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A Mercedes-Benz Diminished Value Claim in Santa Ana, California

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

St. Lucie Automobile and Diminished Value Appraiser

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. 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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these 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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Click on the payment button above to pay by Credit Card or Paypal. The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is
$275.00. You may also make your Credit Card Payment by telephone, call 772-359-4300.

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

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

INVESTIGATING THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY AND AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM

September 24, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, 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

A Range Rover Diminished Value Claim in Louisville, Kentucky

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these 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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

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

A Diminished Value Claim on a Dodge Challenger R/T Plus Shaker Coupe in Columbus, Ohio

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Dodge 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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at 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

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service in 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

Tesla Diminished Value Claim in San Jose, California

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at 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.

A red Tesla S sedan. A Diminished Value Appraiser in San Jose, California call 772-359-4300. — A Tesla Diminished Value Claim in San Jose, California

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.

CALIFORNIA LICENSED INDEPENDENT AUTO APPRAISER

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

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

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

A Tesla Motors Diminished Value Claim in New York

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples – 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

LOSS OF USE CLAIMS IN LUXURY CARS

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

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.

READ MORE ARTICLES…

FORD DIMINISHED VALUE AND LOSS OF USE CLAIMS

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

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.

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Antique, Classic and Custom Automobile Appraiser in all 50 States

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

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

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at 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.

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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 90011, auto appraiser near 90201, auto appraiser near 90650, auto appraiser near 91331

Mercedes-Benz S550 AWD Turbo Coupe Diminished Value Claim in Santa Ana, California

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

Tesla S85 Diminished Value Claim in Los Angeles, California

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.

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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Irvine, Fremont, San Bernardino, Modesto, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Oceanside, Santa Rosa, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Elk Grove, Lancaster, Corona, Palmdale, Salinas, Hayward, Pomona, Escondido, Sunnyvale, Torrance, Orange, Pasadena, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Visalia, Roseville, Simi Valley, Concord, Victorville, Santa Clara, Vallejo, Berkeley, El Monte, Downey, Costa Mesa, Inglewood, Carlsbad, Fairfield, Ventura, Richmond, Murrieta, Antioch, Temecula, Norwalk, Daly City, Burbank, Santa Maria, El Cajon, Rialto, San Mateo, Clovis, Jurupa Valley, Compton, Vista, Mission Viejo, South Gate, Vacaville, Carson, Santa Monica, Arden-Arcade, Hesperia, Westminster, Redding, Santa Barbara, San Marcos, Chico, San Leandro, Newport Beach, Whittier, Hawthorne, Citrus Heights, Livermore, Tracy, Alhambra, Indio, Menifee, Buena Park, Hemet, Lakewood, Merced, Chino, Redwood City, Lake Forest, Napa, Tustin, Mountain View, Bellflower, Baldwin Park, Alameda, Upland, San Ramon, Pleasanton and throughout California.Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo and Yuba Counties. car appraiser near 90631, car appraiser near 92683, car appraiser near 92804, car appraiser near 92805

Dodge Challenger SRT Diminished Value Claim in Newark, New Jersey

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at 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 .

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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service in 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

ARTICLE: HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY FOR A DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

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

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

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

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

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

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

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

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

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

SOUND DIMINISHED VALUE ADVICE

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

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!

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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

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

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Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use Claims

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

WE ARE THE BEST AND MOST TRUSTED AUTO DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISERS IN THE COUNTRY. OUR COMPANY VALIDATES OUR DIMINISHED VALUE RESEARCH BY SPEAKING TO THE SALES MANAGERS AT SIX PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS IN YOUR AREA. THIS SUPPORTS OUR EXPERT OPINIONS, PROVIDING PROBATIVE EVIDENCE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM OR COURT CASE.

Hire an Expert Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use Appraiser

There is a new phenomenon in the automotive world and it is called Diminished Value. For those who haven’t heard this term, it means the loss in value a vehicle experiences after undergoing collision repairs. The Porsche, being a car that attracts more discriminating buyers, suffers 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. Porsche owners are typically upscale folks who 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, Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims are our specialty.

How to Determine Porsche Diminished Value and Loss of Use

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 – Porsche 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 both comprehensive and uncomplicated.

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. Porsche diminished value and loss of use claims should present no problems if appraisals are prepared correctly.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

When we receive an assignment to prepare a diminished value appraisal for a Porsche, there is a nationwide network of dealers from whom we can obtain opinions. Obtaining six verifiable quotes from Porsche dealers in your geographic area is something that we feel is necessary to populate an irrefutable diminished value report.

The independent appraisers that use formulas and algorithms arrive at numbers that don’t accurately represent the Porsche used car market. As for the independent appraisers that use automobile auction results, insurers will argue that they are too generic to apply to your particular car and the damages that were repaired.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company has gained more than our share of diminished value and loss of use requests from Porsche owners due chiefly to word of mouth. It has been not only Porsche owners but also the certified Porsche repair shop managers who have sent their customers, friends and families to us.

Finally, with regard to Loss of Use claims, it costs $250 per day to rent an automobile such as the Porsche Panamera from Hertz Dream Cars and other high end vendors. Why do insurance companies feel that they can get away with offering lower-priced replacement vehicles to Porsche owners? It is common knowledge that a wrecked Porsche can take up to 60 days to repair. A typical Loss of Use appraisal for a Porsche owner whose car is laid up for two months is in excess of $10,000.00 which includes the Daily Collision Damage Waiver. Of special note: It is not necessary to actually rent a car in order to receive compensation for Loss of Use.

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After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
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DIMINISHED VALUE EXPERT

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Diminished Value is the difference in the value of your car directly before and directly after collision repairs have been completed. After being repaired, your car has a bad Carfax or other vehicle history report. Used-car buyers prefer to purchase cars that were never previously damaged so your car, by comparison, is less appealing; hence, it is worth less. If there was frame, unibody or air bag deployment it is worth a lot less. You can make a third-party diminished value claim against the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. The first step is to obtain an automobile diminished value appraisal from a diminished value expert. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company services all 50 states by providing diminished value reports and expert witness testimony for owners of damaged vehicles. Call a diminished value expert at 772-359-4300 or email us at contact@autodiminishedvalue.com if you have questions or need more information.

WHY WAS YOUR DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM DENIED?

What makes a person or company an expert at something? We can answer that question in one word – results. A positive outcome for our clients is proof enough that our methodology for arriving at diminished value works better than those of our competitors. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company may be a small fish in the large pond of big-bucks-advertising diminished value appraisal companies but more insurance adjusters recommend us as a diminished value expert to their friends and families than anyone else. We consider it a compliment when former adversaries in diminished value matters, adjusters from State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and other insurers compliment our work.

DIMINISHED VALUE EXPERTS IN ALL 50 STATES

With regard to hiring an appraiser for a personal inspection your car, everyone should be aware that a physical inspection of the repaired car is completely unnecessary and only serves to line the appraiser’s pocket as you will be charged more for their service. The car is fixed. There’s nothing to see. In the case of REPAIR-RELATED diminished value, which is a loss of value because of shoddy repairs, a physical inspection is, indeed, necessary. Your claim, and 99% of all diminished value claims, is known as INHERENT DIMINISHED VALUE. It simply means that the car is worth less because it now has a repair history or bad Carfax. Our research is done based on a properly-repaired vehicle.

The Diminished Value experts at The St. Lucie Appraisal Company work hard for you by taking the time to obtain six verifiable diminished value opinions from new car dealers to confirm our estimations. No shortcuts like formulas, algorithms or online ad comparisons. These unbiased quotes have served as proof to magistrates and mediators alike. When insurance adjusters are presented with one of our appraisals, it is a signal that you are serious about collecting the full amount that your vehicle has lost due to the negligence of their policyholder. As your diminished value expert, we are prepared to represent your interests throughout the claims process. Virtually all of our competitors have had complaints lodged against them in sites like The Better Business Bureau, Yelp and Ripoff Report. You may feel free to search those sites as well as others like Angie’s List and you’ll never find a bad review of our company.

That makes The St. Lucie Appraisal Company more than a diminished value expert. It makes us the company you want to do business with.

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After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

Service throughout Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

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Auto Diminished Value Case in Small Claims Court

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

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

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

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

DIMINISHED VALUE IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT 772-359-4300

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After making your secure payment please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com TESLA AND OTHER EXOTIC CAR OWNERS PLEASE CALL FOR RATES.

This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
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Diminished Value Claim Memphis

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Plus Van with 13,879 miles that was involved in a Rear-end collision that caused $3,177.36 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 DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Dodge dealerships in Tennessee – One dealer explained that for minor damage like this you are looking at about a 10-15% loss but would depend on the overall condition and what is showing on the Carfax. Another dealer reported an average of about a few thousand dollars loss with bad Carfax, that is the typical loss of value with a vehicle like this with a small reported accident.

We contacted several Dodge dealers in Tennessee 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 Memphis, Tennessee

Description of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear not including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $3,177.36. 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 13.33%. 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 $20,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $2,666.00

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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 Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson City, Bartlett, Hendersonville, Kingsport, Collierville and throughout Tennessee.

Anderson, Bedford, Benton, Bledsoe, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Cannon, Carroll, Carter, Cheatham, Chester, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Coffee, Crockett, Cumberland, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Fentress, Franklin, Gibson, Giles, Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardeman, Hardin, Hawkins, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Loudon, McMinn, McNairy, Macon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Maury, Meigs, Monroe, Montgomery, Moore, Morgan, Obion, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Robertson, Rutherford, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sullivan, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Weakley, White, Williamson and Wilson Counties. auto appraiser near 38109, auto appraiser near 38111, auto appraiser near 38115, auto appraiser near 38116, auto appraiser near 38118, auto appraiser near 38127, auto appraiser near 38128, auto appraiser near 38134

Diminished Value Miami

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. Regarding our diminished value appraisal of a Cadillac XT5 Luxury SUV with 11,114 miles that was involved in a Front End Collision that caused $16,634.59 in damage. The car was disabled/towed and had structural damage and air bag deployment.The claimant hired a car appraiser near Miami and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.

WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Cadillac dealerships in Florida – You will lose a minimum of 25% of the value due to the frame damage alone. Also that dealers would have to sell this vehicle at auction limiting the amount they can pay for your trade-in and also that a bad Carfax makes it harder to sell especially because such picky customers generally purchase these types of vehicles. 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.

We contacted several Cadillac dealers in Florida 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.

FLORIDA ADJUSTERS LICENSE — FLORIDA LICENSEDINDEPENDENT ADJUSTER

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Front including damage to structural components and air bag deployment. Repair cost $16,634.59 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 31.25%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $35,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $10,937.50.

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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 Altamonte Springs, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Deltona, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Hialeah, Hollywood, Homestead, Jacksonville, Jupiter, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Largo, Lauderhill, Margate, Melbourne, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miramar, North Port, Ocala, Orlando, Palm Bay, Pembroke Pines, Pensacola, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port Orange, Port St. Lucie, St. Petersburg, Sanford, Stuart, Sunrise, Tallahassee, Tamarac, Tampa, Vero Beach, Wellington, Weston and throughout Florida. car appraiser near 33033, car appraiser near 33125, car appraiser near 33161, car appraiser near 33165, car appraiser near 33177