When your brand-new vehicle is involved in an accident, the financial impact goes far beyond repair costs. Even after professional restoration, your vehicle loses market value simply due to the damage history. That loss is called diminished value, and for one Ohio driver, it totaled $4,650 — a figure uncovered through a professional DVAC appraisal.
This case study highlights how DVAC helps vehicle owners, attorneys, and insurance professionals accurately assess diminished value in Ohio, and why acting fast can protect your financial interests.
Vehicle Overview: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Make/Model: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL AWD
Location: Ohio
Accident Type: Rear-end collision causing structural damage
Mileage at Time of Accident: 2,778 miles
Repair Cost: $10,222 (including frame work and safety system recalibration)
Diminished Value Status: $4,650 calculated loss in market value
Why a Professional Diminished Value Appraisal Matters
While the Carfax Vehicle History Report inaccurately listed the incident as involving only “minor damage”, a deeper inspection revealed extensive structural damage that significantly affected resale value. This discrepancy could have easily resulted in the owner receiving an unfair settlement — or none at all — had DVAC not intervened with an accurate, third-party appraisal.
DVAC’s methodology combines:
Comprehensive market research
Archival J.D. Power valuations
VIN-based option verification
Objective, independent appraiser analysis
The final diminished value was calculated at $4,650, a figure that reflects the actual loss in marketability, not just repair costs.
Common Mistakes in Diminished Value Claims
Many Ohio drivers are unaware they can file for diminished value — or they rely solely on insurance adjusters who may not account for real-world resale conditions. Mistakes we often see include:
Trusting vague or incomplete Carfax damage labels
Not documenting structural or frame damage properly
Accepting lowball offers without third-party verification
Waiting too long after repairs to seek an appraisal
By acting quickly and hiring a professional, this Santa Fe owner avoided undervaluation — and you can too.
How DVAC Supports You Throughout the Process
DVAC isn’t just an appraisal service. We provide full-service support from start to finish:
Fast turnaround on all reports
Objective third-party valuation with no stake in the outcome
Reports backed by real market data, not insurance company estimations
Guidance on how to use your appraisal in negotiations or legal proceedings
Our experts are licensed, experienced, and trained to find what insurers may miss. Whether you’re a vehicle owner, law firm, or insurance professional, DVAC arms you with the clarity and confidence you need to pursue fair compensation.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Hidden Losses Go Unclaimed
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was repaired, but the value loss remained. Thanks to DVAC, the owner in Ohio recovered $4,650 in diminished value — money that could have been left on the table without an accurate appraisal.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing?
Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal.
