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Recover the True Value of Your Vehicle.
Statute of Limitations to File:
File First Party Claim:
File Third Party Claim:
Diminished Value Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage:
Small Claims Max Filing:
OUR PROVEN PROCESS
Start the process with a FREE consultation when you call us at (877) 879-0101 or fill out our Appraisal Form and we will contact you within minutes!
We analyze data to determine your vehicle’s true diminished value and deliver a quick, accurate appraisal that insurance companies can’t ignore.
We don’t stop at a report. We advise and support you through negotiations every step of the way until you receive your rightful compensation.
Diminished Value in Alabama: What This Honda Owner Did Right If you’re navigating a diminished value claim in Alabama, you already know it’s not always straightforward. Insurance carriers may overlook previous accidents or underestimate current damage — especially when Carfax reports are inaccurate or incomplete. In this case, a Honda Accord owner faced just that. […]
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Diminished value of your vehicle is recoverable in third-party cases only. You can only recover from third-party at fault insurance companies and you cannot make a claim under your own uninsured motorist insurance. All drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, and the statute of limitations is 2 years from the time of the accident. Section 482-1-125-.08
Two primary court cases dictate the ability for auto owners to recoup diminished value:
King Motor Co. v. Wilson, 612 So. 2d 1153 (Ala.1992) is a Supreme Court case where experts agreed that a previously damaged automobile was worth less than an automobile that had never sustained damage.
Coffee County Comm’n v. Smith, 480 So.2d 1194 (Ala.1985)
The court found that the proper measure of damages was the difference in the value of the property before and after the damage.
Those third-party court cases are governed by the tort principle that compensation should make the injured party whole. Moebes, 709 So.2d 477,478 (Ala.1997) compensatory damages are designed to make the plaintiff whole by reimbursing him or her for the loss or harm suffered.
Even after repairs, your car may lose resale value due to its accident history—known as diminished value. Many buyers avoid damaged vehicles or expect a discount, but you have the right to file a diminished value claim. Some insurance companies won’t inform you of your right to an independent appraisal and often minimize payouts. With accurate data and a strong claim, DVAC ensures you get the compensation you deserve.
You should pursue a diminished value claim once your vehicle is fully repaired to pre-accident condition. Experts calculate diminished value based on the nature of the damage to your vehicle and overall evidence of repairs. A thorough review of the final bill from the bodyshop, a visual inspection of the vehicle after repairs, and a review of the Carfax are a few important factors in determining diminished value.
Recovering diminished value from the at-fault insurance company can take as little as a few days. However, some claims may take weeks—and in rare cases, months. The timeline depends entirely on the insurance company’s diminished value policy. One thing remains constant: DVAC will stay involved throughout your DOV claim, offering advice and support.
If your vehicle has been totaled in an accident, how do you determine a fair settlement? The insurance company has their figure, and you have yours. DVAC helps bridge that gap by guiding you to a realistic, mutually agreeable number backed by comprehensive market research. We compile a total loss report that includes all of our findings and your vehicle’s actual cash value.
We equip each diminished value appraisal report with a vAuto market analysis, NADA Archival Valuation, and a complimentary Carfax. vAuto captures 100% of all U.S. sales data for any vehicle. Using this powerful tool, we compile an extremely accurate pre-accident value and assess diminished value based on the nature of your vehicle’s repair records. We also include a detailed photo file and the final bill from the body shop. Once everything is compiled, we email you a comprehensive 20–30 page diminished value appraisal report.
The IRS requires a professional appraisal for any vehicle worth more than $5,000 if you want to claim a tax write-off. While vehicles under $5,000 don’t need an appraisal, we still recommend getting one to help avoid a potential audit.
Insurance companies rely on appraisals to determine the fair market value of your collectible vehicle. A certified appraisal from a licensed appraiser strengthens your claim and helps ensure the insurer pays you the full compensation you deserve in the event of a collision.
The requirements can vary depending on your lender. Some institutions may ask for an independent appraisal to verify the true market value of the vehicle you plan to purchase.
What about “Certified Used Vehicles”?
Many dealerships now offer “Certified Used Vehicles” on their lots, but each one sets its own policies and standards for certification. In many cases, dealers look closely for even minor damage history to disqualify your trade-in from meeting their “certified” criteria. As a result, they may offer you less than if your vehicle had a clean title. DVAC can help you recover that lost value through a diminished value claim.
If an accident has damaged your vehicle and you’re concerned about its true value, call DVAC Diminished Value Appraisal Claims at 877-879-0101 for a FREE consultation. If you’re ready to start the process, start your appraisal now! You can also check out our blog for more case-specific information.
Even after a professional repair, your vehicle may lose thousands in market value simply because it was in an accident. That’s called diminished value, and it’s a critical—but often overlooked—part of post-accident recovery. In Pennsylvania, one Subaru Crosstrek owner uncovered a $5,025 diminished value loss using DVAC’s trusted third-party appraisal
After an accident, even a well-repaired vehicle can lose significant market value. This is known as diminished value, and for Texas drivers, that loss can be substantial. When a 2024 Ford Bronco owner in Texas faced this exact situation, they turned to DVAC—the trusted leader in accurate, third-party diminished value
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
