Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diminished Value?
Your vehicle loses its original market value after being in an accident. This in turn makes your vehicular value drop below the initial market value if you attempt to sell it post-accident. Even if you have repaired the damages, you still will have trouble finding a buyer to pay fair market value because of your dirty Carfax record. Therefore, the law allows you to seek a diminished value claim from the at-fault party's insurance company to recoup your lost market value.
When Should I File a Diminished Value Claim?
It is appropriate to pursue a diminished value claim once your vehicle is fully repaired to pre-accident condition. Diminished value is calculated 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 repaired vehicle, and reviewing the Carfax are a few important factors in determining diminished value.
How Long Can I Wait To File a Diminished Value Claim? (Years)
How Long Does The Process of Recovering My Settlement Take?
The timeline of recovering diminished value from the at-fault insurance company can take as little as a few days. It is also not uncommon to see claims span out weeks and in rare cases, months. It all depends on the insurance company diminished value policy. One thing that is constant however, DVAC will remain involved throughout the timeline of your DOV claim for advice and counsel. For more detail on the process, click link below:
What is a Total Loss Report?
If your vehicle has been totaled in an accident, how do you know what a fair settlement is? The insurance company has their idea of a fair figure, and you have your own idea. DVAC will help you arrive at a realistic, mutually agreeable number based on comprehensive market research. A total loss report will compile all of our findings with an actual cash value on your vehicle.
What's Included In My Report?
Each diminished value appraisal report is equipped with a vAuto, NADA Archival Valuation, and a complimentary Carfax. vAuto captures 100 percent of all USA sales data on any vehicle. Utilizing this tool, we can compile an extremely accurate pre-accident value and assess the diminished value based on the nature of the repair records. We include a detailed photo file of your vehicle and the final bill from the bodyshop. Once put together, a comprehensive diminished value appraisal report of roughly 20-30 pages is sent directly to your email.
Been In An Auto Accident?
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident and you're concerned about its true value, simply call DVAC Diminished Value Appraisal Claims at 877-879-0101 for a FREE consultation. You can also view our blog for more case-specific information.