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Recover the True Value of Your Vehicle.

Diminished Value Appraisal in Mississippi

Filing A Diminished 

Value Claim In

Mississippi

Statute of Limitations to File:

3 Years

File First Party Claim:

No

File Third Party Claim:

Yes

Diminished Value Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage:

Check your policy

Small Claims Max Filling:

$3,500 with attorney representation and appeals permitted within 10 days of judgement

OUR PROVEN PROCESS

How It Works

We provide an accurate diminished value assessment backed by trusted sources and insurance-approved methods. Our in-depth report includes real market data, ensuring a strong case for your claim. With expert guidance, we support you through negotiations until you secure the compensation you deserve.

1

Start Your Appraisal

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!

2

Intake & Delivery

We analyze data to determine your vehicle’s true diminished value and deliver a quick, accurate appraisal that insurance companies can’t ignore.

3

End-to-End Support

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.

Results In

Mississippi

EARL SCOTT
20:51 19 Feb 25
Great to work with
Scuba Jim
12:51 19 Feb 25
DVAC is an outstanding business! They guided me through every step of the process. When the insurance company initially denied my diminished value claim, I took the case to small claims court—and both Richards were there to support me online during the hearing! I successfully recovered the full amount of my claim. Communication with Emily and Richard was excellent throughout. Using DVAC is a must—thank you for everything!
Raymund
15:32 18 Feb 25
I just spoke to this guy, thank you and I appreciate your time and honesty!
Taylor Osborn
17:53 12 Feb 25
This business helped us tremendously!! Progressive was really trying to tell us they would only give 1k on 10k worth of damage. DVAC was able to help us by sending the report & progressive called & said they’d have the check sent out in two days. Don’t play w these insurance company’s, know what you’re entitled to & pay the bit that it costs to get that report from the experts !!
Tarra Moxley
00:13 03 Feb 25
Richard and Emily provided me a valuable service while I was trying to hold my insurance company accountable for a fair total loss settlement. I am so grateful for them and highly recommend.
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Navigating the Aftermath: What to Do When You’re in a Vehicle Accident

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

Valid

Mississippi

Case Law

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 3 years from the date of the accident. Chapter 50 Damages 5027.

3 main cases that govern the right to diminished value recovery in Mississippi:

Potomac Ins. Co. v. Wilkinson, 57 So. 2d 158, 160-61 (Miss. 1952)
Holding that if, despite repairs, there remains “a loss in actual market value, estimated as of the collision date, such deficiency is to be added to the cost of repairs.”

Ishee v. Dukes Ford Company, 380 So. 2d 760, 761 (Miss. 1980)
(“The proper measure of tort damages for a plaintiff holding personalty for sale in the retail market is the total diminution in retail market value proximately caused by the defendant’s tort. Cost of repair may be recovered, as well as the remaining diminution in pre-tort value after the proposed repairs, but in no event may cost of repair be recovered to the extent it exceeds the total diminution in pre-tort value in the case of one holding personalty for sale rather than for personal use. See gen. Calvert Fire Ins. Co. v. Newman, 240 Miss. 10, 124 So.2d 686, 688 (1960)”)

Mississippi Model Jury Instruction – Civil 11:30 5027 Damages – Personal Property – Cost of Repairs
In determining the amount to award the plaintiff for damage to [his/her/its] personal property, you should consider whether the personal property can be repaired or restored to its earlier condition. You may consider (1) the cost of repairs and (2) how much less the personal property will be worth once it is repaired.

If repairing the personal property will make it worth the same as it was before it was damaged, then you should only award the reasonable cost of repairs. If repairing the personal property will not make it worth the same as it was before it was damaged, then you should award the reasonable cost of repairs and the difference between what the personal property was worth and what it will be worth once it is repaired.

Start Your Appraisal

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      What is Diminished Value?

      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.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      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. 

      Statute of limitations chart for all US states on Diminished Value Claims.

      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.

       

      Call DVAC at 877-879-0101 for a FREE consultation or Start your Appraisal now!