When a 2024 Ford Mustang GT was involved in a front-end accident in California, the vehicle’s owner turned to DVAC for an expert diminished value appraisal. Although the damage was considered minor, the impact on the car’s market value was significant—especially for a performance vehicle like the Mustang GT.
Why Diminished Value Matters
Many car owners believe that once repairs are completed, their car’s value is fully restored. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In the used vehicle market, even minor accidents reported on Carfax or AutoCheck can cause a substantial drop in value. This loss is known as diminished value—and in California, you may have the right to recover it after an accident caused by another driver.
Vehicle Overview
- Make/Model: 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium
- Location: California
- Accident Type: Front-end collision (not at fault)
- Mileage at time of accident: 10,543 miles
- Repair Cost: $4,580.38
- Diminished Value Status: Appraised by DVAC
The Mustang GT came equipped with performance features including MagneRide suspension, the GT Performance Package, and a premium interior—making it highly desirable on the resale market. But once the accident appeared on the vehicle’s history report, that desirability (and its market value) took a hit.
Details of the Repairs
The diminished value claim stemmed from damage to the front bumper, grille, air baffles, and a headlamp. Replacement parts included both OEM and reconditioned components. The repairs required labor-intensive color matching, wet sanding, and paint blending to restore the vehicle’s appearanceDVAC_Claire_Mustang.
Even though the repairs were completed professionally, buyers can see the accident history, and many will either walk away or offer less—especially for a performance vehicle where condition and history are paramount.
DVAC’s Diminished Value Appraisal Process
At DVAC, we perform a third-party, objective appraisal using real market data from:
- J.D. Power
- Kelley Blue Book
- Black Book & MMR
- Recent comparable vehicle listings
We calculate the pre-accident retail value and the post-repair market value, accounting for accident history, vehicle condition, and buyer behavior. The result is a documented diminished value report you can present to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Filing a Diminished Value Claim in California
In California, diminished value claims are allowed if you were not at fault in the accident. To file a strong claim:
- Get a professional diminished value appraisal from a third-party expert like DVAC.
- Submit the report to the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
- Negotiate using DVAC’s detailed documentation and support.
We stay involved throughout the negotiation process—until the claim is settled and you’re compensated fairly.
Conclusion
If you drive a high-performance vehicle like a Ford Mustang GT and you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t leave money on the table. A California diminished value appraisal can help you recover the loss in market value caused by the accident—even if repairs were perfect.
