North Carolina Diminished Value Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide
Your Go-To Checklist for Handling a Diminished Value Claim in North Calorina
North Carolina is a mandatory appraisal clause state—this means drivers have the legal right to dispute diminished value settlements through an independent appraisal process. This checklist will guide you through every step, helping you protect your rights and maximize your claim.
- 1. Was the other driver at fault in the accident?If you were at fault, you generally will not be entitled to recover for diminished value.
- 2. Was your vehicle damaged in the accident?
- 3. Have you opened a property damage claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company?
- 4. Has the at-fault driver's insurance company accepted liability?
- 5. Have you informed the insurance adjuster that you intend to include diminished value in your property damage claim?
- 6. Have you calculated the amount of your vehicle's diminished value?If not, consider hiring a qualified third-party appraiser to ensure your valuation is accurate and supported by real market data.
- 7. Does the insurance company disagree with your estimation of diminished value?
- 8. Has the insurance company had an appraisal made of your diminished value?If so, it’s essential to review their report and provide a detailed counter based on your own appraisal. DVAC can help you evaluate their estimate and support you in negotiations.
- 9. Does the difference between your estimate and the insurance company’s estimate exceed $2,000 or 25% of your vehicle’s pre-accident market value (whichever is less)?If not, your best option is to continue negotiations or consider litigation as a last resort.
- 10. Have you made a written demand that the insurance company obtain a competent and disinterested appraiser?
- 11. Has the insurance company obtained an appraiser within twenty days after your written demand?
- 12. Have you obtained an appraiser within twenty days after your written demand?
- 13. Have the appraisers agreed upon a third appraiser to act as umpire?If not, have you or the insurance company requested that a magistrate select an umpire?
- 14. Is the magistrate a resident of the county where the vehicle is registered or where the accident occurred?
- 15. Have the appraisers submitted their appraisals to the umpire?
- 16. Has the umpire filed their report with both the insurance company and you?
- 17. Does the umpire’s figure fall between the upper and lower figures offered by the appraisers, without assigning liability to either party?
- 18. Has either party, within 15 days after filing, made a written rejection of the umpire's report?
The Final Step
Once the umpire’s report is filed and neither party makes a written rejection within 15 days, the umpire’s findings become final and binding on both parties.
With this done, your claim for diminished value reaches its conclusion.
Why It Pays to Get a Professional Diminished Value Appraisal
A recent ABC11 investigation shows how one NC driver’s diminished value payout jumped from $417 to $6,000—just by hiring an independent expert to assess their claim. The takeaway? Insurance companies often underestimate diminished value unless you push back with solid data.
At DVAC, we go beyond the basics:
Objective, Third-Party Reports
We’re not body shop or damage estimators. Our reports are data-driven, insurer-recognized, and built to hold up under scrutiny.
Real Market Evidence
We use Carfax and other trusted sources to show actual pre- and post-accident market value—no guesswork.Same-Day Turnaround
While other firms can take weeks, we often deliver within a single business day.Start-to-Finish Support
We don’t just send a PDF and disappear. DVAC helps you present your claim and stays involved until it’s resolved.Get Help With Your Diminished Value Claim
DVAC is fully licensed in North Carolina and stays by your side throughout the entire appraisal clause process. From calculating your diminished value to reviewing appraisals and guiding you through formal procedures, we make sure your claim is handled professionally, thoroughly, and fairly.
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