This article details the diminished value appraisal of a Porsche 911 4S 6-Speed Automatic Coupe with 16,556 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $9,515.31 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
What North Florida Porsche Dealers Say About Structural Damage and Resale Value
We learned from these examples from sales managers at Porsche dealerships in North Florida — One dealer said normally when there is frame damage you can expect 35% less in trade and you would also have normal depreciation as well. Another dealer said that because it is a few years older there will be less of a hit than there would be if it was brand new — if the car were 40k you may lose 20k depending on the extent of damage and what the report says.
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 LICENSED INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER
Appraisal Methodology: Six Unbiased Dealer Quotes
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 Porsche dealers in North 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.
Porsche 911 4S Diminished Value Case Details — North Florida
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Porsche 911 4S 6-Speed Automatic Coupe |
| Mileage | 16,556 |
| Collision Type | Right Side — Non-Disabling |
| Structural Damage | Yes |
| Air Bag Deployment | No |
| Repair Cost | $9,515.31 |
| LKQ / Aftermarket Parts Used | No — not factored into diminished value |
| Fair Market Value at Time of Loss | $78,000.00 (Average Trade-In Value) |
| Average Dealer Deduction (6 Quotes) | 36.25% |
| Diminished Value | $28,275.00 |
| Claim Type | Third-Party Inherent Diminished Value |
Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the right side including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $9,515.31. 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 36.25%. 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 $78,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $28,275.00.
Questions and Answers: Porsche 911 Diminished Value Claims in Florida
How much diminished value did the Porsche 911 4S lose after the collision?
The Porsche 911 4S 6-Speed Automatic Coupe had a fair market value of approximately $78,000.00 at the time of loss. Six unbiased Porsche dealer quotes from North Florida produced an average deduction of 36.25%, resulting in a diminished value of $28,275.00.
What did North Florida Porsche dealers say about structural damage and resale value on a 911?
Sales professionals at Porsche dealerships in North Florida were direct about the market consequences of structural damage. One dealer stated that when there is frame damage you can expect 35% less in trade, on top of normal depreciation. Another noted that because the vehicle is a few years older there will be less of a hit than if it were brand new, but estimated that on a car in the $40,000 range you may lose $20,000 depending on the extent of damage and what the report says. These assessments align closely with the 36.25% average deduction produced by the six-quote appraisal process.
Does structural damage dramatically increase the diminished value of a Porsche 911?
Yes, substantially. Structural damage is the single most consequential factor in diminished value for any vehicle, and it carries heightened significance in the Porsche 911 market where buyers are highly knowledgeable and scrutinize vehicle history reports closely. Even a properly repaired 911 with a documented structural repair history will be wholesaled by most dealers rather than retailed on the lot, driving the seller directly into a lower-value auction outcome.
Can I make a diminished value claim in Florida after a collision with structural damage?
Yes. Florida law allows third-party inherent diminished value claims, and structural damage is among the strongest factual bases for such a claim. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a Florida Licensed Independent Adjuster and provides comprehensive diminished value appraisals throughout Florida and all 50 states. Telephone consultations are always free of charge — call 772-359-4300.
Why is the diminished value percentage higher when there is structural damage?
Structural damage signals to dealers, buyers, and auction houses that the vehicle’s fundamental integrity has been compromised — regardless of how well the repair was performed. For high-value sports cars like the Porsche 911, structural damage history eliminates the possibility of CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) certification, removes the vehicle from retail consideration at most dealerships, and forces a wholesale disposition that typically produces 25% to 40% less than retail trade-in value. The 36.25% average deduction in this case reflects that market reality.
How does The St. Lucie Appraisal Company establish diminished value without using a formula?
The company obtains six unbiased opinions from sales reps at recognized Porsche dealerships rather than relying on formulas, algorithms, or ad comparisons. Each dealer is provided with the vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, pre-accident condition, color, options, date of loss, nature of the repaired damages, and repair method. Dealer opinions are based on personal knowledge and access to auction results — the same data that drives real-world trade-in and wholesale pricing decisions.
What does a Porsche 911 diminished value appraisal cost in Florida?
The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is $275.00. Tesla and other exotic car owners should call for rates. Payment may be made by credit card or PayPal online, or by telephone at 772-359-4300. After making payment, email your body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net. Telephone consultations are always free of charge.
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