After an accident, insurance companies and vehicle history reports like Carfax can seriously undervalue your vehicle — especially if the damage is structural. That’s exactly what happened to the owner of a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado in New York. Despite over $12,800 in repairs and 8 hours of frame work, the Carfax report labeled the damage “minor.” DVAC stepped in to correct the record and secure a proper diminished value settlement.
Vehicle Overview
Make/Model: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT
Location: New York
Accident Type: Structural damage – left rear quarter panel and frame
Mileage at time of accident: 33,173 miles
Repair Cost: $12,842.96 (including tax and frame work)
Diminished Value Status: Appraised and settled with DVAC assistance
Appraised Diminished Value Amount: $4,625
Despite the vehicle being well-equipped and under warranty, a misleading Carfax report and lack of insurer transparency left the owner at risk of losing thousands. DVAC’s third-party analysis helped them recover $4,625 in lost value.
The Importance of Accurate Valuation After Structural Repairs
While the Silverado was fully restored by a certified collision center, the repair history included significant frame-related work — something that materially affects resale value. However, the Carfax report inaccurately labeled the damage as “minor,” despite documentation showing 8 hours of frame set-up and structural pulls. This type of misreporting can drastically lower trade-in offers or private sale potential, leaving the owner to absorb the financial loss.
Why Diminished Value Still Applies — Even After Repairs
Insurance companies often focus on direct repair costs, but they don’t always account for the long-term loss in market value due to accident history.
In this case, DVAC calculated an inherent diminished value of $4,625, using real-time data from J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Black Book, and MMR. Without a third-party appraisal, the owner likely would’ve accepted a settlement far below what they deserved.
How DVAC Protected the Silverado Owner’s Investment
DVAC’s appraisal process includes:
Review of structural repair documentation
VIN-based valuation using multiple market sources
Verification of manufacturer options from the window sticker
Analysis of resale trends for comparable Silverado models
This approach ensured the owner had a solid, fact-based claim to present in negotiations — backed by a licensed, objective professional appraisal.
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Why Diminished Value Appraisals Matter in New York
New York drivers aren’t always told they have a right to contest lowball post-accident valuations. While diminished value isn’t always automatically included in insurance settlements, you can file a claim — especially when the accident is on record and affects resale value.
In this case, DVAC’s involvement changed the outcome. Rather than relying on incomplete reports and insurer estimates, the owner received a documented appraisal and ultimately secured a more accurate settlement.
Conclusion: Don’t Rely on Carfax or Insurance Alone
If your vehicle has been damaged and repaired — especially with structural damage involved — your car’s value has likely dropped. But you don’t have to absorb that loss. DVAC is here to help.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing? Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal.
