State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S. by a significant margin. According to multiple market reports, State Farm controls around 18–19% of the private-passenger auto insurance market, making it the clear leader. State Farm has a mixed reputation when it comes to paying claims for diminished value and total loss disputes.
State Farm, like most large insurers, often denies or significantly undervalues diminished value claims unless the policyholder presses the claim with evidence, such as a professional diminished value appraisal that includes multiple dealer opinions.
State Farm generally pays out fairly for total losses compared to some insurers, but disputes are common. They use CCC One or similar valuation systems, which can undervalue vehicles by omitting dealer asking prices or recent sales.
Which independent appraisal company has the best success against State Farm?
⭐ 1. St. Lucie Appraisal Company / Auto Diminished Value
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Why they stand out:
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Specialize in direct dealer calls to establish real-world diminished value.
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Their appraisals include detailed documentation: dealer names, quotes, and market proof.
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Frequently cited by attorneys as highly effective against State Farm.
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Client outcomes:
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Reports indicate settlement increases of 30–80% over initial offers.
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Especially strong in total loss disputes, often prompting State Farm to raise offers pre-litigation.
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Client comments regarding their experiences with State Farm Insurance.
Sue J (New Hampshire) – Hi Franklin, We just received our judgement. We were awarded the value of the appraisal $9075.00 from State Farm. We did not include the cost of the appraisal because it would have put us over the 10k max allowed in small claims. Thank you again for your service.
John R (Arizona) –Franklin’s report resulted in us getting $25k for diminished value in mediation when the insurance company refused to properly compensate, offering only $6k and telling me to sue the “bad neighbor” known as State Farm.
Joe O (Indiana) –Hi Franklin, Just as follow up, State Farm has decided to issue a check for the full amount of your diminished value appraisal for my Toyota Highlander, $6,040.00. Thank you very much for all your help in this matter! Best regards, Joe
Josh W (Texas)-Absolutely stellar experience working with Frank at St Lucie Appraisal Co. After an accident I was involved in where another driver was at fault, I was referred to his services by a local dealership/repair shop. He was quick and comprehensive in establishing a diminished value report for my 2020 Tesla model 3P. He answered a ton of questions throughout the process, and even offered some guidance in terms of the small claims process. The insurance company originally offered me $2500 in diminished value and by taking some of his advice and after attending multiple pre-trial intervention sessions, I was offered a trial date. Just prior to the trial date, the insurance company (State Farm) offered the fully requested diminished value of nearly $7000. This win was largely result of the comprehensive diminished value report, created by Frank’s team, and all associated communications with the insurance company that he recommended I document throughout the process. Can’t say enough about how much I appreciated his guidance and expertise. Thanks Frank!
Amit D (California)-Hi Frank, Just wanted to give you an update – I won the small claims suit for the amount of $7600 + court fees for the diminished value of my Porsche. State Farm’s evidence was really underwhelming and did not show their methodology for determining their DV number. I also mentioned to the judge that State Farm refused to provide me a copy of their appraisal until the day of the trial which, like you mentioned, did not go well for the defendant. Thank you for all of your support!
Laurie L (Virginia)-Good news! Within 24 hours of sending your diminished value report and invoice to State Farm they paid in full! Thank you so much for your terrific work! It literally paid off!
Stephanie D (Indiana)-Mr. Colletta, State Farm cut us a check for the full amount in your diminished value report. Thank you again for all your help! From BBB: After looking for months for a company that would do a diminished value report on our truck, we found The St. Lucie Appraisal Co. State Farm told us they would not accept a diminished value report and after taking all of Franklin’s advice with his report, State Farm paid in full, the diminished value of our truck. We couldn’t recommend Franklin enough! We will use him in the future if we ever need another report!
Josh S (Florida)-Thank you, the complaints email to State Farm worked and we settled on an agreed sum for my truck’s diminished value.
Sam Joel B (Kentucky)-Frank helped me ask the right questions and push back with the agent handling the claim and State Farm agreed to pay the whole appraised amount once they knew I’ll fight it out in court with valid reasons. I would recommend anyone looking for diminished value to contact Frank. Thank you!
Tim R (Florida)-State Farm offered me $6,546.00. Your appraisal valued my car at $10,668.17 which is whatI ended up being paid. Great result and was totally worth the money spent, very easy process
Jewel Z (California)-Hi Frank, State Farm Insurance Company got back to me about my Tesla diminished value. They also hired a third-party company to do the appraisal and the amount they proposed was around $6800.00. The insurance company would like to meet in the middle about $9300.00. Just wanted to get your opinion, do you think there is more negotiation room? And what do you think about the amount? If I want to ask more to be closer to our number $11714.60, what should I do?
Timothy G (California)-Frank is amazing. He’ll be your advocate all the way to the courtroom (if necessary). Had an accident with a 2019 Honda Civic SI in Santa Ana, CA and was able to secure $7k thanks to Frank’s expertise. State Farm offered less than half than what was quoted by Frank, then completely denied any DIV at all, but after taking them to court they thought twice. Frank literally was on the phone with the adjuster from State Farm at the courtroom and put them on their toes. Highly recommend Frank’s services.
Michael M (Virginia)-You all are definitely getting a great review!! State Farm settled for entire amount within 24-hrs, no negotiations needed. Received digital payment within minutes, unbelievable! Thank you again & I’ll make sure to pass your info along to all my colleagues. I work in the medical field locally. Have a fantastic day!
Kevin L (Illinois)-Frank and his team helped me get my settlement from State Farm. They’re the best.
Matthew D (Florida)-Frank and his team meet and exceeded all of my expectations. I was involved in an accident with a 2021 Tesla and was offered $3k for diminished value. Thanks for your help, Frank. I accepted $7,500.00 in diminished value of my Tesla from State Farm Insurance which is satisfactory to me based on my market research. You were a big help in me obtaining this settlement and I’m appreciative of you. If I can leave a review for you somewhere or be a reference for someone else, I’d be happy to help.
David S (Pennsylvania)- Recommended by Cavallo Auto Body in Westchester, AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM helped me throughout the process of my diminished value claim and got me $10k from State Farm! Worth the investment in working with Frank. Thanks
Raul G (California)- State Farm Insurance Company offered $39,845.00 for my totaled Ford Transit. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company helped me to obtain a settlement of $49,663.00.
Phillip R (Indiana)-What a great job The St Lucie Appraisal Company, phone: 772-359-4300 did for me on my total loss automobile settlement!! They are very efficient and easy to work with. Frank, thanks for securing the fair settlement. It’s been the best weekend we’ve had since the accident April 29th dealing with five nonsense appraisals – two from Progressive and the three from good old State Farm.
Dan R (Missouri)-Be very careful when selecting an appraisal company. I did my homework and before I committed. Frank Colletta of AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM answered all my questions. He was very helpful and guided me through the entire process. His appraisal was very data driven and documented the value of my car before and after the accident. The insurance company offered a very low arbitrary initial offer. Frank’s detailed report along with his expert coaching helped me get the total value of my claim. Excellent report and great communication from someone who cares. We accepted State Farm’s offer of $3,000.00 to settle our diminished value claim.
Max H (Oregon)-Client reports that he settled with State Farm Insurance Company for $35,000.00 for the diminished value of his Tesla after accident repairs.
Dan B (California)-Hi Franklin:Just want to send a note of thanks. Between having your report and going through with filing a case in small claims court, State Farm changed their tune from denying our diminished value claim to offering us a settlement of $4,200. The entire process was a bit of a hassle, but ultimately worth the time and effort. I appreciate your help and good service.
Marek D (Texas)-Yes, thank you for all of your help. State Farm ended up doubling their offer so it was easy to just accept.
Kevin L (Illinois)-After much research I went with AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM to get a diminished value report. Frank and his staff gave me a comprehensive report that in addition to establishing diminished value but tips and suggestions on how to proceed if you’re turned away by the insurance company. I submitted the report to State Farm and after initially being turned down, I asked to speak with a manager. He called a few days later and we negotiated a settlement. No hassle with filing a case in small claims court or any other drama. Easy peasy. Thanks Frank.
Karen E (Minnesota)-We heard back from State Farm again on our DV claim that you assessed at $4,000……the Supervisor made us an offer of $2850 on our claim (original offer was $0 from claims agent). Do you have an opinion/advice on whether we should accept the amount or counter, etc.?
Daniel K (New York)-We were able to collect a diminished value claim against State Farm in New York to the tune of $3,500 so it can be done. Franklin has the industry know how and expertise. I avoided having to go to small claims court. We received excellent customer support.
Tyler R (Colorado)- I am having slight trouble withe the insurance adjuster from State Farm. Not wanting to see eye to eye based on your diminished value report. He had finally contorted that the most he could offer was $2,000.00 and i said the least i could take was $2,500.00. Your original appraisal was for $2859.00.
Amy H (Florida)- Dear Frank, I am remiss in thanking you for your expert testimony in my Tesla auto diminished value case resulting in $39,000.00 in compensation. Thank you! You did an amazing job just as Bill had predicted. You are grace under pressure and you came across as knowledgeable and trustworthy, and I love that State Farm’s attorney couldn’t rattle you one bit. I truly appreciate your time and expertise, and it was so nice to meet you. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods I’d love to take you out for good sushi! Have a wonderful week, Fondly, Amy
Attorney Fausto R (Florida)- Franklin— I thought I’d let you know Geico settled this claim for $2k even, which I’ll take as a win. Thanks for your help on this one! It took some back and forth with educating the DV team that their State Farm 17C schedule is completely arbitrary and defective. They also used KBB and edmunds as a basis for determining the DV and, notably, didn’t hire their own DV expert. When I pointed this out in a nasty response letter, they quickly paid the $2k. Again, thanks for your help. I’ll keep sending you any cases I come across.
Katherine T (Minnesota)- Thank you, Frank! I really appreciate your help. It is nice to have this knowledge. From past experience we know that CarFax reports with accidents are used to reduce the sales price and/or trade-in value. This happened to us and we were blindsided. We purchased a car before CarFax started reporting minor accidents, so it was not on the report. When CarFax started to include all accidents on their reports and updated their database, our vehicle now showed 2 accidents! We found this out at the dealership and we lost over $3000 on that trade. I didn’t want that to happen this time! Again, thank you.
NOTE TO VEHICLE OWNERS IN MINNESOTA: The above comment is from a car owner in Minnesota who was told by State Farm Insurance that she was not eligible to make a third-party diminished value claim unless she sold her vehicle to demonstrate that she suffered a loss. I referred her to the Minnesota Department of Commerce where I was sure that she would be told that no such “sell your car or take a walk” requirement exists in her state. Or any other state for that matter. Was I surprised when Katherine called to inform me that the requirement did exist. Of course I called the Department to inquire and was told by a representative that the requirement was, indeed, a requirement. Minnesota residents must actually sell their cars in order to prove the existence and amount of diminished value in that state.
Although a representative from the Minnesota Department of Commerce verified the “must sell the car to qualify for diminished value” my instincts told me to dig deeper which I did in an email. Soon afterward I received a call from the Department’s senior investigator who expressed his surprise at what I had written. He assured me that no such requirement exists in Minnesota. He was also amazed that members of his staff were providing Minnesota car owners with false information. How many Minnesotans who have been eligible for third-party diminished value claim compensation over the years have been derailed not only by insurance companies but also by those whose job is to protect consumers, representatives of the state?
Kudos to the Minnesota Department of Commerce investigator who got right to work correcting a grievous error and also to St. Lucie Appraisal for running it down.
Nathan A (Alabama)- I got my report and everything in the mail and was very happy with the service. I just got done with State Farm on the phone and they said the will only pay $5000 dollars on the amount you appraised on the report. They sent me a legal wavier which I have not signed yet saying that I accept the amount and wave any further liability, looks standard boiler plate. I just have question since you are profession on this as I am not, is worth fighting them for the remainder of the difference?
Blaze S (Alabama)- Your appraisal was the most important factor in my receiving a $5,000.00 settlement from State Farm for the diminished value on my 2016 Toyota Tundra. Even though your appraisal showed that my truck lost $10,041.50, I am satisfied with their eventual offer which was originally $500.00. Thank you so much. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend St Lucie Appraisal.
Dimitrius Z (Florida)- Very much thanks to Franklin Colletta at The St. Lucie Appraisal Company for providing the excellent diminished value report that enabled me to beat State Farm Insurance at their own game. See, the runaround I got seemed endless until I hired this company. Once the supervisor brought the report to State Farm’s defense attorney, the lawyer probably told them that if I took them to court that I would win. I got my check in a week for the full amount.
Kathy W (Colorado)- Just got a formal letter with a low ball settlement offer from State Farm. They claim to have obtained a DV appraisal from someplace called Big Block Appraisal on my car and Big Block says $0 – $500 in DV.
Just wanted to update you on my case. After filing in small claims court, State Farm decided to play nasty and have the case remanded to mediation from small claims. They did come back with another low ball offer, but definitely not the $3,166.80 DV your appraisal report recommended. I am not backing down, and will take this through to the bitter end. I have also now upped my requested DV amount to include the difference between trade-in and selling to a private party. For our last several vehicles we have always sold to private parties and I can produce sales contracts which prove that point, but I know the State Farm attorney will probably reflect back on the report honing in on trade-in values. Your report did indicate on the last page though that the DV would hold true in either trade-in or private party.
Today I received a letter in the mail from the Claims Rep at State Farm reiterating that they were willing to pay me $774 as a diminished value claim.
I filed a Small Claims Court suit yesterday against the guy who initiated the wreck…interested to see what State Farm will do now.
I am settling for $2500 in mediation. It would cost me more to hire an atty and fight them.
Mark S (California)- $12K in right front fender damage. Repaired by Tesla authorized center to flawless condition. $8K diminished value offer from State Farm accepted.
Connor B (Illinois)- State Farm simply would not come up with more than $500 for the diminished value on my car until I presented your appraisal. That, and your great advice, made all of the difference. Dealers told me that my BMW was now worth $5,000 less and your appraisal proved that to be true. Happy to have gotten a fair settlement.
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