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:
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.
Experiencing a vehicle accident is a distressing event that can leave lasting effects. It’s crucial to handle the aftermath with composure and a clear plan of action to safeguard yourself and others involved. Whether it’s a minor bump or a major collision, understanding the steps to take can significantly impact your recovery process. In addition […]
Read More
Diminished value is recoverable in third-party cases and through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Minimum liability coverage is required and the statute of limitations to file a claim is 2 years from the date of the accident. § 34-51-2-19.
Wiese-GMC, Inc. v. Wells, 626 N.E.2d 595 (Ind. Ct. App. 1993)
The fundamental measure of damages in a situation where an item of personal property is damaged, but not destroyed, is the reduction in fair market value caused by the negligence of the tortfeasor. This reduction in fair market value may be proved in any of three ways, depending on the circumstances.
First, it may be proved by evidence of the fair market value before and the fair market value after the causative event.
Second, it may be proved by evidence of the cost of repair where repair will restore the personal property to its fair market value before the causative event.
Third, the reduction in fair market value may be proved by a combination of evidence of the cost of repair and evidence of the fair market value before the causative event and the fair market value after repair, where repair will not restore the item of personal property to its fair market value before the causative event.
Indiana Code Title 27. Insurance § 27-7-5-2
(1) in limits for bodily injury or death and for injury to or destruction of property not less than those set forth in IC 9-25-4-5 under policy provisions approved by the commissioner of insurance, for the protection of persons insured under the policy who are legally entitled to recover damages from owners or operators of uninsured or underinsured motor vehicles because of bodily injury, sickness or disease, including death, and for the protection of persons insured under the policy who are legally entitled to recover damages from owners or operators of uninsured motor vehicles for injury to or destruction of property resulting therefrom; or UMPD coverage is for the insured who is “legally entitled to recover damages from owners or operators of uninsured motor vehicles for injury to or destruction of property resulting therefrom.”
Ind. Code §27-7-5-2(a)(1).
As a condition precedent to UMPD coverage, the insured must establish that there is no insurance policy covering the tortfeasor or motor vehicle.
See Michael v. Wolfe, 737 N.E.2d 820, 822 (Ind. Ct. App. 2000).
Dunn v. Meridian Mut. Ins. Co., 836 N.E.2d 249 (Ind. 2005)
Court ruled that diminished value is covered by your UIM policy when the at-fault driver is uninsured.
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.
Diminished value in Louisiana affects thousands of vehicle owners each year, especially when an accident involves structural, suspension, or steering damage that permanently impacts resale value. In this case study, we review a 2023 GMC Acadia that suffered extensive damage and ultimately incurred a $4,175 inherent diminished value. Understanding how
Diminished value can quietly erode thousands of dollars from your vehicle’s worth after an accident—even when repairs seem flawless. In Massachusetts, many vehicle owners are unaware they may be entitled to compensation for the loss in market value that occurs when their vehicle’s accident history shows up in reports like
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, even minor-looking damage can trigger major financial consequences—especially when your car is nearly brand new. In Delaware, one GMC Yukon owner learned this firsthand after their 2024 Denali sustained front-end damage just months after purchase. Despite repair efforts and a functional Carfax
