A Chevrolet Traverse with under 3,000 miles took a bigger percentage hit than an older vehicle would have — simply because it was so new when the accident happened. A Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD Wagon with 2,932 miles was involved in a right side collision in Missouri that caused $8,254.53 in damage, severe enough to disable and tow the vehicle, though the appraisal confirmed no structural damage and no air bag deployment. After the owner filed a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company was retained to determine exactly how much that repair history cost the owner.
The result: an average diminished value deduction of 12.92%, or $5,168.00 off the vehicle’s pre-loss Fair Market Value of approximately $40,000.00.
How the Diminished Value Was Determined
To reach that figure, St. Lucie Appraisal contacted six Chevrolet dealerships across Missouri and asked their sales professionals to weigh in on the vehicle’s specific repair history. The six dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given the same case file: year, make, model, mileage, pre-accident condition, color, factory options, date of loss, the nature of the repaired damage, and how the repairs were carried out. Dealers were told the vehicle had been properly repaired and were asked to base their opinions on personal knowledge of the Chevrolet market and access to auction results.
The estimates centered specifically on how the vehicle’s newness worked against it. One sales representative explained that because the vehicle was new and already carried a bad Carfax, the resulting loss would actually be somewhat higher than it would be on a vehicle that was a few years older. Another representative agreed that the vehicle’s age is the biggest factor driving the size of the hit, and that a well-executed repair on a vehicle of this type would typically see a loss in the 15%-20% range. Averaged across all six dealerships, the deduction came out to 12.92%.
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, and having six of them validates the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company as what the car owner will actually experience in the real world.
No LKQ (used) or aftermarket parts were used in the repair, so none were factored into the diminished value calculation — a detail that matters, since aftermarket parts can sometimes deepen a diminished value deduction beyond what collision history alone would cause.
We contacted several Chevrolet dealers in Missouri 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 damage to the right side, with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost: $8,254.53.
Why Repaired Vehicles Lose Value
This case illustrates a pattern St. Lucie Appraisal sees consistently, especially on newer vehicles: once a vehicle has been in a collision and repaired, buyers generally pay less for it than they would for an identical vehicle with a clean history — regardless of how well the repair was performed, and sometimes a newer vehicle sees a proportionally larger hit than an older one would. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person, which is why a comprehensive, independently prepared Diminished Value Report is central to a successful claim.
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Questions & Answers About Automobile Diminished Value
What is diminished value?
Diminished value is the difference between what a vehicle was worth before an accident and what it’s worth after being repaired. Even a flawless repair typically doesn’t restore a vehicle to its pre-accident market value, because the collision now shows up in its history.
Why would a newer vehicle lose a bigger percentage of its value than an older one?
Dealers in this case explained that a bad Carfax entry on a brand-new vehicle stands out more than the same entry would on a vehicle that’s already a few years old, since buyers shopping for a near-new vehicle specifically expect a spotless history.
Does towing or disabling damage always mean a bigger deduction?
Not necessarily. This Traverse was disabled and towed, but had no structural damage, and the deduction landed at a comparatively modest 12.92% — well below cases involving frame or structural damage, showing that the type of damage matters more than whether the vehicle needed a tow.
How is diminished value calculated in an appraisal like this one?
St. Lucie Appraisal doesn’t use formulas or online valuation shortcuts. Instead, appraisers gather independent opinions from multiple dealerships familiar with the vehicle’s make and local market, then average those figures to arrive at a supportable number.
What does a Diminished Value Report cost, and how do I order one?
An Automobile Diminished Value Report is $275.00. You can pay by credit card or PayPal using the payment button below, or by calling 772-359-4300. Before making your payment, email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net.
I drive a Tesla or another exotic vehicle — does this process still apply?
The general approach is similar, but rates differ. Tesla and other exotic car owners should call for specific rates.
Is this only for one part of Missouri?
St. Lucie Appraisal serves Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, St. Peters, Blue Springs, Florissant, Joplin, Chesterfield, Jefferson City, and the rest of Missouri.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE
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.
Before 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.
Service in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, St. Peters, Blue Springs, Florissant, Joplin, Chesterfield, Jefferson City and throughout Missouri. auto appraiser near 63301, auto appraiser near 63376, auto appraiser near 65203, auto appraiser near 65802, auto appraiser near 65807
Founded by Franklin Colletta, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a family-owned appraisal company that offers nationwide service. We provide Diminished Value Appraisals, Total Loss Valuations, and Loss of Use Reports.
This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.
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