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Diminished value
Diminished value is the market-value loss a vehicle carries once it has accident history — even after quality repairs. A professional appraisal documents it.
The basics
The difference between your vehicle's pre-accident market value and its value now that an accident is on its record.
Buyers and dealers pay less for a vehicle with accident history, regardless of how well it was repaired.
A flawless repair can still leave a real, documentable gap in market value.
Repair invoices, valuation evidence, and photos make the loss easier to document and defend.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on your state, who was at fault, and your timing. The free estimate checks all three honestly — and tells you if a claim isn't available where you are.
When another driver was at fault, a third-party diminished value claim is the most common path.
Some states clearly recognize diminished value; a few don't allow the claim at all. We read your state's rules before anything else.
Every state has a deadline. Sooner is better — waiting can put a claim out of reach.
What strengthens a claim
The deliverable
A clear, documented opinion of value — completed and signed by a professional appraiser, with the evidence organized into an exhibit packet.
Guides
Yes. It's a recognized market-value loss, and many insurers evaluate these claims when they're documented with credible evidence.
It depends on your state and policy. Not-at-fault claims are the most common, but some situations allow a first-party claim. The estimate checks your case.
Possibly. Diminished value is about market perception after accident history exists, not repair quality alone.
Not sure which applies?
Two situations, two products. Tell us which one fits and we'll point you to the right estimate.
Your vehicle was fixed but is now worth less because it has an accident on its history. That loss is diminished value.
Estimate diminished value →The insurer is paying you out instead of repairing — and the payout may be below what your car was actually worth. That's a total loss valuation.
Check what your car was worth →Get a free estimate in under 60 seconds. No account required, and we tell you honestly if you don't have a claim.