If you’ve recently been in an accident, you may have walked away thinking everything is resolved once your car is repaired. However, the financial loss may not end there—especially in Georgia, where diminished value claims are not only allowed, but often significantly underpaid by insurers.
One recent case involving a 2024 Lexus RX 350 shows just how much is at stake. Despite “minor” damage being reported on Carfax, the vehicle had extensive structural repairs and suffered nearly $6,000 in inherent diminished value—a loss that would have gone unclaimed without an accurate, third-party appraisal from DVAC.
Vehicle Overview
Make/Model: 2024 Lexus RX 350
Location: Georgia
Accident Type: Structural damage from collision
Mileage at time of accident: 13,889 miles
Repair Cost: $11,641.61
Diminished Value Status: Appraised by DVAC – $5,900.00 inherent loss identified
Why Diminished Value Claims Matter in Georgia
Georgia is one of the few states that fully recognizes diminished value—the loss in market value your vehicle suffers after an accident, even after professional repairs.
In this case, a 2024 Lexus RX 350 with just 13,889 miles was hit and required $11,641.61 in repair work including structural components, aluminum repairs, and radar recalibrations.
Even though the vehicle looked restored, its accident history significantly reduced its resale appeal. According to DVAC’s data-backed report, the inherent diminished value was $5,900—a figure far above what insurers might initially offer.
What the Carfax Didn’t Tell You
While the Carfax report listed the collision as “minor damage,” it failed to indicate that structural components had been affected. This kind of omission is more common than you think and it could cost you thousands. Don’t rely on incomplete records to build your claim.
To combat this, DVAC incorporates a full vehicle history review and repair invoice analysis in every appraisal. This ensures our clients are protected against lowball offers that fail to account for the true extent of the damage.
DVAC’s Process: Precision, Speed, and Support
At DVAC, our process is designed for accuracy and advocacy. Here’s how we set ourselves apart:
✅ Objective, third-party appraisals with no ties to insurance companies or repair shops.
📊 Data-backed reports pulling from J.D. Power, KBB, Black Book, and repair documents.
⏱️ Fast turnaround times, so your claim doesn’t stall.
🛠️ Full-service support, including documentation review and expert witness availability if needed.
In the Lexus RX 350 case, DVAC reviewed OEM part usage, labor hours, diagnostic scans, and structural alignment procedures. All if these confirmed the need for a high diminished value award.
Why Law Firms and Vehicle Owners Trust DVAC
Whether you’re a vehicle owner navigating an insurance claim or a law firm supporting a client, precision and credibility are non-negotiable. DVAC’s appraisals are crafted to stand up in negotiations, arbitration, and courtrooms if necessary.
Plus, Georgia’s case law supports diminished value recovery even for leased vehicles or newer models—making it all the more critical to get your numbers right.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Less
Without a professional appraisal, the owner of a nearly-new Lexus could have lost $5,900 in value without even realizing it. Unfortunately, this happens far too often—because insurance adjusters downplay real loss, and vehicle owners don’t know where to turn.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing? Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal.
