as much hassle as possible from your automobile diminished value claim experience by preparing appraisals that are fair and which accurately reflect the reality of the used car market. It is undeniable that your car has lost value after being wrecked and repaired. Determining just how much is our job and we do it better than anyone else.

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.

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

SEARCH OUR DATABASE OF AUTO DIMINISHED VALUE REPORTS

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

For those of you who are interested in learning about automobile diminished value, the following articles explain to car owners what to expect when filing a third-party inherent diminished value claim. This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content. The fact that a car owner can make a claim to recover the vehicle’s loss in value after undergoing accident repairs isn’t something that is widely-known. Many of our clients say that diminished value only came to their attention through their body shop, a car dealership or word of mouth from someone who has filed a claim in the past. This database of auto diminished value appraisal results can illustrate how much value your own car may have lost due to its now having a repair history. These are a few examples.

ACCURATE UNBIASED EVIDENCE OF DIMINISHED VALUE

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

Diminished Value Claim in Las Vegas, Nevada

August 21, 2025August 21, 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 Dodge R3500 Laramie 4X4 Diesel Mega Cab Pickup Truck with 134,344 miles that was involved in a right front collision that caused $17,122.66 in damage.

BEST DIMINISHED VALUE METHODOLOGY

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

There is no centralized or reliable database of actual sale prices for vehicles with and without accident history, which makes purely data-driven methods unreliable or misleading. Here’s a more grounded approach to determining the best methodology for Diminished Value (DV):

CHOOSING A DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISER

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

AI 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.” 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..

THERE IS ONLY ONE

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

DID YOUR AUTO BODY SHOP TELL YOU ABOUT DIMINISHED VALUE?

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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?

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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?

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

DIMINISHED VALUE – WHY STATE FARM LOSES IN COURT

August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

REAL-WORLD EVIDENCE FOR DIMINISHED VALUE

August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is the only appraisal firm that prioritizes real-world evidence over automated shortcuts. Our hands-on approach, which includes six dealer consultations to confirm our diminished value opinions, ensures that vehicle owners receive accurate and defensible Diminished Value reports.

THE EVOLUTION OF AUTO DIMINISHED VALUE

August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

A DIMINISHED VALUE PRIMER

What is Diminished Value? This article explores the evolution of diminished value. This recently coined term is most often applied to the reduction in value of a car or truck after collision damages have been repaired. Regardless of how well the repairs were done, used car buyers would rather purchase an automobile with no accident history, thereby making the previously repaired vehicle worth less than its counterpart.