After an accident, even a well-repaired vehicle can lose significant market value. This is known as diminished value, and for Texas drivers, that loss can be substantial. When a 2024 Ford Bronco owner in Texas faced this exact situation, they turned to DVAC—the trusted leader in accurate, third-party diminished value appraisals. The result? A successful recovery of $7,275 in lost value.
Vehicle Overview
Make/Model: 2024 Ford Bronco
Location: Texas
Accident Type: Structural damage
Mileage at Time of Accident: 4,930 miles
Repair Cost: $20,405 (including tax, setup, and pull time)
Diminished Value Status: $7,275 recovered (inherent DOV)
Why a Professional Appraisal Makes a Difference
In cases involving structural damage, insurers often undervalue the true financial impact of a collision. While the Carfax report on this Ford Bronco noted “moderate to severe” damage, it lacked the precision and valuation needed to support a strong claim. That’s where DVAC comes in.
Unlike insurer estimates or generic tools, DVAC performs:
VIN-specific market analysis
Sticker-based valuation using J.D. Power archives
Full repair documentation review
Independent third-party assessment that stands up to scrutiny
With this comprehensive, data-backed approach, DVAC identified an inherent diminished value of $7,275—far beyond what the insurance company initially acknowledged.
Common Pitfalls in Diminished Value Claims
Too often, vehicle owners accept settlements based on flawed or incomplete damage reporting. Here are a few pitfalls DVAC helps you avoid:
Inaccurate Carfax Reports: Many reports label damage as “minor” or “moderate,” even when structural or suspension components are affected. DVAC verifies the full scope of repairs and corrects those inconsistencies.
Uninformed Valuation Methods: Automated tools used by insurers don’t consider market demand or current sales trends. DVAC does.
Overlooking Setup and Pull Labor: In this case, the appraisal included setup and pull time—critical costs that directly affect value perception.
DVAC’s Process: Fast, Reliable, Data-Backed
From start to finish, DVAC provides full-service support:
Quick Turnaround: Appraisals are delivered promptly so you can move forward with your claim.
Accurate Calculations: Using archival tools like J.D. Power and vAuto, we ensure fair, real-market valuations.
Objective Reporting: As an independent third-party, our reports hold weight with insurance companies and legal teams alike.
Whether you’re a vehicle owner, attorney, or adjuster, our expertise ensures no value is left on the table.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Maximize Your Compensation
If you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle has lost value, don’t assume the insurer’s offer is final. As this Texas Bronco owner discovered, the gap between perceived and actual loss can be thousands of dollars wide.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing?
Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal.
