Appraisal guide
Diminished value appraisal
Even a perfect repair leaves a car worth less than an identical one with a clean history. A diminished value appraisal measures that loss in dollars so you can claim it.
What diminished value is
Once a car has an accident on its history report, buyers pay less for it. The difference between what the car was worth before the accident and what it’s worth after proper repairs is called diminished value (DV). On a late-model or high-value car it can run into thousands of dollars.
When you can claim it
If another driver caused the accident, most states let you claim diminished value from that driver’s insurance company, alongside the repair bill. This is called a third-party claim. Claiming DV from your own insurer is much more limited and depends on your state and policy. Insurers rarely offer diminished value on their own; you usually have to ask, and back it up.
What a diminished value appraisal includes
- The car’s pre-accident value, based on comparable sales and its condition, mileage and options
- A review of the damage and the repair estimate or invoice
- The post-repair value, and the difference between the two
- A signed report from an independent appraiser that you can send to the insurer
Choosing a diminished value appraiser
Look for an independent appraiser who does diminished value work regularly, knows your type of car, and will explain their method. Ask whether they’ll talk to the adjuster or testify if the claim is disputed. Be wary of sites that promise a fixed percentage before anyone has looked at your car.
Find a diminished value appraiser
Send one free request and we’ll route it to independent appraisers in your state.
Common questions
How long do I have to file a diminished value claim?
Deadlines are set by state law and can be as short as a few years from the accident. Check your state’s rules, and don’t wait to get the appraisal.
Can I get diminished value if the car was leased?
Often yes, but the leasing company may have a claim to it too. Read your lease and ask the appraiser.
Does a diminished value appraisal cost a lot?
It usually costs less than a full collector-car appraisal. Ask for a written quote; on many claims the report pays for itself.
Find an auto appraiser in your state
- 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
- Wyoming
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules vary by state and by policy.