When a vehicle is involved in a collision—especially one with structural damage—its resale value takes a hit, even after repairs. This loss is known as diminished value, and in many states like Ohio, it’s often overlooked or underpaid by insurers. In this case study, we explore how DVAC helped a Ford Bronco owner in Ohio uncover $5,875 in diminished value after a rear-end accident.
Vehicle Overview
Make/Model: 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak
Location: Ohio
Accident Type: Rear-end collision
Mileage at time of accident: 19,121 miles
Repair Cost: $10,945.23 (including tax)
Diminished Value Status: Appraised by DVAC at $5,875
Why a Professional Appraisal Matters in Ohio
Although Ohio law allows for diminished value claims, most vehicle owners—and even some legal professionals—don’t realize how much value is actually lost after structural damage. In this particular case, the Carfax Vehicle History Report marked the accident as “minor,” failing to reflect the extent of rear structural damage confirmed in the repair records and photos.
DVAC’s expert appraisers went beyond generic tools by using:
J.D. Power archival valuation
Sticker-based option confirmation
Third-party market insights
This objective, data-driven approach ensured a more accurate representation of the pre-accident vehicle value.
The Role of Carfax and Its Limitations
It’s important to note that while Carfax is widely trusted, it isn’t always accurate. In this case, the Carfax report mentioned “minor damage” despite over $10,900 in structural repairs, including frame repairs and multiple OEM part replacements. Because of this discrepancy, vehicle owners who rely solely on insurer assessments may unknowingly accept reduced settlements. To combat this, DVAC reviews each vehicle’s history in detail, identifies inconsistencies, and corrects them directly in the appraisal report.
Common Pitfalls in Diminished Value Claims
Without professional documentation, claimants often face:
Lowball settlement offers
Dismissals due to vague repair records
Over-reliance on inaccurate Carfax summaries
Fortunately, DVAC’s process removes the guesswork. Our reports are built for legal scrutiny, insurer negotiations, and consumer peace of mind.
How DVAC Helps You Recover What You Deserve
From the moment we’re retained, DVAC offers:
Objective third-party appraisals
Data-backed reports with VIN-based validation
Fast turnaround times
Full-service support for vehicle owners, attorneys, and insurers
In this scenario, DVAC’s appraisal was the turning point in establishing a fair valuation after the accident—and that’s typical for the hundreds of claims we support each year.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Less After an Accident
Even a “minor” accident can cause major financial loss, especially when structural damage reduces your vehicle’s market value. When you believe your diminished value claim doesn’t reflect your car’s true worth, reach out to DVAC for the professional help you need to recover what you’re owed.
Ready to find out how much compensation you might be missing?
Contact DVAC today for an objective, data-backed diminished value appraisal tailored to your vehicle, accident, and location.
