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Auto Diminished Value Claim in Denver, Colorado
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. This article details the diminished value appraisal of a BMW 328d Sedan with 53,000 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $2,684.17 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed, had no 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 learned from these examples from sales managers at BMW dealerships in Colorado and surrounding states – One dealer said that there would not be much of a loss if fixed well and looks good as long as there is not more damage than what was described you may lose around 10% of the pre-accident trade-in value. Another dealer explained that a normal loss for something like this may be 10-12% of the value of the car if traded.
The opinions of six unbiased professional sales managers at recognized new car dealerships in Colorado 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 BMW dealers in Colorado and surrounding states 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 Denver, Colorado
Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the right side not including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $2,684.17. 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 13.04%. 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 $21,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $2,738.40
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 in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Pueblo, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Boulder, Greeley, Longmont, Loveland, Grand Junction, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Parker, Littleton and throughout Colorado.
Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Baca ,Bent, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Delta, Denver, Dolores, Douglas, Eagle, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lake, La Plata, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Mesa, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Morgan, Otero, Ouray, Park, Phillips, Pitkin ,Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Rio Grande, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel, Sedgwick, Summit, Teller, Washington, Weld and Yuma Counties. auto appraiser near 80013, auto appraiser near 80015, auto appraiser near 80134, auto appraiser near 80210, auto appraiser near 80219, auto appraiser near 80220, auto appraiser near 80231, auto appraiser near 80239, auto appraiser near 80631
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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Subaru Diminished Value Claim in Downers Grove, Illinois
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Subaru Outback Wagon with 12,000 miles that was involved in a Front-End Collision that caused $15,274.36 in damage. The car 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.
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 Subaru dealerships in Illinois – A sales manager explained that frame damage is a huge red flag 25%+ MINIMUM diminished value because of the frame damage and air bag deployment listed on Carfax. Another sales manager said that when and where you trade it in – if you trade it today you would lose somewhere around 30% typically but other dealerships may give you more of a hit – could be as high as 50% and another sales manager said that you can lose somewhere around 25%-30% minimum and that number could go much higher.
The opinions of unbiased experts in Illinois form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 Subaru dealers in Illinois 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 damages to the Front including damage to structural components plus air bag deployment. Repair cost $15,274.36. 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 31.67%. 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 $30,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $9,501.00
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.
Services available in Arlington Heights, Aurora, Bloomington, Bolingbrook, Champaign, Chicago, Cicero, Decatur, Des Plaines, Elgin, Evanston, Joliet, Naperville, Palatine, Peoria, Rockford, Schaumburg, Skokie, Springfield, Waukegan and throughout Illinois
Adams, Alexander, Bond, Boone, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Cook, Crawford, Cumberland, DeKalb, DeWitt, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Fulton, Gallatin, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, La Salle, Lake, Lawrence, Lee, Livingston, Logan, McDonough, McHenry, McLean, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Massac, Menard, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Piatt, Pike, Pope, Pulaski, Putnam, Randolph, Richland, Rock Island, Saline, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, St.Clair, Stark, Stephenson, Tazewell, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Whiteside, Will, Williamson, Winnebago and Woodford Counties. auto appraiser near 60101, auto appraiser near 60126, auto appraiser near 60137, auto appraiser near 60148, auto appraiser near 60185, auto appraiser near 60187, auto appraiser near 60188, auto appraiser near 60189, auto appraiser near 60504, auto appraiser near 60516, auto appraiser near 60517, auto appraiser near 60563
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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Honda Accord Diminished Value Claim in Birmingham, Alabama
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Honda Accord LX Sedan with 41,256 miles that was involved in a Rear-End Collision that caused $7,004.72 in damage. The vehicle was 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.
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 Honda dealerships in Alabama – One dealer said that Hondas hold their value pretty well but in the case of frame being compromised and accruing 7K worth of damage you may see a loss of 30% or more. Another dealer said that they would take it as a trade in but due to the bad Carfax showing frame damage you could be looking at losing 40% of the value.
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 Honda dealers in Alabama 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 Birmingham, AL
Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Rear including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $7,004.72. 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 35.42%. 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 $12,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $4,427.50
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 including Anniston, Athens, Auburn, Bessemer, Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Enterprise, Florence, Gadsden, Hoover, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Phenix City, Prattville, Tuscaloosa and Vestavia Hills
Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marengo, Marion, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Saint Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington, Wilcox and Winston Counties. auto appraiser near 35226, Alabama, appraiser, auto appraiser near Birmingham, Birmingham, claim, diminished value, auto appraiser near 35215, auto appraiser near 35216, auto appraiser near 35242, auto appraiser near 35244
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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Mercedes-Benz New Car Diminished Value and Loss of Use Claims
When buyers of new but previously repaired Mercedes-Benzes become aware of a repair history showing that the car underwent prior repairs, most of them simply walk away. How is a buyer to know whether the car was repaired properly? The buying public could depend on a new dealer’s word on everything but, in reality, they don’t. They will seek a lower purchase price for the car. As a Mercedes-Benz dealer, are you entitled to recover this lost value? The answer is yes as long as the damages were as a result of someone else’s negligence. Parking lot mishaps, careless car transporters and loaner accidents all can result in repairs to your new car inventory. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company prepares expert new car diminished value appraisals every day and invite you to become our next satisfied client.
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
Insurance company claim adjusters can instantly recognize which independent appraisals will stand up in court and treat claimants accordingly when it comes to offering fair settlements. We are rarely called upon to appear as expert witnesses in legal proceedings because our clients generally receive fair settlements which means fewer civil actions. Mercedes-Benz diminished value and loss of use claims should be easily settled if appraisals are prepared correctly.
Auto Diminished Value in new cars is a fairly new concept that most dealers don’t know about so feel free to call or email us with questions.
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, AUTOLOSSOFUSE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
A Mercedes-Benz Diminished Value Claim in Santa Ana, California
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Mercedes-Benz S550 AWD 2 Door Turbo Coupe with 17,500 Miles that was involved in a rear-end collision that caused $20,800.00 in damage. The car was disabled & towed and had structural damage.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.
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
We learned from these three examples – you typically will see about a 35% loss at trade due to the damage you have listed on this Carfax report. The dealer will have to wholesale the vehicle and you will take a pretty big hit upon trade. Also, when you have a high dollar vehicle like this with a much pickier buyer, you lose about 25%+ if you trade it in with this type of damage. Also, that when you have an accident and it has this much damage with a newer vehicle this stigma lowers your value. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for a comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal. We obtain six of them which puts an appraisal prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 Mercedes-Benz dealers in order 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 damages to the Rear including structural components. Repair cost $20,800.00. 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 26.67%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the Fair Market Value at the time of loss.
We have established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $85,000.00 at the time of loss. Diminished Value = $22,669.50.
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 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. auto appraiser near 92703, auto appraiser near 92704, auto appraiser near 92707
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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INVESTIGATING THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY AND AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM
What we know publicly about The St. Lucie Appraisal Company and autodiminishedvalue.com – Do they meet your criteria?
From their websites and third‑party listings, these are the claims, strengths, and some weaker points for The St. Lucie Appraisal Company (often via “autodiminishedvalue.com” etc.):
| Feature | Claim / Public Evidence | Strengths / Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology – speaking to six dealers to confirm opinions | They explicitly state that their diminished value reports are based on gathering “six dealer quotes” (or quoting 6 used‑car managers) rather than formulaic or algorithmic models. | This is a strong differentiator: using real responses from dealers gives their reports more real‑world grounding. |
| Licensed (not certified) in any state | Their materials say that Franklin Colletta and his team are or have been licensed as auto damage appraisers or adjusters in multiple states (Florida, California, Texas, Connecticut, North Carolina) since 1981. | They appear to emphasize “state licensing” instead of relying purely on third‑party certifications. |
| Nationwide service / licensed in NC | Their site states they provide service to all 50 states, including honoring North Carolina’s requirement. | That’s necessary to meet your criteria; the NC licensing claim is particularly important. |
| Positive consumer reviews on all platforms | On BBB, The St. Lucie Appraisal Co has about 38 reviews (average positive) with many 5-star comments. | Generally positive, though “all platforms” is ambitious — deeper review on Google, Trustpilot, state complaint boards would be better. |
| Does not work for insurance companies | In their marketing, they present themselves as independent, acting on behalf of vehicle owners / claimants, avoiding formulas or “shortcuts” often used by insurers. | That is their stated positioning. |
| Does not work on commission | They do not prominently claim commission‑based structure; their approach is fee-for-service. Their emphasis is on providing “unbiased” reports | Their public posture is that they do “pure” appraisals. |
Caveats / Weak Points / Risks:
- The BBB shows one complaint where a customer alleged that after posting a negative review publicly, the company threatened legal action for defamation. That customer stated that he would blanket the internet with negative reviews.
- They are not BBB accredited, which does not reduce their level of validation.
- “Nationwide service” doesn’t always mean “licensed in every state” — in states that don’t require a license for diminished value appraisers, “service” can occur via remote report work.
- The claim that their reports avoid formulas and rely on dealer quotes is compelling, but you’d want to see sample reports, footnotes, and how they handle dealer variability.
What typical independent auto appraisers look like, and issues in meeting your criteria
Let’s contrast with what you’ll often find in “independent auto appraiser” firms or individuals, and where they typically fall short relative to six criteria.
1. Methodology (dealer interviews vs formulas/algorithms)
- Many independent appraisers rely heavily on comparable sales data, published databases, online listings, algorithmic depreciation curves, or formulaic “percentage of loss” models. These are easier, faster, and cheaper.
- Some more sophisticated independents may also interview dealers or use market expert surveys, but that is less common.
- In many cases, independent appraisers may not have the relationships or access to dealers’ “used-car manager” pricing judgment to collect six quotes.
Thus, it’s a differentiator for St. Lucie that they truly do dealer interview methodology consistently.
2. Licensing
- In many states, diminished value or auto damage appraisers do not require a formal state license (unlike real estate). The rules vary.
- Some independent appraisers hold licenses (e.g. as auto damage appraisers, adjusters, or similar) in certain states. Others rely on third-party “certifications.”
- In states that require a license (like North Carolina), only those who maintain that state license can legally operate as appraisers there. An independent appraiser would need to meet that too to provide valid service in that state.
3. Nationwide service / licensing in NC
- Many independent appraisers serve a local or regional territory rather than truly nationwide.
- Few smaller independent appraisers hold the necessary licensing and credentials to legally operate in every state, and especially in regulated states like NC.
- If a state doesn’t require licensing, they can still issue reports remotely, but whether those reports hold weight in legal or insurance proceedings depends on credibility and admissibility.
4. Positive consumer reviews on all platforms
- Independent appraisers vary widely: some have excellent local reputations, others have minimal online presence.
- It’s common for smaller appraisers not to show up on national platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, etc., especially if they don’t solicit or manage those reviews.
- It’s harder to verify consistency, conflicts, or complaints without national track record.
5. Not working for insurance companies
- Some independent appraisers accept assignments from insurance companies or are on insurer panels. That can create a conflict of interest or perception thereof.
- Truly “owner‑side only” independents are rarer, though they do exist.
6. Not working on commission
- Commission-based work (where the appraiser gets a percentage of the recovery) is less common in high-integrity appraisal circles, but smaller operators might sometimes do that (or lean on contingency-based models).
- Most reputable independent appraisers operate on flat fees or hourly rates.
Comparative Summary & Recommendations
Here’s a comparative rating (very roughly) against your criteria:
| Criterion | The St. Lucie Appraisal Co | Typical Independent Appraiser (general) | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methodology using dealer quotes | Strong claim they do six dealer quotes | Rarely or inconsistently | St. Lucie has an edge |
| Licensed, not (just) certified | They claim multiple state licenses | May have licenses or rely on certifications | Independents may lag in multi-state licensing |
| Nationwide service / NC licensing | They claim full national coverage and NC compliance | Many serve only local or regional areas | St. Lucie is better positioned for national work |
| Positive reviews across platforms | Consistently positive reviews | Highly variable | St. Lucie likely has broader footprint |
| Doesn’t work for insurers | They present themselves as independent | Some independents do insurer work | This is a “check” in St. Lucie’s favor |
| Doesn’t work on commission | They operate on a fee basis (publicly claimed) | Many independents use fee or hourly; fewer work on commission | Comparable here, pending verification |
Overall, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company appears to meet your criteria more fully than many generic independent appraisers you’ll find. Their public emphasis on “six dealer quotes,” multi-state licensing (including in NC), and independent positioning gives them a competitive advantage.
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
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A Range Rover Diminished Value Claim in Louisville, Kentucky
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Range Rover Sport Autobiography AWD SUV with 32,000 Miles that was involved in a rear-end collision that caused $1,800.00 in damage. The car was not disabled & towed and did not have structural damage.The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser near Louisville 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.
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
We learned from these three examples – dealers would definitely take this on a trade however there may or may not be a 10-20% loss at trade in when you have an accident on a Carfax report, also that that when you get an accident and you have a minor accident on the report it would be normal to maybe lose ballpark 10% and also that a vehicle that is new like this with an accident report is never good to potential buyers and you may lose up to 10-15% at trade. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for a comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal. We obtain six of them which puts an appraisal prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 Land Rover dealers in order 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: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear not including structural components. Repair cost $1,800.00. 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 11.25%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the Fair Market Value at the time of loss.
We have established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $62,500.00 at the time of loss. Diminished Value = $7,031.25.
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.
Services available in Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Georgetown, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Independence, Jeffersontown, Lexington, Louisville, Nicholasville, Owensboro, Paducah, Richmond and throughout Kentucky.
Adair, Allen, Anderson, Ballard, Barren, Bath, Bell, Boone, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Bracken, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Campbell, Carlisle, Carroll, Carter, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Franklin, Fulton, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Green, Greenup, Hancock, Hardin, Harlan, Harrison, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Hopkins, Jackson, Jefferson, Jessamine, Johnson, Kenton, Knott, Knox, LaRue, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Marshall, Martin, Mason, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Meade, Menifee, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Oldham, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Pike Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Scott, Shelby, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Union, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Whitley, Wolfe and Woodford Counties. auto appraiser near 40216, auto appraiser near 40220, auto appraiser near 40229, auto appraiser near 40245, auto appraiser near 40272, auto appraiser near 40291, auto appraiser near 40299, auto appraiser near 40214
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A Diminished Value Claim on a Dodge Challenger R/T Plus Shaker Coupe in Columbus, Ohio
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Dodge Challenger R/T Plus Shaker Coupe with 18,283 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $5,538.20 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed, had no 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.
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 Dodge dealerships in Ohio- One dealer said if the car was repaired and looks great and there is no further or extensive damage on the Carfax we would not see much of a loss – around 10-15% typically. Another dealer explained as long as there was no airbag deployment or frame damage then you may take a loss of around 4K.
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 Porsche dealers in Ohio 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.
An Auto Diminished Value Claim in Columbus, Ohio
Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the right side not including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $5,538.20. 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 11.60%. 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 $32,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $3,770.00
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 in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dayton, Dublin, Elyria, Euclid, Fairfield, Findlay, Kettering, Lorain, Mentor, Newark, Parma, Springfield, Toledo, Warren, Youngstown and throughout Ohio.
Adams, Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Darke, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Gallia, Geauga, Greene, Guernsey, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Portage, Preble, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Scioto, Seneca, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Van Wert, Vinton, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Williams, Wood and Wyandot Counties. auto appraiser near 42123, auto appraiser near 43026, auto appraiser near 43068, auto appraiser near 43081, auto appraiser near 43207, auto appraiser near 43228, auto appraiser near 43229, auto appraiser near 43230, auto appraiser near 43232
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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Tesla Diminished Value Claim in San Jose, California
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Tesla S70 AWD Sedan with 12,000 miles that was involved in a Front-End Collision that caused $27,156.45 in damage. The car was disabled/towed and 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.
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 exotic new car dealerships in Northern California – when there is frame damage there will be a much larger loss because dealers have to sell for much less, also that normally when there is a severe accident of this nature where there is frame damage shown on Carfax the loss could range anywhere from 25-30% and because it is newer and has now a substantially large accident report with frame damage listed, the loss would be much greater than it would be for a car with minor damage could be 50%.
The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 exotic new car dealers in 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.
Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Front including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $27,156.45. 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 30.42%%. 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 $65,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $19,773.00
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 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 95111, auto appraiser near 95112, auto appraiser near 95123, auto appraiser near 95127
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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A Tesla Motors Diminished Value Claim in New York
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Tesla Motors S90D with 2,847 miles that was involved in a front-end collision that caused $10,858.27 in damage. The car was disabled & towed but had no structural damage or air bag deployment.The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser near Brooklyn 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.
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
We learned from these examples – The car brand makes a difference on loss itself. The way it works is the more the book value of the car the more the loss is. Example: If you had a Ford Focus your loss will be less than it would for a Tesla because the it cost less therefore the loss is less. Also, normally buyers when spending this kind of money on a Tesla, buyers would like to see a clean Carfax and will expect a “Deal”. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for a comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal. We obtain six of them which puts an appraisal prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 exotic new car dealers in order 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 damages to the Front not including structural components or air bag deployment. Repair cost $10,858.27. 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 15.56%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the Fair Market Value at the time of loss.
We have established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $75,000.00 at the time of loss. Diminished Value = $11,670.00.
READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY
The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is $275.00. Tesla and other exotic car owners please call for rates. You may also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.
After making your secure payment please email the completed body shop estimate or insurance company damage appraisal to contact@stlucieappraisal.net
Service in Albany, Amherst, Babylon, Brookhaven, Brooklyn, Bronx, Cheektowaga, Clarkstown, Colonie, Greece, Greenburgh, Hamburg, Hempstead, Huntington, Irondequoit, Islip, Manhattan, North Hempstead, New York City, Orangetown, Oyster Bay, Poughkeepsie, Queens, Ramapo, Rye, Smithtown, Staten Island, Tonawanda, Union, Webster, West Seneca, White Plains and throughout New York. auto appraiser near 11208, auto appraiser near 11211, auto appraiser near 11220, auto appraiser near 11226, auto appraiser near 11234, auto appraiser near 11236
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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LOSS OF USE CLAIMS IN LUXURY CARS
How to Claim Loss of Use
Owners of high end cars such as the Porsche Panamera pictured, a Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla or SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade are just as prone to accidents as the rest of us. Luxury vehicles like these also tend to spend more time in body shops when undergoing collision repairs. Down times of 60 days or more aren’t uncommon because virtually all expensive cars are built with more sophisticated electronics, custom paint, have more extensive trim and require more expertise and attention to detail in order to restore them to their pre-accident condition. Insurance companies are required to pay for these expensive repairs but unfortunately, many of them do not feel that their obligation extends to the substitute rental cars provided to the owners of these vehicles. Loss of Use claims in luxury cars can wind up costing almost as much as the diminished values or the repairs themselves but it is here that insurers often feel that they can shortchange their policyholders and claimants by providing lesser replacement vehicles in order to hold down costs. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company provides Loss of Use reports in all 50 states.
Loss of Use is the inability to use an automobile due to damage caused by the negligence or other wrongdoing of another. It can also be defined as the damage a person suffers from the inconvenience of not having their car after it has been in an accident. The owner of the vehicle has a right to be compensated for Loss of Use.
Where property has a reasonable value, its owner is entitled to recover damages equivalent to the reasonable value of such use during the period he or she has been deprived thereof. Loosely translated, it is unreasonable to require a policyholder or claimant to rent a car worth substantially less, or one that cannot provide the same function than the car being repaired.
Insurers are advised to follow requirements and guidelines with regard to providing substantially similar replacement vehicles to eligible policyholders and claimants. Failure to act accordingly is cause for the vehicle owner to cite appropriate unfair claim settlement practice laws in a complaint, even if the state has no statutory restrictions on settlement verbiage.
Finally, most luxury car owners aren’t aware of the fact that a replacement vehicle need not be rented at all in order to make a Loss of Use claim.
After making your $225.00 payment, please email the dates that you were without the use of your motor vehicle to contact@stlucieappraisal.net
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, AUTOLOSSOFUSE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
FORD DIMINISHED VALUE AND LOSS OF USE CLAIMS
There is a new phenomenon in the automotive world and it is called Auto Diminished Value. For those who haven’t heard this term, it means the loss in value a vehicle experiences after undergoing collision repairs. Ford models that attract more discriminating buyers, suffer a great deal more diminished value than an ordinary car. Used car buyers simply won’t pay as much for a previously wrecked car so dealers, in turn, have to offer less come trade-in time. New and late model car owners expect a first-class level of service. Those expectations extend to the treatment they receive from insurance companies after their cars are wrecked by the negligence of others. Seeking fair compensation for diminished value and loss of use is part of it. You need an expert appraiser. At The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, Ford Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims are our specialty.
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
Our methodology for preparing automobile diminished value appraisals is unique within the industry because we don’t rely on formulas, algorithms, auto auction results or other short cuts to determine the amount of value lost after collision repairs. Each situation is unique and the only way to provide tailor-made reports is to query the people who actually do the buying and selling of these bad Carfax vehicles – new car dealers. It is important, of course, that the dealers who participate in our surveys know full well that the subject vehicles are not for sale or available for trade. This prevents insurance companies from alleging collusion or vested interest. This approach has made our company the best at what we do – Diminished Value and Loss of Use appraisals. Magistrates and mediators alike have recognized the validity of our reports because they are comprehensive and they aren’t complicated.
Insurance Company defense attorneys can instantly recognize which independent appraisals will stand up in court and advise their adjusters accordingly when it comes to offering fair settlements. We are rarely called upon to appear as expert witnesses in legal proceedings because our customers generally receive fair settlements that preclude taking civil actions. Ford diminished value and loss of use claims should present no problems if appraisals are prepared correctly.
So where does this leave the Ford owner when it comes to receiving fair compensation for Diminished Value and Loss of Use? The independent appraisers that use formulas and algorithms arrive at numbers that don’t remotely represent the Ford used car market. As for the independent appraisers that use automobile auction results, they are completely out of luck since so few high-end Fords are put up for auction.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has gained more than our share of diminished value and loss of use requests from Ford owners due chiefly to word of mouth. It has been not only Ford owners but also the certified Ford collision repair shop managers who have sent their customers, friends and families to us.
Finally, with regard to Loss of Use claims, it costs up to $250 per day to rent a Dream Car such as the Ford Mustang GT Convertible. A late model high-end Ford or comparable car or SUV can cost $125.00 per day on a long-term basis. Why do insurance companies feel that they can get away with offering lower-priced replacement vehicles to Ford owners? It is common knowledge that a wrecked high-end Ford can take up to 60 days to repair. A typical Loss of Use report for an Ford owner whose car is laid up for two months is in excess of $7,500.00. Of special note: It is not necessary to actually rent a car in order to receive compensation for Loss of Use.
Current Ford models include C-Max Energi and Hybrid, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Super Duty F-250, F-350 and F-450 along with the Transit line of vans. Phased out recently were the Taurus, Econoline Vans, Edge and Flex models. All of these Fords will lose value after collision repairs. Diminished Value can result in as much as 50% of the vehicle’s value lost, especially if frame damage or air bag deployment was involved. While “the older the car, the less it will suffer diminished value” is true, that statement can be misleading. While a 2008 Ford with a bad Carfax will lose less in value, percentage-wise, than a newer model, older cars can still be worth thousands of dollars less.
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
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.
Antique, Classic and Custom Automobile Appraiser in all 50 States
In every one of these United States, we have appraised almost every type of antique, classic and custom car. In addition, exotic cars such as Ferrari, Bentley and Tesla are here in abundance. When it comes time to appraise the value of your automobile, RV, motorcycle or heavy equipment for insurance, financing, diminished value or a charitable donation to a non-profit for a tax-deduction, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is the company you want to call. Our experience appraising all types of motor vehicles provides vehicle and equipment owners with the advantage of hiring someone who knows just how valuable old, well-kept cars and trucks can be. In addition, we keep an extensive library of past automotive sales that other appraisers can not match. We are an antique car appraiser you can count on.
Many companies providing financing or insurance for autos, trucks and heavy equipment have strict requirements regarding the appraisal of vehicles. A bank or credit union lending money toward the purchase of an antique car, dump truck or over the road tractor will ask for an appraisal by a licensed appraiser or adjuster before committing funds toward the purchase. Likewise, insurance underwriters look for documentation before providing coverage. Bankruptcies and loan defaults among owner-operators of trucks and construction equipment make lenders and insurers extremely selective about who they do business with. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a company that banks and insurers choose to provide valuation services that they can depend on.
Hire an Expert Antique, Classic and Custom Automobile Appraiser
Selecting a company to perform a car or truck appraisal is typically the job of the prospective buyer or policyholder. Often the vehicle owner is asked to locate an independent appraiser. When lenders or brokers do hire us, it is often as a result of a Google search or positive review on a site such as Yelp, YP.com, Google Maps, etc..
After making certain that the independent appraiser is properly licensed, investigate for yourself their expertise and any reviews from past clients. When their appraisal is placed under the microscope of the insurer or lender, if their answers don’t meet the bank’s or insurance company’s criteria, you have wasted your money on a worthless document.
Call The St. Lucie Appraisal Company when only the best and most knowledgeable appraiser will do. Our service area includes all 50 states Our appraisals are sought after for insurance, financing, donations for tax-deductions, diminished value, bankruptcies, divorces, insurance claim disputes, purchase & sales and estate dissolutions.
REQUEST AN AUTOMOBILE VALUATION APPRAISAL – $275.00 for most cars.
Please email photographs and other vehicle information to email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net
Service in 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 and Wisconsin.
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.
Tesla S85 Diminished Value Claim in Los Angeles, California
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Tesla S85 4 Door Sedan with 28,821 miles that was involved in a Front End Collision that caused $29,106.94 in damage. The vehicle was disabled/towed, had structural damage and no air bag deployment. The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser near Los Angeles 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 Appraisal is key.
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 exotic new car dealerships in Southern California – The car will lose substantial value because of the structural damage. Also that since the integrity of the unibody was compromised you are looking at 30% to 50% less come trade-in time and also that frame damage on the Carfax is a red flag that would deter most buyers from purchasing the car. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 exotic new car dealers in Southern California in order 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 damages to the Front including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $29,106.94. 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 35.83%%. 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 $50,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $17,915.00.
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.
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Mercedes-Benz S550 AWD Turbo Coupe Diminished Value Claim in Santa Ana, California
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Mercedes-Benz S550 AWD 2 Door Turbo Coupe with 17,683 miles that was involved in a rear-end collision that caused $20,811.96 in damage. The vehicle was disabled/towed and had structural damage.The claimant hired an auto appraiser near Santa Ana 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 learned from these examples from sales managers at Mercedes-Benz dealers in Southern California. – It is doubtful they would resell this retail and it would end up at auction especially with this amount of damage even if repaired they would not be able to offer you full book possible a loss of 25-% ++ could go much higher. Also, normally customers that are looking for a vehicle like this they will want one with no accident at all so if they were to purchase this they would want a lot of money taken off. And also that Carfax is very powerful and anytime a consumer will see the bad Carfax it will make a more difficult sale and they will want a ton of money off and in return you will take a big hit on your trade-in, around 30-40% on average.
The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 Mercedes-Benz dealers in Southern California in order 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 damages to the Rear with damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $20,811.96. 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 26.67%. 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 $85,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $22,669.50.
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 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. car appraiser near 90631, car appraiser near 92683, car appraiser near 92804, car appraiser near 92805
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Dodge Challenger SRT Diminished Value Claim in Newark, New Jersey
Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Dodge Challenger SRT 392 Coupe with 3,100 miles that was involved in a rear-end collision that caused $4,417.02 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed and had structural damage.The claimant hired an auto appraiser near Newark 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.
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 Dodge dealers in New Jersey. You will take a hit of 25% minimum at most any dealer due to the frame being compromised. Some dealers won’t even take it as trade or send it right to auction. Also that most finance companies won’t finance a frame damaged vehicle they may offer 20-40% less than the book because they will have to sell it for less .
The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.
Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, 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 Dodge dealers in New Jersey in order 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: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear with damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $4,417.02. 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 33.33%. 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 $40,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $13,332.00.
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 in Atlantic City, Bayonne, Brick, Camden, Cherry Hill, Clifton, East Orange, Edison, Elizabeth, Franklin, Gloucester Township, Hackensack Hamilton, Hoboken, Howell, Irvington, Jackson, Jersey City, Lakewood, Middletown, New Brunswick, Newark, North Bergen, Old Bridge, Parsippany, Passaic, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Toms River, Trenton, Union City, Union, Vineland, Wayne, Woodbridge and throughout New Jersey.Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem and Somerset Counties. auto appraiser near 07003, auto appraiser near 07052, auto appraiser near 07104, auto appraiser near 07105, auto appraiser near 07111
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ARTICLE: HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY FOR A DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM
We recently had the pleasure of weighing in on a topic of great importance to anyone who owns a late-model car – the loss in value of your vehicle after accident repairs have been completed. It is known as auto diminished value and is the insurance industry’s most closely-guarded secret. Chicago Tribune Reporter Cathy Cunningham called with questions on the subject to which we were more than happy to respond. Read the abridged article below and feel free to call us should you, a family member or a friend find yourselves in what can turn out to be a difficult situation.
November 20, 2017 By Cathy Cunningham Dear Help Squad, I would like to file a diminished value claim in Illinois. My wife was involved in a car accident and it was not her fault. Could you tell me what I should do if I want to file it myself without hiring a lawyer? Thank you, Vladica
Since writing a column on the topic in early 2016, I’ve learned that diminished value is a frequently searched issue. So Vladica’s request for assistance offered the perfect opportunity to provide a deeper dive into the subject. For this I turned to an industry expert, Franklin Colletta, owner of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in Fort Pierce, Florida, an auto appraisal business that specializes in assisting consumers with diminished value claims and services customers across the U.S.
Let’s begin with a basic definition. Just what is diminished value?
“Diminished value is the difference in the value of your car directly before and directly after collision repairs have been completed,” Colletta explains. He points out that once a car has been in an accident and repaired, it has a negative vehicle history report (such as through Carfax) associated with it. “Because car buyers almost always prefer to purchase cars that haven’t been in accidents, a vehicle with an accompanying damage history becomes less valuable.”
“If there was frame damage or air bag deployment [as a result of the accident] the car is worth a lot less,” he adds.
In Illinois, as well as in all 50 states, consumers can only file for diminished value as a third-party claim, meaning these claims must be filed against the insurance company of the person responsible for the damage. They cannot be filed with one’s own insurance provider (aka a first-party claim).
“This is important to know,” said Colletta, “because many insurance companies will try to say that Illinois case law prohibits diminished value claims. While that may be true for first-party claims, there is no case law that addresses third-party claims. Diminished value claims are covered under the property damage portion of the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance policy.”
Colletta emphasized it is not necessary to hire a lawyer to file a diminished value claim.
The claimant will then receive a response. This will either be payment in full, an attempt to negotiate a lower payout or a denial. When denied, the reason given is typically one of the following: the documentation is deemed faulty, other “evidence” is offered to suggest the loss is much lower, the insurance company hires its own “independent appraiser” to determine there is no loss, or, in some cases, the claim is unfairly denied because the damage has been properly repaired.
When I asked if there was a minimum threshold for filing a diminished value claim, Colletta explained all vehicles damaged as a result of someone else’s negligence are eligible.
Copyright © 2017, Chicago Tribune
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.
Services available in Arlington Heights, Aurora, Bloomington, Bolingbrook, Champaign, Chicago, Cicero, Decatur, Des Plaines, Elgin, Evanston, Joliet, Naperville, Palatine, Peoria, Rockford, Schaumburg, Skokie, Springfield, Waukegan and throughout Illinois
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YOUR CAR WAS WRECKED AND REPAIRED.WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?
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.
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.
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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@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
SOUND DIMINISHED VALUE ADVICE
TESLA OWNER: In California you cannot claim Diminished Value (DV) against your own insurance company unless it is specifically written into the policy (I would imagine a high percentage of policies do not include DV). I went through a DV claim a few months ago. I was rear ended while stopped at a traffic signal and the at fault parties’ insurance (Nationwide) accepted responsibility. The damage was limited to the bumper cover and was less than $2,000.00 to repair. As we all know, the fact that the vehicle now has an accident on file is what lowers the value. Accidents with greater damage can increase the amount DV. The first thing I did was get a DV appraisal from https://tesladiminishedvalue.com for $350.00. I found that site through suggestions on Tesla Motors Club. The report was completed in about one week. Once completed, I sent the report along with the included demand letter over to Nationwide. It was almost immediately rejected. I contacted the at fault party and informed them that their insurance company rejected the claim and my only recourse would be small claims court, unless they could get Nationwide to pay the DV. Nationwide contacted me and asked that I not contact their client. I told them essentially that they needed to indemnify their client or I would sue. They did not change their stance. It is to be noted that you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance. However, my research suggested this would fruitless and a waste of time since they cannot legally make the insurance company pay the DV. Ultimately, I filed a small claims case within my county. It was much easier than I thought it would be.
A few things to note:
1. You can only sue the at fault party, and cannot sue the insurance company
2. The maximum amount for small claims court in California is $12,500.00 if you are suing an individual, and only $5,000.00 if you are suing a business. Anything higher and you will need to file a civil case which will increase court costs and may require an attorney.
3. The process for filing the claim was pretty easy using an automated program on the court’s website.
4. Court cost was around $80.00 to file the case. I paid an additional $55.00 to have a process server actually serve the at fault party and another $45.00 to have the server file the proof of service with the court. I never had to leave my house. I filed the small claims case online and made a phone call to the process server company. It was much easier than I thought.
5. Court was simple. No lawyers allowed in small claims court in California. The at fault party stipulated to being at fault, so I didn’t have to argue that portion. I brought the DV report, my email exchanges with nationwide and the at fault party, and screen shots of my phone records for the calls I made with them. The judge looked at the Diminished Value report and the at fault party argued that it should be less and that I hadn’t “realized” the DV because I didn’t sell the vehicle. The judge stated the vehicle did not need to be sold for the DV to be realized.
6. The judge ultimately ruled in my favor and I was awarded the DV. The at fault parties’ insurance company called me a day or two later and wanted to confirm my address prior to mailing me my check.
Some things I learned:
1. Get the DV report soon after the accident. I waited a while and the value of my car lowered in that 9-month time frame. It was hard for the judge to identify what the value of my vehicle would have been worth at the time of the accident. Ultimately, I was happy with the judgment awarded, but it was a little less than what I filed my claim for.
2. You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file the small claims case.
3. Insurance companies will flat out lie and tell you that DV does not exist in your state and feed a bunch of other lies as well. Do not believe them.
4. Do not waste time going back and forth. Move from requesting the DV and them denying it to immediately filing the small claims case. I only spent about 3 weeks, but I wish I had done it sooner. Some people go back and forth for months (No thanks).
5. If the at fault parties’ insurance still does not pay after the judgment, then the at fault party will need to turn around and sue their own insurance to recoup their loss. Theoretically, it would be a simple case for them to win.
6. Civil jury instruction 3903J within California specifically outlines Diminished Value In other words, clearly DV exists in California since there are literal instructions for a jury on the matter.
7. The judge did not include the $350.00 I paid for the report in his judgment, but did include the court fees.
I know this is lengthy, but I hope it helps someone out. Based on my research here on Tesla Motors Club and online there are a lot posts about Diminished Value, but not a clear explanation on filing one from start to finish. Obtaining the DV report was a $350.00 gamble, but in my case it was worth it. Good luck to all of you who took the time to read this!
*I am not a lawyer. I am passionate on this subject since I feel like insurance companies are more than happy to take money for premiums and then will fight tooth and nail to deny or minimize claims. I understand it is a “for profit” business, but I cannot stand them denying legitimate claims.
QUESTION: Who did you use to get the DV report?
TESLA OWNER: I used https://tesladiminshedvalue.com It’s a website used by the St. Lucie Appraisal Company. The report was thorough and I received it about a week after payment. I found their website on Tesla Motors Club. Best of luck!
Click on the payment buttons below. The fee for an exotic car Automobile Diminished Value Report is $350.00. The fee for an exotic car Loss of Use Report is $225.00. You can also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.Before making your secure payment please email the completed body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@tesladiminishedvalue.com
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.TESLADIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company