Trust DVAC to 

Recover the True Value of Your Vehicle.

Diminished Value Appraisal in Oregon

Filing A Diminished 

Value Claim In

Oregon

Statute of Limitations to File:

6 Years

File First Party Claim:

Excluded

File Third Party Claim:

Yes

Diminished Value Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage:

Optional coverage

Small Claims Max Filling:

$10,000, attorney representation not permitted

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

Oregon

DVAC saved us a lot of money and helped us through the process of getting the correct amount of Diminished Value for our vehicle. The driver of the other car admitted fault and his insurance, USAA, accepted complete responsibility. Our car was repaired but when we asked for diminished value the insurance rep would not give us any information about how to recover the diminished value. The insurance rep was very vague and said it was up to us to find how to request it. We contacted DVAC. They sent us information about their process, their fees and how to deal with the insurance company. That advice was invaluable. The licensed appraiser from DVAC wrote a detailed appraisal with vehicle values from several companies (JD Powers---KBB—etc) that was impossible to argue with. The insurance company offered us less than 20% of the appraisers value which was $6,000. I followed the advice of DVAC and almost immediately USAA said the check for the entire amount was in the mail. Through this whole process DVAC was easy to deal with and responsive to our messages. They are a great company.
Thank you for your help. Very friendly!!
Richard guided me through the process and was there when I needed him at the end. The insurance company I was dealing with tried to make it difficult by asking me to take my car into a dealership and see if they would mark the car down. Richard text me a message on how to respond, two days later the ins corporate called me and said they were approving the dv claim. Wow! He was great! I stand behind the DVAC.
These folks were fantastic in helping me navigate through a diminished value claim I made against the insurer of somebody who rear-ended my pristine truck. This wreck is a tarnish on my vehicle's record, and may very well impact the price I might sell it for down the road. Of course, the insurer rejected the claim immediately, but after working with these great people and having them do an appraisal, I was able to settle for the figure they determined. Both Richard Sr. and Richard Jr. were fantastic!
I received helpful information. Better than any other info I got from others on the topic. Thank you for your help!!!
DVAC A+ Better Business Bureau rating
DVAC 5 star Google Reviews
Established in 1998 emblem

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

Oregon

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 6 years from the date of the accident. ORS 746.280-295.

Mock v. Terry: If repairing the car does not return it to its previous value, then the difference must be made up in cash.

Gonzales v. Farmers: Insureds can be compensated for diminished value under their own insurance policy. Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies exclude coverage for first party diminished value making the ruling in this case of little value to you if you are trying to claim diminished value against your own policy. (Check your coverage)

ORS 20.080: A statute that applies to all property damage and bodily injury claims that are less than $10,000 and gives you the right to recover attorney fees. This statute was enacted to pressure insurance companies into settling lower value claims, that if not handled appropriately, could turn relatively small claims into high risk, attorney fee cases.

Start Your Appraisal

Upload photos of your damaged vehicle
(Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, heic, Max. file size: 50 MB.)
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, heic, Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Upload your final repair bill or total loss settlement offer.
    (Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, gif, png, Max. file size: 50 MB.)
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, heic, Max. file size: 50 MB.
      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      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!