Trust DVAC to
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:
As of September 1, 2025, a new Texas law (Senate Bill 458) mandates that all personal auto and residential property insurance policies include an independent appraisal clause to resolve disputes solely over the amount of loss, not coverage issues. While the law takes effect on this date, it applies to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The outcome of the appraisal is binding, except in cases of fraud, accident, or material mistake, and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) will create rules to govern the process, including setting deadlines and ensuring appraiser independence. Learn more about this new bill here.
Mandatory Appraisal Provision:
Requires personal auto and residential property insurance policies to contain a clause for independent appraisal.
Dispute Resolution:
The appraisal process is for resolving disagreements on the amount of loss, not the scope of coverage.
Binding Outcome:
The appraisal award is legally binding on both the insurer and the policyholder unless there’s evidence of fraud, accident, or material mistake.
TDI Oversight:
The Texas Department of Insurance must adopt rules for the appraisal process, including setting deadlines and ensuring the independence and proper selection of appraisers and umpires.
September 1, 2025: The law takes effect.
January 1, 2026: The mandatory appraisal provision must be included in policies issued, delivered, or renewed on or after this date.
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.
Even high-end vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade aren’t immune to the effects of diminished value after an accident. When your vehicle suffers structural damage—no matter how expertly it’s repaired—its resale value can take a significant hit. In Texas, one Escalade owner found themselves in that exact situation. Thankfully, DVAC stepped in with a professional appraisal […]
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Texas is a Diminished Value state. Diminished value is recoverable in third-party cases and through your own uninsured motorist coverage. All drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, and the statute of limitations is 2 years from the time of the accident. Commissioner’s Bulletin # B-0027-00
Diminished Value case law that governs your recovery:
Parkway Co. v. Woodruff (901 S.W.2d 434, 441) circa 1995.
This position is further supported by Texas Department of Insurance Bulletin #B-0027-00 which states: “An insurer also may be obligated to pay a third-party claimant for any loss of market value of the claimant’s automobile, regardless of the completeness of the repair, in a liability claim that the third party claimant may have against a policyholder.”
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 high-end vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade aren’t immune to the effects of diminished value after an accident. When your vehicle suffers structural damage—no matter how expertly it’s repaired—its resale value can take a significant hit. In Texas, one Escalade owner found themselves in that exact situation. Thankfully, DVAC stepped
