There is no centralized or reliable database of actual sale prices for vehicles with and without accident history, which makes purely data-driven methods unreliable or misleading. Here’s a more grounded approach to determining the best methodology for Diminished Value (DV):
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Best Diminished Value Methodology: Dealer-Supported Market Perception Appraisal
This method focuses on real-world buyer behavior and dealer valuation, not algorithmic formulas or unverifiable asking price data.
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Our Step-by-Step Process
1. Gather Vehicle Information to obtain approximate diminished value.
• VIN, year, make, model, mileage, trim level, and features.
• Pre-loss condition (before the accident).
• Accident details: severity, parts replaced or repaired, and repair quality.
2. Identify the Stigma Impact
• Understand that Carfax or AutoCheck reports will mark the car as “accident reported,” even if repairs are excellent.
• This leads to market stigma, which directly reduces resale or trade-in value.
3. Contact Brand-Specific Franchised Dealers to support our opinions.
• Contact 6 local dealers that sell the same brand (e.g., Toyota for a Toyota Camry).
• Ask:
“Assuming this vehicle is fully repaired, how much less, if anything, would you offer for it compared to one with no accident history?”
• Record responses to build a range of real-world diminished value.
4. Calculate Diminished Value
• Use the average difference between what dealers would offer with vs. without an accident history.
• This becomes your approximate DV figure, our expert opinion supported by the opinions of six professionals in the business of buying, selling, trading and auctioning cars every day.
5. We then prepare a Formal Appraisal
• Have the results documented by a qualified, independent appraiser.
• Ensure the appraiser includes:
• Dealer contact information or summaries,
• Repair documents,
• Vehicle photos and accident report,
• Market impact analysis (not a formula-based model).
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Why This Method Works Best
• Reflects real-world pricing behavior, not hypothetical math.
• Accepted by courts and insurance companies, especially when done by a licensed (not “certified”) appraiser.
• Avoids unreliable formulas like the 17c or algorithm-based DV calculators, which often underestimate true loss.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company stands out as one of the only national firms that:
• Speaks directly with multiple brand-specific dealers,
• Includes the names of the individuals they speak with,
• Documents what was said,
• And does not use algorithms or formulas.
This makes The St. Lucie Appraisal Company ideal for insurance disputes, legal cases, or any situation where credibility and documentation matter.
READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY
Please email the body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com
Then 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.
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
The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a family-owned appraisal company that offers nationwide service.We provide Diminished Value Appraisals, Automobile Valuations for total losses, financing, underwriting, estates, bankruptcies, donations and Loss of Use Reports.This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, motor vehicle valuations, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.
AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM, AUTOLOSSOFUSE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
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