Even when damage appears “minor,” the financial impact can be anything but. A Subaru Outback owner learned this firsthand when their vehicle’s value dropped after an accident—despite a clean repair. With low mileage and a strong service record, the car still lost market appeal. DVAC helped this driver recover $2,475 in diminished value with an objective, data-backed appraisal.
Vehicle Overview
Make & Model: 2021 Subaru Outback Limited
Mileage at Time of Loss: 22,864
Repair Cost: $3,654 (incl. tax)
Carfax Report: Damage reported as minor
Actual Damage: Cosmetic and safety sensor-related, including bumper and sensor replacements
Diminished Value Status: Appraised by DVAC
Appraised Diminished Value Amount: $2,475
When “Minor Damage” Isn’t So Minor
Carfax reports are widely used, but not always accurate. In this case, Carfax flagged the Subaru as having “minor damage” while omitting important details—like bumper replacement and multiple sensor recalibrations. It even falsely noted the vehicle as previously stolen, creating further confusion.
Because most dealers and private buyers rely heavily on Carfax, even misreported or incomplete entries can significantly reduce trade-in offers. The owner was left with a vehicle that looked great but had a documented history that would impact resale value.
Why a Diminished Value Appraisal Matters
After repairs are made, many assume the ordeal is over. But for vehicles with accident history, a loss in market value often lingers. That’s where diminished value comes in. Even professionally repaired cars can lose thousands simply because of a damage report.
An accurate diminished value appraisal helps:
Quantify your vehicle’s true post-repair market loss
Strengthen your insurance claim with third-party verification
Protect your equity when selling or trading in the vehicle
How DVAC Delivered a Data-Backed Result
DVAC’s licensed appraisers conducted a comprehensive review of:
OEM repair documentation
JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, Black Book, and MMR market data
The vehicle’s VIN-specific build and service history
The inaccuracies in the Carfax report
After a detailed market analysis, DVAC concluded that the Subaru Outback’s post-accident resale value had dropped by $2,475 compared to similar clean-title vehicles
Understanding Diminished Value in Oregon
Oregon allows drivers to pursue diminished value claims—even if the vehicle has been fully repaired. While not every insurance adjuster will readily offer it, state law supports your right to claim the difference between your car’s pre-accident and post-repair market value when another driver is at fault.
Here’s what to know about diminished value in Oregon:
Oregon recognizes diminished value as a legitimate loss in third-party claims.
You can pursue compensation for the reduced resale or trade-in value of your vehicle.
You must prove your loss with credible documentation, such as a professional diminished value appraisal.
In this case, DVAC’s licensed and objective valuation provided the evidence needed to support the Outback owner’s diminished value claim. Our reports are built to meet Oregon’s legal standards and stand up during negotiations—or even legal proceedings, if necessary.
If you’ve been in an accident in Oregon and your car wasn’t totaled, you may still be entitled to thousands in compensation. Don’t let your vehicle’s true value go unaccounted for.
Contact DVAC for a Diminished Value Appraisal You Can Trust
Not all damage is visible, and not all losses are covered without documentation. Whether you’re a vehicle owner, attorney, or insurance professional, DVAC provides clear, credible diminished value reports designed to hold up under scrutiny.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing? Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal.
