Think the Damage Was “Minor”? You Could Be Owed Thousands in Diminished Value
After a collision, most vehicle owners focus on getting repairs done and moving on. But even after repairs are completed, your vehicle’s value rarely returns to its pre-accident worth—especially if structural damage is involved. This is where diminished value comes in.
In a recent South Carolina case, a 2022 Nissan Frontier owner was told the damage was minor. However, DVAC’s expert analysis revealed a $5,445 loss in market value—a significant amount the insurance process initially overlooked.
Vehicle Overview
Make/Model: 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-X
Location: South Carolina
Accident Type: Right rear structural impact
Mileage at time of accident: 91,953 miles
Repair Cost: $8,120 (with tax)
Diminished Value Status: $5,445 verified by DVAC appraisal
Why Diminished Value in South Carolina Shouldn’t Be Ignored
South Carolina follows a tort-based insurance model, which means if you’re not at fault in a collision, you can file a diminished value claim against the at-fault party’s insurer. Many drivers don’t realize this, and insurers aren’t rushing to inform you of your right to be compensated.
In this case, the 2022 Nissan Frontier sustained structural damage to the rear, with repair invoices totaling over $8,100. Although the Carfax report marked the damage as minor, it failed to document the true extent of structural impact—a common issue that leads to undervalued or denied claims.
Why a Professional Appraisal Changes Everything
Most insurance companies use formulaic methods to assess diminished value, which often undervalues real market loss. DVAC took a comprehensive approach:
Compared pre- and post-accident market data
Cross-referenced J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book values
Identified structural damage overlooked by the Carfax report
Verified current mileage and market conditions as of July 2025
By leveraging these tools, DVAC determined a real-world diminished value of $5,445, aligning closely with current resale market impacts for this vehicle class and condition.
How Carfax Reports Can Mislead Your Claim
Although Carfax is a trusted tool for vehicle history, its reports are not always comprehensive. In this case, Carfax listed only “minor damage” to the right side—but omitted the fact that repairs included significant frame-related work and a replaced blind spot radar sensor, both indicators of deeper structural issues.
Relying on these incomplete records can seriously hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation—unless you have an expert on your side.
How DVAC Supports You Through the Entire Process
From start to finish, DVAC offers a full-service solution to help drivers, attorneys, and claims professionals:
Fast turnaround on detailed reports
Objective, third-party valuation—no insurer bias
Access to data-backed, court-defensible documentation
Direct support for negotiations or legal proceedings
Whether you’re filing the claim yourself or working with an attorney, DVAC arms you with the information needed to recover the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Less—Recover the Value You’ve Lost
If your vehicle has been in an accident—even if repairs are complete and the damage seems minimal—there’s a good chance its market value has taken a hit. In South Carolina, you have the right to claim that lost value. However, to do it successfully, you need more than an estimate—you need proof.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing?
Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal that puts your claim on solid ground.
