Tag: diminished value - Page 3 - THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

ALFA-ROMEO DIMINISHED VALUE AND LOSS OF USE CLAIMS

November 12, 2023October 22, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

St. Lucie Automobile and Diminished Value 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 Alfa-Romeo, 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. Alfa-Romeo 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, Alfa-Romeo Diminished Value and Loss of Use claims are our specialty.

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

Getting back to Alfa-Romeo and the difficulty obtaining proper diminished value information for the owners of these cars. When we receive an assignment to prepare a diminished value appraisal for a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Porsche, there is a nationwide network of dealers from whom we can obtain opinions. Not so with Alfa-Romeo. Dealers are few and far between. Therefore, obtaining the six verifiable quotes from Alfa-Romeo dealers that we feel are necessary to populate an irrefutable diminished value report is difficult.

ALFA-ROMEO DIMINISHED VALUE AND LOSS OF USE CLAIMS

So where does this leave the Alfa-Romeo 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 Alfa-Romeo used car market. As for the independent appraisers that use automobile auction results, they are completely out of luck since so few Alfa-Romeos are put up for auction.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, despite being a small fish in the big pond of independent automobile diminished value appraisers, has gained the lion’s share of diminished value and loss of use requests from Alfa-Romeo owners due chiefly to word of mouth. It has been not only Alfa-Romeo owners but also the certified Alfa-Romeo repair shop managers who have sent their customers, friends and families to us.

Finally, with regard to Loss of Use claims, it costs $500 per day to rent a Dream Car such as the Tesla S from one of the Hertz locations in California. Anywhere else in the US, you can rent a marginally comparable car, a Porsche Panamera for $350 per day. Why do insurance companies feel that they can get away with offering lower-priced replacement vehicles to Alfa-Romeo owners? It is common knowledge that a wrecked Alfa-Romeo can take up to 60 days to repair. A typical Loss of Use report for a Alfa-Romeo owner whose car is laid up for two months is in excess of $25,000.00 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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The fee for an Automobile Diminished Value Report is $350.00. 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

This is an Open Education resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
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A GMC Diminished Value Claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

November 12, 2023October 20, 2023 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 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Crew Cab Pickup with 21,776 miles that was involved in a rear-end collision that caused $2,381.79 in damage. The truck was not disabled and had no structural damage or 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 CUTSSIX DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISALTELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE
We learned from these examples from sales managers – In most cases the buyer will want to see the Carfax and when they see it was in an accident -potential buyers want a big discount. Also that some dealers won’t take this car at all with ANY accident. 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 GMC dealers in South 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: Non-disabling collision damages to the Left Rear not including structural components. Repair cost $2,381.79. 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 11.39%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $30,000.00 at the time of loss. Diminished Value = $3,417.00

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

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

Service 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. auto appraiser near 33023, auto appraiser near 33024, auto appraiser near 33331

THE INDEPENDENT APPRAISER’S ROLE IN AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIMS

November 12, 2023October 17, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

The independent appraiser should not be part of the claim in which the automobile diminished value is in question, but is usually brought in from the outside to preserve impartiality. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s purpose and function is definite and simple. We must determine the existence and amount of diminished value in order to make the claimant whole. In doing so, our focus is always the fair and equitable treatment of both our client and the insurance company involved.

In a sense, the diminished value claim is an intellectual problem for both the insurance company and the claimant. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company stands as a surrogate for the claimant, as well as being the competition for the insurance company. That is, the independent appraiser finds the relevant information and, if he is playing fairly, presents his Diminished Value Report to the claimant along with a demand letter. The independent appraiser needs to emphasize the significance of each bit of information. Experience and intelligence mesh, making the independent appraiser a person who finds solutions to problems and dilemmas that seem to have no solution. He makes the connections that reveal the solution, as well as revealing the truth about the situation at large. He is a necessary figure in the access he has to people – the sales managers at recognized new car dealerships. He should be a specialist in disseminating information accurately in order to arrive at fair diminished value figures. Insurance companies must respect both the effort and the subsequent results.

THE INDEPENDENT APPRAISER IN AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIMS

Even while testing our clients resolve to insist on fair treatment and trying to outlast them, insurance companies have given The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s Diminished Value Reports a trust they rarely give those of other independent appraisers. Our reports compel them to face and to acknowledge when they are perpetrating unfair claim practices. But there is no doubt that the claimant must be persistent in following up on any suggestions the independent appraiser may make.

Though automobile diminished value claims are not an uplifting topic for an insurance company, an Automobile Diminished Value Report prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company influences them to recognize and admit both the harmful and time-consuming sides of claim mishandling, hopefully leading them from a dangerous and costly ignorance.

Answers and solutions can be found by people who are dedicated to the search for truth and who know where and how to look for the information that can lead to those solutions and answers. Insurance companies should, at the very least, use their capabilities of observation and logic to develop alternatives to their delay, denial and misinformation tactics. Low-ball settlement offers are contrary to good business despite how insurers view third-party diminished value claims because they project an appearance of bad faith industry wide.

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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, 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

Automobile and Personal Property Appraiser in all 50 States

November 12, 2023October 15, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company – For Automobile and Personal Property Appraisals in all 50 States

John Lyndgate, who coined the phrase “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time” never had the privilege of hiring The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. Our firm prepares automobile, truck, mobile home, personal property and diminished value appraisals in all 50 states. These include valuation appraisals for art, collectibles, musical instruments and all types of motor vehicles. We also prepare diminished value appraisals for cars and trucks that have lost value after undergoing collision repairs. As a result of our great service, many of our customers have left glowing reviews of St. Lucie Appraisal on Angie’s List, Yelp, YP.com, Superpages and other sites. But what would surprise Mr. Lyndgate is the fact that he wouldn’t find one negative review of our company. Not one.

In business, good customer relations stems from being honest and and making the best effort possible to do a good job. Returning calls, sending duplicate copies of our reports, putting in more hours than we bill for are just some of the things that lead to customer satisfaction. Whether you need an appraisal for financing, insurance, estate dissolution, bankruptcy, divorce or diminished value, count on The St. Lucie Appraisal Company to work hard for you. We understand your needs and always do our best to accommodate each and every customer.

Reputable businesses are proud of what their past customers have to say and websites such as Angie’s List and Yelp have shown how a positive track record can be a powerful marketing tool, even for relatively small businesses. We are thankful for those who took the time to make note of our good service and hope that this track record of no bad reviews continues forever. Proving John Lyndgate wrong is what we’re all about.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

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

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

AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.
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Mercedes-Benz Diminished Value Claim in Allentown, Pennsylvania

November 12, 2023October 14, 2023 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 GLC300 AWD SUV with 31,960 miles that was involved in a Rear-End Collision that caused $2,221.44 in damage. The car was not disabled/towed and 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 Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Pennsylvania. A sales manager told us that 10%-20 % is the typical loss of value when you have a car of this age being somewhat a newer vehicle with small amount of damage. Another sales manager said anytime you have a bad Carfax that shows minor damage on a Carfax report they have to give less than they would with a car with no damage – about a 10-15 % reduction and also that 10-15% is a typical deduction when you try and trade in at a larger dealer

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 Mercedes-Benz dealers in Pennsylvania 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.

Diminished Value Claim in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the Rear not including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $2,221.44. 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 $32,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $4,332.25

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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 Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Upper Darby Township, Scranton, Bethlehem, Bensalem, Lancaster, Lower Merion, Abington Township, Bristol, Millcreek, Harrisburg, Altoona, York, Stroudsburg, Wilkes-Barre and throughout Pennsylvania

Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York Counties. auto appraiser near 18052, auto appraiser near 18102, auto appraiser near 18103, auto appraiser near 18104, auto appraiser near Allentown,

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.

An Auto Diminished Value Claim in Mesa, Arizona

November 12, 2023October 14, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. This article details the diminished value appraisal of a Tesla S75 Sedan with 17,247 miles that was involved in a Rear-end collision that caused $15,607.87 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed, had structural damage and no air bag deployment. The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.
WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at high-end new car dealerships in Arizona – One dealer said that anytime there is frame damage on any make of car or truck you are looking at taking a large loss of value. They have to disclose this to buyers and typically no dealership would be willing to take it on trade or resell it on lot due to the extensive nature of accident you could be looking at taking a loss of minimum of 35%, could it be much more. Another dealer explained that 15K worth of damage is not minor by any means plus frame damage on Carfax would be a very big loss, close to 30-40% of the pre-accident value could be more. For a Tesla, the loss would be significant

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 high-end new car dealers in Arizona 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 including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $15,607.87. 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 $65,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $23,289.50

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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 Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, San Tan Valley, Yuma, Avondale, Goodyear, Casa Adobes, Flagstaff, Buckeye, Lake Havasu City, Catalina Foothills, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Sierra Vista and throughout Arizona.

Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Yuma Counties. Auto appraiser near 85201, auto appraiser near 85203, auto appraiser near 85204, auto appraiser near 85205, auto appraiser near 85206, auto appraiser near 85210, auto appraiser near 85213

A Honda Diminished Value Claim in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 12, 2023October 14, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Honda Odyssey EX Van with 19,335 miles that was involved in a Front and Rear Collision that caused $14,255.71 in damage. The vehicle was disabled/towed, had structural damage and no air bag deployment. The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.
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 Honda dealerships in Eastern Pennsylvania- One dealer said because of the vehicle having close to $15,000.00 worth of damage and frame being damaged you may be looking at taking a 40% hit in a trade-in. Also, if this were brand new the loss would be much higher typically when you have severe damage on accident report. And, another sales manager said that anytime there is severe damage on Carfax the loss will be severe so you may see a loss of 40% or higher.

We contacted several Honda dealers in Eastern Pennsylvania 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 Honda Diminished Value Claim in Philadelphia, PA

Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the front and rear including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $14,255.71. 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 37.50%. 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 $7,500.00

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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.

Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York Counties. auto appraiser near 19104, auto appraiser near 19111, auto appraiser near 19120, auto appraiser near 19124, auto appraiser near 19134, auto appraiser near 19143, auto appraiser near 19149

Porsche Diminished Value Claim in Reno, Nevada

November 12, 2023October 13, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. With regard to our diminished value appraisal of a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe with 47,028 miles that was involved in a Rear-End Collision that caused $1,153.53 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed and 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 Porsche dealerships in Nevada and surrounding states – Dealers would definitely take it as a trade however, because it does have a bad Carfax , depending on what the report says you could lose 10-15%. Also, as long as it is fixed correctly and there is not further damage such as frame or a branded title you shouldn’t see that much of a loss being that it’s a minor accident – maybe $3,500-$5,000 diminished value possible. And that 15% back is about typical for this type of listed damage

The opinions of these unbiased professionals form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which validates the diminished value report prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.

We contacted several Porsche dealers in Nevada 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.

Diminished Value Claim in Reno, NevadaDescription of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the Rear with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $1,153.53. 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 10.83%. 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 $35,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $3,790.50

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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 Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks and throughout Nevada

Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe and White Pine Counties. auto appraiser near 89436, auto appraiser near 89502, auto appraiser near 89506

A Diminished Value Claim on a Porsche in Jacksonville, Florida

November 12, 2023October 13, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

A diminished value appraisal of a Porsche 911 4S 6-Speed Automatic Coupe with 16,556 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $9,515.31 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed, had structural damage and no air bag deployment. The claimant hired an independent auto appraiser and made a third-party inherent auto diminished value claim for the vehicle’s loss in value. Once a car is repaired after a collision, it is worth less, often much less depending on the severity of the damage. Regardless of how well the repairer did his job, nobody will pay as much for a previously wrecked car as they would for an identical one that was never in an accident. Presenting a diminished value claim and following it through to a satisfactory conclusion is a daunting task for the average person. Obtaining a comprehensive Diminished Value Report is key.
WE DON’T USE FORMULAS, ALGORITHMS, AD COMPARISONS OR OTHER SHORT CUTS
SIX UNBIASED DEALER QUOTES IN EVERY APPRAISAL TO VALIDATE OUR RESEARCH
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS FREE-OF-CHARGE

We learned from these examples from sales managers at Porsche dealerships in North Florida – One dealer said normally when there is frame damage you can expect 35% less in trade and you would also have normal depreciation as well. Another dealer said that because it is a few years older there will be less of a hit than there would be if it was brand new if the car were 40k you may lose 20k depending on the extent of damage and what the report says.

We contacted several Porsche dealers in North Florida to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.

Description of damage: Non disabling collision damages to the Rear including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $9,515.31. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 36.25%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the FMV at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Fair Market Value (Average Trade-In Value) of approximately $78,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $28,275.00

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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.

Alachua, Baker, Bay ,Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, De Soto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton and Washington Counties. auto appraiser near 32210, auto appraiser near 32218, auto appraiser near 32244, auto appraiser near 32256, auto appraiser near 32259

A New Car Diminished Value Claim in Bridgeport, Connecticut

November 12, 2023October 13, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

We report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a new loaner MINI Cooper Convertible with 1.955 miles that was involved in a front collision that caused $2,396.72 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed, had no structural damage and no air bag deployment. The dealership 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 MINI dealerships in Connecticut and surrounding states – One dealer explained that because it is a new vehicle you would take more of a hit. Normally when you try and sell a vehicle with a bad Carfax there will be a loss depending on the document and what is reported and the amount of damage and what the repairs look like will be the deciding factor on what the actual loss will be, his guess there may be a loss of a few thousand and can go as high as 4K. Another dealer said that due to the fact the car is new and there is already an accident on the Carfax there will definitely be a loss. Could be around 10 % of the cars value.

CONNECTICUT LICENSED INDEPENDENT AUTO APPRAISER

We contacted several MINI dealers in Connecticut to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Retail Value. Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.

A New Car Diminished Value Claim in Bridgeport, ConnecticutDescription of damage: Non-disabling collision damages to the front with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $2,396.72. LKQ (used) and/or aftermarket parts were not utilized in the repair/not factored in to the diminished value.

The average of six (6) deductions was 11.97%. This is the percentage of Diminished Value to be taken from the retail value at the time of loss.

We established that the above captioned vehicle had a Retail Value of approximately $27,500.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $3,291.75

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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 Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, New Britain, West Hartford, Greenwich, Hamden, Fairfield, Meriden, Bristol, Manchester, West Haven, Milford, Stratford, Middletown, Enfield, Wallingford, Southington, Norwich, Shelton, Groton, Trumbull, Torrington, Glastonbury, Naugatuck and throughout Connecticut. auto appraiser near 06484, auto appraiser near 06810. auto appraiser near 06606, auto appraiser near 06902

Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham Counties

WHY WAS YOUR DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM DENIED?

November 12, 2023October 9, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

Each insurance company operates in its own manner when it comes to automobile diminished value claims. One constant, however, is that all of them strive to either delay, low ball or outright reject this type of claim in the hope that you, the vehicle owner, will become frustrated and simply give up. Why was your diminished value claim denied? First of all, it would be cavalier to imply that a diminished value report provided by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company will automatically be accepted and a settlement paid to the penny. That is simply not the case but when it comes to defending diminished value claims, insurance adjusters evaluate appraisals prepared by different independent appraisers and act upon them accordingly. If an insurance company determines that they have a good chance of prevailing in small claims or civil court, your claim could likely be denied. Conversely, when confronted with a comprehensive report that provides irrefutable proof of the existence and amount of value that your vehicle lost after collision repairs, they are forced to acknowledge the possibility of losing. In litigation, not only could you be awarded the full amount of diminished value, expenses such as the cost of the appraisal, expert witness and legal fees could also be recovered. Insurers would also bear the cost of their own experts and lawyers. It goes without saying that the prospect of losing in court isn’t particularly appealing to them.

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 have seen most of the diminished value reports that are prepared by independent appraisers. Methodologies vary but some, of course, are better than others. Was your Chevrolet damaged by the negligence of another party? Did the accident happen in Arizona, for instance? The St. Lucie Appraisal Company obtains the opinions of the sales managers at six Chevrolet dealers in Arizona based on the vehicle and the damages that were repaired. This method is time-consuming but ultimately provides the best proof of the existence and amount of diminished value.

WAS YOUR DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM DENIED?

Some examples of how other independent appraisers calculate diminished value will surprise you. Even more surprising is that these appraisers actually charge you for reports that have absolutely no basis other than to point out the fact that they are “experts.” The reports from these appraisers came to our attention after we were hired after vehicle owners’ claims were rejected. The reasons are clear.

Ten examples used by independent appraisers:

The information contained herein, is based upon the information provided to me as well as the visual characteristics of the vehicle and its parts at the time of inspection. The opinions expressed herein are based upon; technical training, experience and acquired knowledge in this field of expertise.
Provides sales prices of comparable vehicles and then an arbitrary diminished value amount based on nothing whatsoever that is contained in their report. The appraiser concludes: “In arriving at this figure, I gave consideration to the concerns which a buyer, if knowledgeable that there was a potentially severe accident, would have, and the impact upon whether such buyer would buy the vehicle and the conditions upon which a buyer may buy the subject vehicle.”
Uses a formula similar to the discredited Rule 17-C. Corrective procedures “based on experience” reveal not only the flawed methodology but also a lack of real-world evidence to corroborate their findings.
“Based on my personal experience as a licensed Motor Vehicle Damage appraiser with 21 years of experience in the automotive field, ASE certified mechanic, Associates degree in Mechanical Technology, a licensed automotive inspection and emissions mechanic, review of the estimate, picture review and the type of repairs needed on the vehicle, I place the diminished value at $XXX.XX.”
Simply assigns a diminished value amount with no substantiating information.
“Although subject vehicle was repaired to industry standards, at this time, I find the above to show cause of a combined 15% loss to its dated fair market value.” Their report shows no methodology for determining this amount other than the appraiser’s personal opinion.
“In order to determine this vehicle’s ultimate Diminished Value, we have devised a Point System based on the following categories. They are in order of importance, with the first category representing the aspect of the repair process which has the most impact on the vehicle’s value.” This report uses a formula to calculate the amount of diminished value.
“With over 20 years experience appraising automobiles, it is our opinion that, as a result of this accident, the specific type of vehicle, its age and its miles, would result in the vehicle’s market value having diminished no less than $XXX.XX after satisfactory repairs. This reflects nothing more than the appraiser’s opinion.
“It is the opinion of this expert that there is evidence to suggest the value of the subject vehicle should be diminished value as a result of the body repairs.
Uses a formula based on Rule 17-C modifiers that do not reflect an actual loss of value based on any tangible evidence.

Submitting an automobile diminished value report that simply states an appraiser’s opinion based on their alleged expertise or on a random formula or algorithm guarantees a certain amount of push back from the insurance company. If a magistrate or mediator can’t understand the methodology or doubts the validity of an opinion-based appraisal, you have wasted your money on the report. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company doesn’t offer opinions. We leave that to the sales managers at recognized dealerships who buy and sell cars all day long. They are familiar with bad Carfaxes and how their customers shy away from such cars. They know how these cars fare at automobile auctions. Appraisers should not assume to know more. Hiring an independent appraiser to prepare a diminished value report? Caveat Emptor. Let the buyer beware.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

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

After making your secure payment please email the completed body shop estimate or insurance company appraisal to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com

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.

CAN A FINANCE COMPANY SUE YOU FOR DIMINISHED VALUE OF YOUR LEASED CAR?

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

People who lease cars should know that finance companies have begun suing lessees for diminished value if the car was in a wreck while in their possession. One of the absolute luxuries of leasing was, regardless of what accident repairs were done during the lease period, there was no concern about being charged for the car’s diminished value. A car that is owned suffers a similar loss in value once it is saddled with a repair history so that individual absorbs the loss amount personally. Finance companies were content to take back previously repaired cars without penalty but times have changed. Rental car companies have been seeking compensation – now the finance companies seemingly want their pound of flesh as well.

There is no blame to assign unless you want to beat yourself up for backing into that utility pole. Why shouldn’t lessors receive the same consideration you do when a third-party damages your personally-owned car? Third-party inherent auto diminished value claims are now well-known remedies. An errant driver damages your car. After repairs the car certainly isn’t worth what it was before going under the welding-torch so you make a claim against the car owner’s insurance policy for compensation. Those of you who lease cars are now facing the same unpleasant fate as are the insurance companies.

When a Carfax or Autocheck Report shows that a car had structural damage or air bag deployment, a dealer can no longer certify a car, banks won’t finance it and off to the auction it goes. When a leasing company sells an off-lease vehicle, any sensible prospective buyer will ask for the car’s repair history. With just a little research, that buyer can determine just how much the previous loss affects the car and will make an offer accordingly. The result? If the car you were leasing had a fair market value of $40,000.00 and suffered damages as described, it will lose close to half of its value. Expect a bill for $15,000.00-$20,000.00 from the finance company. You may be able to negotiate it down by obtaining your own independent appraisal but, make no mistake about it, you are legally liable.

Hire an Expert Automobile Diminished Value Appraiser

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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

AUTOMOBILE AND DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISER ON ANGI

November 12, 2023October 1, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

Angi isn’t the first place you would think to look for an automobile, personal property and diminished value appraiser like The St. Lucie Appraisal Company. Yet many of our customers report that they found us on the popular review site and that they liked what they saw. In our business, there are all sorts of unscrupulous companies so it is quite an accolade to be considered both honest and proficient at what we do.

With regard to automobile, truck and heavy equipment appraisals, our services are sought after for insurance, financing and bankruptcies. Establishing accurate values on all types of motor vehicles is crucial toward receiving fair treatment from courts, obtaining adequate loans for equipment purchases and making sure they are properly insured against all types of losses.

When it comes to automobile diminished value, which is the value that a car loses after undergoing collision repairs, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s reports are second to none. Almost every one of our competitors – many of whom offer “free” diminished value appraisals – have generated complaints in various review sites. Not the case with our company. We have yet to read a negative review of our services either on Angi or anywhere else. In fact, in honor of receiving our 15th Angi review, we’ve decided to reprint each and every one of them. Our sincere thanks to those of you who took the time to recognize the effort we put forth on your behalf.

St. Lucie Automobile, Personal Property and Diminished Value Appraisers is a proud member of Angi

Review Date:February 11, 2015

Member: Chris C

Category: Auto Appraisals

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: June 17, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: Requested a diminished value evaluation because our vehicle was damaged within the first month of purchase. It was a brand new truck.

Member Comments: Very professional, all the reviews online were positive. I called and performed an interview and decided to give the company a try. I was not disappointed. All the reviews were accurate.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date:October 23, 2014

Member: Cindi S

Category: Appraisals – Antiques/Jewelry/Items

Services Performed: No

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: October 20, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Description Of Work: Looking for a place to appraise my mothers furniture.

Member Comments: They were in the range for appraisers, but just too expensive for me called me back promptly and were friendly though.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date:October 18, 2014

Member: Ryan B

Category: Appraisals – Antiques/Jewelry/Items

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: September 29, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: Appraisal diminished value.

Member Comments: Awesome! Very professional & fast.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date:October 04, 2014

Member: Rev. Robert J

Category: Appraisals – Antiques/Jewelry/Items

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: September 22, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $325.00

Description Of Work: Appraisal

Member Comments: The service was very hassle free and professional.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date:September 07, 2014

Member: Joan C

Company Name: The St Lucie Appraisal Co

Category: Appraisals – Automobile Diminished Value

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: June 01, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $475.00

Description Of Work: Loss of use appraisal, diminished value appraisal

Member Comments: Excellent communication from start to end. He had an excellent grasp and knowledge of these types of appraisals. He provided an accurate and comprehensive report which was useful in negotiations with my insurance company.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: August 28, 2014

Member: Phillip D
150 CR 64
DEATSVILLE, AL 36022

Category: Auto Appraisals

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: August 12, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $175.00

Description Of Work: Auto appraisal.

Member Comments: Frank was very responsive and performed a comprehensive appraisal on my classic auto.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: August 27, 2014

Member: Robert R

Category: Appraisals – Automobile Diminished Value

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: July 17, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $300.00

Description Of Work: Diminished value appraisal in a Tesla.

Member Comments: Very professional; quick appraisal.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Member: Kip M

Category: Auto Appraisals

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: May 13, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $125.00

Description Of Work:

Vehicle appraisal for my attorney; was very impressed with the details and quick turnaround time.

Member Comments: I needed a last minute vehicle appraised and contacted Frank from his web site online. He adjusted his personal schedule to fit my needs and within 24 hours my appraisal was completed and emailed to me. His rate was less than half of my first estimate.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: June 06, 2014

Member: Mike and Megan B

Categories: Antiques Appraisals – Antiques/Jewelry/Items

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: March 01, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $375.00

Description Of Work: Appraisal on antique furniture for insurance purposes.

Member Comments: I mailed photos of eleven pieces of French antiques purchased in Europe. From the photos, they gave me estimates on the value of each piece. It was done in a timely matter, and a written estimate, in detail, was mailed to me.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: May 14, 2014

Member: NATE C
345 OLD WOOD DR
COLUMBIA, SC 29212

Category: Appraisals – Automobile Diminished Value

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: April 01, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: Diminished value car appraisal.

Member Comments: Went beyond call of duty at no extra charge.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: May 14, 2014

Member: Dr. Danny C
924 Ashford Way
FORT MILL, SC 29708

Category: Appraisals – Collectibles

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: December 01, 2013

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $700.00

Description Of Work: 2 appraisals : 1.) baseball card collection
2.) cat book collection

Member Comments: Excellent!

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: May 05, 2014

Member: Jennifer S
121 Portside Ave
Cape Canaveral, FL 32904

Category: Automobile Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: May 05, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $125.00

Description Of Work: Gave me an appraisal 4000 dollars more than allstate originally quoted.

Member Comments: Mr Colletta was hired by me after my car was totaled and Allstate offered me less then my car was worth, and I needed a second opinion. He is very kind, professional, and helpful, and i would recommend him to anyone!

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: May 05, 2014

Member: Jennifer S
121 Portside Ave
Cape Canaveral, FL 32904

Category: Automobile Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: May 05, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $125.00

Description Of Work: Gave me an appraisal 4000 dollars more than Allstate originally quoted.

Member Comments: Mr Colletta was hired by me after my car was totaled and Allstate offered me less then my car was worth, and i needed a second opinion. He is very kind, professional, and helpful, and i would recommend him to anyone!

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Company Response: Insurance companies aren’t known for their generosity when it comes to paying claims. Allstate put Jennifer a tough spot. Glad we were able to help her obtain a fair settlement.

Review Date: May 05, 2014

Member: Richard G
1456 SW Del Rio Blvd
PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL 34953

Category: Automobile Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: January 10, 2013

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: Provided survey of value of collective car for insurance purposes.

Member Comments: Arrived on time & provide paperwork in a timely manner.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: March 22, 2014

Member: JOHN M
275 Waverly Drive
Pasadena, CA 91105

Category: Automobile Diminished Value Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: March 21, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $300.00

Description Of Work: Vehicle loss of value report for a Tesla S.

Member Comments: Report was ready in just a few days. Let’s hope it brings a settlement from the insurer.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: February 19, 2014

Member: Donald S
New Mexico, 85364

Category: Automobile Diminished Value Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: February 19, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: The St. Lucie Appraisal Co. provided me with an estimate of the diminished value of my brand new 2014 Subaru Outback (damaged on 12/05/2013 with the 90 day temporary registration sticker still on the back window), post repair to industry standards, after it was sideswiped along the entire left side while parked in front of my home.

Member Comments: I could not be more pleased by my experience with this business than I am. After submitting all the particulars needed for the appraisal, turnaround time was unbelievably fast—just about 24 hours. Communication with the firm was personal, responsive and just excellent. The report was well formatted. The price was more than reasonable—I would have paid more, considering what I got. The analytical approach and methodology used in preparing the report I believe to be sound as it is based on the actual combined and averaged opinions of 6 Subaru Used Car Managers from my region of the country (Southwest). These individuals are professionals, specialists in making these determinations, who do so on a daily basis, and do so successfully under actual real life market conditions. Therefore, this yields a report that is highly credible and has substantial evidential weight should the matter eventually need to be adjudicated.
The St. Lucie Appraisal Co. has my unqualified endorsement with regard to the area of diminished value auto claims, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone needing help in this area

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: January 23, 2014

Member: Janice C
4105 Smokey Pines Ct.
Fort pierce, FL 34951

Category: Automobile Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: January 14, 2014

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $175.00

Description Of Work: Appraised 57 Chevy Corvette

Member Comments: Frank was very thorough and spent a great deal of time going over records and receipts for the vehicle. HE inspected the car took several pictures and supplied a accurate estimate of the cars worth. he also suggested different avenues to sell the car.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: December 13, 2013

Member: Justin A
222 SW Thornhill Dr.
Port St Lucie, FL 34984

Category: Automobile Diminished Value Appraisal

Services Performed: No

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: December 13, 2013

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: Diminished Value appraisal

Member Comments: Frank was honest, attentive, and full of knowledge in his trade. If I need an appraisal I will contact Frank.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date: February 07, 2013

Member: Charlton S
85 River’s Edge Drive
Portland, ME 04102

Category: Appraisals – Antiques/Jewelry/Items

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: February 06, 2013

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $325.00

Description Of Work: Franklin Colletta appraised the entire contents of our home in anticipation of our selling the home fully furnished.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

Review Date:May 05, 2012

Member: Chris C
7845 Sabal Lake Dr
PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL 34986

Category: Automobile Diminished Value Appraisal

Services Performed: Yes

* More Weight is given to a review where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date: March 01, 2012

Hire Again: Yes

Approximate Cost: $225.00

Description Of Work: Appraisal of car damage for diminished value claim.

Member Comments: Frank Colletta was professional, prompt and responsive to e mail and questions.

Share on Band of Neighbors: Yes

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Diminished Value Appraisal in Richmond

November 12, 2023September 22, 2023 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport Automatic Convertible with 1,747 miles that was involved in a Front End Collision that caused $1,640.77 in damage. The vehicle was not disabled/towed and had no structural damage and no air bag deployment.The claimant hired an auto appraiser near Richmond 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 Mazda dealerships in Virginia – A minor accident or something showing $1600 worth of damage may or may not take a 10% hit on trade. Also, that you may lose 10% at least off the book value due to the fact that the car is so new and also being that the accident is minor in nature and normally the loss would be based on what is on the report and if you had it repaired at reputable shop maybe 10% less.

We contacted several Mazda dealers in Virginia in order to establish how these damages 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 Front with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $1,640.77. 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 10.42%. 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 $25,000.00 at the time of loss. The Diminished Value was $2,605.00.

READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT 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.

Service in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Arlington, Richmond, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Lynchburg, Centreville, Dale City, Reston, Harrisonburg, McLean, Tuckahoe, Leesburg, Ashburn and throughout Virginia. diminished value appraiser near 23112, diminished value appraiser near 23220, diminished value appraiser near 23222, diminished value appraiser near 23223. diminished value appraiser near 22407, diminished value appraiser near 23224, diminished value appraiser near 23225

Founded by Franklin Colletta, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a family-owned appraisal company that offers nationwide service. We provide Diminished Value Appraisals, Total Loss Valuations, and Loss of Use Reports.
This is an Open Education resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
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TOTAL LOSSES AND THE APPRAISAL CLAUSE

November 12, 2023September 22, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

Disputes over the values of automobiles and trucks involved in total loss claims are common. There are three points of view to consider – the car owner’s opinion, the insurance company’s opinion and the findings of an umpire who is hired when an impasse occurs. Resolution of total loss disputes by invoking what is known as The Appraisal Clause is becoming more common as insurers tighten purse strings. What is the appraisal clause? It is simply an insurance provision allowing either the insurer or the vehicle owner to demand a binding appraisal of damaged property in the event of a dispute as to its value. An independent appraiser is hired by both sides. If they can’t agree, The Appraisal Clause can be invoked by either party. One would hope that this process produces equitable settlement amounts but it doesn’t always work that way. Both retail and fair market value can be subjective. Insurance companies place certain roadblocks such as only recognizing comparable vehicles from tight geographic areas. Insurers disallow recognized sources of book values such as NADA, preferring to use the CCC valuation method which was developed for the insurance industry. Often misrepresentations of prior damage and conditioning or inadequate allowances for mileage differences occur. Even more complicated and arbitrary are Appraisal Clause proceedings involving diminished value.

If the car owner and the insurance company disagree on the value of the vehicle, either may make a written demand to invoke The Appraisal Clause. Each party will select a competent and impartial appraiser. It is preferable that both are licensed appraisers in at least one state. The two appraisers, if in disagreement over the value, will select an umpire. If the appraisers do not agree on an umpire, the matter goes to a judge of the court having jurisdiction.

In the event that The Appraisal Clause is invoked and an umpire is necessary, each party will pay its chosen appraiser and bear the expenses of the umpire equally. This means of alternative dispute resolution is designed to effectively and cost efficiently resolve disputes by avoiding the typical legal process. Arbitration, also known as mediation, acknowledges the existence of a dispute. Each party has the right to specify the credentials of the umpire. The naming of a third-party to serve as an umpire is not a selection until the other has agreed to accept him. He must be both competent and disinterested. Independent appraisers being considered as umpires that receive most of their work from insurance companies have often been considered “advocates” rather than disinterested parties and subsequently disqualified. The same would apply to independent appraisers who derive most of their work from, for example, a large automobile leasing company or network of dealerships.

In order to trigger The Appraisal Clause, both parties must be unable to agree on the value of the property or amount of the loss.The umpire should be free of undue influences and not have prior relationships with any party involved. This strengthens the expectation of good faith in the selection process. The umpire’s authority is usually limited to determining the value of the property. Issues such as coverage, liability, causation and exclusions should be determined before The Appraisal Clause in invoked. Appraisal awards are most often made by umpires who are not experts in law or the judicial process but their rulings are typically enforceable. Umpires are not free to disregard pertinent evidence lest their awards be set aside by magistrates. Both the claimant and the insurance company are bound by the obligation to exercise good faith and fair dealing in the context of The Appraisal Clause. It is not permissible for either the claimant or insurance company to engage in any tactics designed to defeat the appraisal process from its objectives. Neither party may engage in conduct designed to unreasonably postpone, delay or prevent The Appraisal Clause and the subsequent settlement.

The Appraisal Clause in total loss disputes has become the methodology of choice for resolving disputes over the values of automobiles and trucks. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is an expert in the field of valuation appraisals for all types of motor vehicles in all 50 states. Our clients are assured of competent reporting and, of course, credible participation in the arbitration and mediation process.

Additional fees you may incur are $125.00 for our representation in Appraisal Clause negotiations, and half of an umpire’s fee (Umpires typically charge from $300 – $700) if either are necessary. On average, approximately 10% of Appraisal Clause cases go to an umpire.

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REQUEST AN AUTOMOBILE VALUATION APPRAISAL – $275.00 for most cars.

Please eMail the insurance company CCC or other valuation report to Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

Diminished Value San Francisco, CA

November 12, 2023September 20, 2023 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 S P85 4 Door Sedan with 48,063 miles that was involved in a Front End Collision that caused $6,071.21 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 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 Northern California – Tesla buyers are particular and because of this they want a clean Carfax. Also that when you get in an accident and it gets reported you can’t get equal value and it’s hard to sell anything that has an accident report and the potential issue for them and they would want a deal and dealers usually take them to wholesale. Also that when you have a vehicle that has an accident report and its mild to moderate damage like this you would lose 20%++ on average. The opinions of unbiased experts form the basis for the most comprehensive Auto Diminished Value Appraisal available. We obtain six of them which absolutely puts the diminished value figure prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company in the ballpark. This is what the car owner will experience in the real world.Dealers providing opinions regarding diminished value were given information specific to this vehicle including year, make, model, mileage, color, options, any other pertinent equipment, date of loss as well as the nature of the repaired damages and the manner in which the vehicle was repaired. Dealer opinions are based on personal knowledge and access to auction results. Dealers were advised that this vehicle was properly repaired.

We contacted several exotic new car dealers in Northern 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: Non-disabling collision damages to the Front not including damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $6,078.21. 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 19.17%. 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 $7,668.80.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT 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.

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 94102, auto appraiser near 94103, auto appraiser near 94107

Diminished Value Claim in Kansas City, MO

November 12, 2023September 14, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

Each week we report on the most interesting and informative articles concerning auto diminished value claims. A diminished value appraisal of a Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD Wagon with 2,932 miles that was involved in a right side collision that caused $8,254.53 in damage. The vehicle was 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 Chevrolet dealerships in Missouri – One dealer explained that because the vehicle is new and it already has bad Carfax there will be a loss which will be a bit higher versus if it were a few years older. Another dealer said said that the biggest hit will be due to the year of the vehicle and if it was fixed well, normal loss for something of this nature would be around 15-20% less
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 Chevrolet dealers in Missouri to establish how these repairs and the resultant repair history would impact this vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Dealers were provided with an evaluation of the vehicle’s condition both prior and subsequent to repairs.>Description of damage: Disabling collision damages to the right side with no damage to structural components and no air bag deployment. Repair cost $8,254.53. 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 12.92%. 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 $5,168.00

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT 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.

Service in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, St. Peters, Blue Springs, Florissant, Joplin, Chesterfield, Jefferson City and throughout Missouri. auto appraiser near 63301, auto appraiser near 63376, auto appraiser near 65203, auto appraiser near 65802, auto appraiser near 65807

Founded by Franklin Colletta, The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a family-owned appraisal company that offers nationwide service. We provide Diminished Value Appraisals, Total Loss Valuations, and Loss of Use Reports.
This is an Open Education Resource focused on auto diminished value, collective knowledge and the sharing of scholarly content.
AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM and TOTALLOSSDISPUTE.COM are services of The St. Lucie Appraisal Company.

DIMINISHED VALUE IN NEW CARS

June 4, 2024June 3, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

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

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS DIMINISHED VALUE IN NEW CARS?

New cars at dealerships can get damaged in various ways that aren’t the fault of the dealer. These include customer mishaps in the lot, damages caused by car carriers and, of course, the inevitable accidents that customers get into with their loaners. After repairs are completed, the automobile or truck goes back into the new car inventory. But these vehicles are different in that they have been devalued by the repair history, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars. New car buyers that would even consider buying them will be looking for deep discounts. Can the dealerships recoup this loss in their bottom line? The answer is yes, if the damages to the vehicle were caused by someone else’s negligence. It is known as Automobile Diminished Value and the insurance companies of responsible parties – the rubbernecking customer, the trucker from hell or the careless loaner driver – are on the hook for it in every state. Diminished Value is not a claim that only pertains to used cars. New cars are also subject to diminished value and The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is pleased to be providing Automobile Diminished Value Reports to new car dealerships in all 50 states.

DIMINISHED VALUE IN NEW CARS – SOME ANSWERS
Q: As a new car dealer seeking a diminished value appraisal from your company, what information do I need to provide in order to get started?

A: At the bottom of the page you will find a blue rectangular box in which reads “Request an Automobile Damage Report.” Click on it to make a $275.00 payment to The St. Lucie Appraisal Company then email both a completed repair estimate and the new car sticker to contact@autodiminishedvalue.com

Q: Once we receive your report and forward it to the adjuster handling our claim, what type of response can we expect from the insurance company?

A: Our reports are based on the unbiased opinions of six General Sales Managers at recognized new car dealerships. Unlike appraisals based on formulas or appraisers’ expert opinions, ours are very difficult to dispute.

Q: How much value per car or truck should our dealership expect to lose as a result of new cars now having prior repair histories?

A: Unlike some of the unfortunate private passenger car and truck owners whose vehicles lose significant value, especially when frame repairs or air bag deployments were noted, most new cars aren’t usually wrecked too badly. There are, of course exceptions to the rule. A new Corvette Z07 Coupe which got pinballed around the dealer lot by a customer’s car lost 37.08% of its value, or $39,814.65, after undergoing $44,000.00 in repairs that included structural components. A new Kia Soul! lost 43.75% of its value after similar circumstances occurred. Most new cars with Carfaxes showing minor repairs typically lose only 10% to 20% in value. It is the dealer’s choice whether to recover it or not. The general manager of an automotive dealership has a high level of accountability. They are chiefly responsible for its continuous profitability. Being compensated thousands of dollars every time diminished value occurs fits in with that objective.

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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.

Diminished Value Methodology

April 3, 2025April 3, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

How is diminished Value calculated? The St. Lucie Appraisal Company’s service AUTODIMINISHEDVALUE.COM is just one of many independent appraisers that provide automobile diminished value reports for consumers. Each company has its own method of calculating the amount of value a car has lost after undergoing collision repairs. This article will examine each method and furnish explanations on each of them. It is our opinion, of course, that our methodology for calculation a vehicle’s diminished value after accident repairs is far superior to others being used. After reading the information that we have provided, you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your automobile diminished value claim. How is diminished value calculated?

OUR METHODOLOGY

Our automobile diminished value reports are ultimately designed to be read and decided upon by a magistrate or mediator. In the past, our reports have proved conclusive in winning cases for our customers because they were based on real-world data.

There are six commonly-used methods by which diminished value is calculated.

1) A letter from a dealership declaring that the vehicle has lost value as a result of undergoing collision repairs. A typical insurance company response: “A dealership is not a disinterested third party and has a financial interest in the acquisition price of a trade in vehicle. Their business model is to buy low and sell high. An offer of trade is simply the starting point of a negotiation and does not, in and of itself, establish any specific loss in value. It is our position that the documentation presented by you does not provide any underlying market data in support of the post-accident value of your vehicle.” This approach generally costs you nothing. em>

2) Figures made up out of thin air, usually buttressed by an appraiser’s assertion that they are based on his or her years of experience in the field either buying, selling or rebuilding cars. The cost for this type of report should be negligible.

3) By using formulas or algorithms such as Rule 17-C which assigns modifiers (points) to things such as whether frame/unibody damage or air bag deployment occurred or whether adjacent panels needed to be painted. These types of reports are subjective, simplistic and abstract. In our experience, judges who have attempted to decipher this type of appraisal understood them even less after having them explained by insurance company attorneys than when they first read them. There is a wide range of fees being charged by independent appraisers, from around $250.00 to more than $800.00. The upper end of the scale usually includes the appraiser’s physical inspection of the vehicle. In cases of inherent diminished value, where a car is worth less simply because it now has a bad Carfax, an inspection of the repaired car serves no purpose.

4) The use of automobile auction results. The data will show a number of similar vehicles that were sold at auction, some that were never damaged and others with bad Carfaxes. You can see that the bad Carfax vehicles sold for less but the auction printouts don’t show the mileage, options, colors, etc. of each vehicle nor do they list the extent of the damages that were repaired. Plus, this is not the market you are in.

5) Improper use of Carfax.com retail ads. An appraisal showing random screen shots of similar cars for sale, some of which were previously repaired, to make comparisons. Typically, very little information about the cars such as mileage, condition, how much was paid for the car and, most importantly, a description of the repairs that were done is provided. This method also invites “cherry-picking” of higher and lower-priced cars. Most importantly, asking prices aren’t a true measuring stick because nothing prevents dealers for asking unreasonably high prices for previously repaired vehicles.

6) A diminished value report that is prepared by The St. Lucie Appraisal Company takes into consideration all of the specifics of your car as well as the exact amount and nature of the damages that were repaired. It is as comprehensive a diminished value report as you can find. Our report contains our own data-based opinion. Then we confirm our findings by querying six sales managers at recognized dealerships in your area. Each dealership, their contact information and the name of the manager is all contained within our appraisal. The last paragraph of our report addresses insurance company concerns regarding the use of dealer quotes. It reads: “All of the dealers queried were informed that the subject vehicle was not available for purchase or trade, therefore none of the dealers queried had any vested interest in the subject vehicle.” This method represents unbiased, irrefutable proof of the occurrence and amount of diminished value. Our fee for a diminished value appraisal is $275.00 for most cars. Diminished value appraisals for exotics such as Ferrari, Tesla and Bentleys cost $350.00. Unless there is a problem, we rarely hear back from our customers – a sign that they are receiving fair settlements from insurers.

Car owners count on their service providers to follow up promptly when questions or other issues arise. It is difficult to know which independent appraisers can be relied upon as expert witnesses or simply for advice as the claim progresses. Our concern is for those who have placed their trust in us – our customers. While we feel that our methodology is the best in the business, our customer service is even better.

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.
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KENTUCKY ANTIQUE CAR APPRAISER

May 14, 2023February 2, 2023 by stlucieappraisal

In Kentucky, 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 car owners with the advantage of hiring someone who knows just how valuable old, well-kept cars can be. In addition, we keep an extensive library of past automotive sales that other appraisers can not match. We are a Kentucky antique car appraiser you can count on.

Many companies providing financing or insurance for autos, trucks and heavy equipment have strict requirements regarding the appraisal of vehicles. A bank or credit union lending money toward the purchase of an antique car, dump truck or over the road tractor will ask for an inspection by a licensed appraiser 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.

Selecting a company to perform a car or truck appraisal is typically the job of the prospective buyer or policyholder. As absurd as it sounds, the typical commercial lender or insurance broker is clueless when it comes to finding a licensed independent appraiser. Often the vehicle owner is asked to locate an independent appraiser because banking and insurance managers don’t possess Rolodexes any more. When lenders or brokers do hire us, it is often as a result of a Google search. What the vehicle owner should know, however, is that once the appraisal is given to the bank or insurer, representatives from those institutions will then perform their due diligence and query the appraiser as to how he obtained his valuation figures.

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 Kentucky as well as 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

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Services available in Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Georgetown, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Independence, Jeffersontown, Lexington, Louisville, Nicholasville, Owensboro, Paducah, Richmond and throughout Kentucky.