Diminished Value: What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know After an Accident

If you’ve ever been in an accident – even one where no one was injured – you know what a hassle it is to deal with insurance companies, get your car repaired, and get your claim paid. But the truth is that, even if the body shop does a great job in restoring your car so it looks as good as new, it simply isn’t worth as much as an identical car that’s never been in an accident. With resources like CARFAX, people who are in the market for a used car can find out that yours has been in a wreck, and as a result, expect to pay less.

What Is “Diminished Value” Mean in the Auto Industry?

The difference between the market price of a vehicle that’s been in an accident and one that hasn’t is known in the insurance industry as “diminished value.” What you may not know is that, if you weren’t at fault in the accident, in many states, the other driver’s insurance company should compensate you for that diminished value.

Here’s the twist: Diminished value claims are a lot like Lemon Law claims. Just as car manufacturers make you jump through hoops, put up roadblocks, and try to get out of paying Lemon Law claims, insurance companies use loopholes and roadblocks to get out of paying diminished value claims. Similarly to Lemon Law claims, you can try to file a diminished value claim yourself, but it’s worth it to let the professionals handle it.

How to Handle Diminished Value Claims

Every insurance company has a different procedure for handling diminished value claims, yet the burden of proof is always on you. There are online services that will, for a fee, send you a report or do a vehicle inspection substantiating your car’s diminished value, but you’ll still have to fight the insurance company yourself.

Do You Have a Claim?

If in the past four years, you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, your vehicle sustained more than $1,000 in damage, and your car’s worth more than $5,000, it’s definitely worth it to pursue a diminished value claim.

If you think you have a diminished value claim, you deserve to be compensated. Lemberg Law can help you get justice – at no cost to you! Complete our form for a no-obligation case evaluation, or call toll free 877-795-3666.