Accidents don’t just leave dents in your vehicle. They also leave a lasting mark on its market value. Understanding diminished value in Virginia is critical, especially when your vehicle is nearly new. In this case study, a 2025 Jeep Gladiator with just over 1,000 miles suffered structural damage and lost more than $10,000 in resale value, even after repairs. Learn how DVAC helped the owner document and recover the true diminished value of their vehicle with a fast, data-backed appraisal.
Vehicle Overview
Make/Model: 2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X 4WD
Location: Virginia
Accident Type: Collision with a parked vehicle and stationary object
Mileage at Time of Accident: 1,094
Repair Cost: $15,646 (including tax)
Diminished Value Status: $10,655 inherent DOV
Why a Professional Appraisal Matters
Insurance companies often undervalue diminished value—especially when relying on incomplete or automated assessments. In this case, the Carfax report correctly noted “moderate to severe” damage but failed to detail the structural repairs and their real-world impact on resale value.
That’s where DVAC stepped in. By conducting a thorough evaluation that included:
Repair invoices totaling $15,646
J.D. Power valuation archives
Carfax and market history comparison
VIN-based equipment confirmation
DVAC provided an objective, third-party assessment that proved the vehicle’s market value had dropped by $10,655 — even after repairs.
Common Mistakes in Diminished Value Claims
Many vehicle owners miss out on compensation due to mistakes like:
Trusting the insurance company’s initial offer without challenge
Not having a formal appraisal report to support their claim
Overlooking inaccuracies or omissions in the Carfax report
In this case, structural damage and extensive frame repairs were involved — including two hours of setup time on the frame machine. Without a professional appraisal, the vehicle’s diminished value would have gone unverified, leaving the owner with a significant financial loss.
How DVAC Supports You Throughout the Process
DVAC’s process goes beyond surface-level analysis. Here’s how we help clients in Virginia and beyond:
Unbiased Valuation: We are not tied to any insurer or repair shop.
Detailed Reporting: Our appraisals include photos, repair summaries, valuation data, and claim-ready documentation.
Fast Turnaround: Get your appraisal in days — not weeks.
Full-Service Support: We provide guidance through the claims process, helping clients respond to lowball offers and insurer objections.
In this Jeep Gladiator case, DVAC aligned its valuation closely with market-supported numbers and historical data, validating the $10,655 DOV figure with confidence.
Conclusion: Protect Your Vehicle’s Value
Whether you drive a Jeep, a Lexus, or a BMW, accidents can cause more than cosmetic damage — they impact your resale value, too. If you’ve recently been in a collision and suspect your diminished value is being under appreciated, don’t go it alone.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing?
Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal tailored to Virginia claims.
