Auto Claim Advice & Diminished Value Insights from The Auto Mediator
Insurance Companies vs. Independent Appraisers: Who to Trust for Your Total Loss Valuation in 2024?
Having your car declared a total loss is never a pleasant experience. But beyond the initial shock comes the critical question of fair market value. While your insurance company will provide a valuation, relying solely on their assessment might not always be in your...
Understanding the Impact of the Toyota Tundra Engine Recall: What It Means for Your Vehicle’s Value
The recent Toyota Tundra engine recall has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. Over 100,000 Tundra trucks are being called back to replace their engines due to a serious fault that has raised concerns about their reliability. For owners of these trucks,...
Maximizing Your Car’s Worth: The Importance of an Independent Auto Appraiser
When it comes time to sell your vehicle, getting the best price requires more than just listing it for sale. An independent auto appraiser can be a crucial ally in maximizing your car’s worth. By providing a detailed and objective assessment, these professionals...
Emerging Trends in Auto Value: What Car Owners Need to Know in 2024
As we advance into 2024, the automotive industry is witnessing rapid changes that significantly impact vehicle values. From technological innovations to evolving market dynamics and shifting consumer preferences, these emerging trends are shaping how car owners assess...
Understanding Auto Valuation: Key Factors That Determine Your Car’s Worth
When it comes to buying, selling, or insuring a vehicle, understanding its value is crucial. Auto valuation helps determine your car’s market worth based on various factors. In this article, we'll explore the main elements that influence your car's value, including...
Maximize Your Car’s Worth: The Ultimate Guide to Using a Diminished Value Estimator
If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault you should familiarize yourself with diminished value, or DV. DV is the inevitable loss in market value your vehicle will incur as a result of being in an accident. No matter how perfect the repair job, nothing...
Maximizing Your Claim: The Role of Auto Appraisers Near You
Car insurance companies are in the business of making money. Shocker. They may say they have your best interest at heart, but if you have ever been in a car accident and tried to contest their settlement offer or make a diminished value claim, you’ve seen firsthand...
Total Loss Car Appraisals: Balancing Science and Sensibility
The aftermath of a wreck is a trying time, and dealing with your insurance company can make it even harder. If you have been in an accident in which the insurance company declared your car a total loss, even though it could be repaired, it can hurt; cars can have...
Avoid These Costly Mistakes in Your California Diminished Value Claim in 2025
How California Diminished Value Claims Work Filing a California diminished value claim after a car accident? Many drivers leave money on the table by making small but costly mistakes. In this post, we break down what diminished value means in California, how the legal...
Autopilot Recall and High-Accident Rate One-Two Punch for Tesla
What Is Going on with Tesla? “This recall is written in blood,” Former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said in a CBS report that aired in December. He was talking about the recent voluntary recall affecting nearly every single Tesla sold since 2012. The recall is for...
What does an automobile diminished value appraiser do?
Diminished value refers to the difference in the market value of a vehicle before a wreck versus what it’s worth after a wreck - because being in an accident almost always devalues a car significantly. A diminished value appraiser provides a report evaluating the...
What is a Diminished Value Calculator and How Can It Help You Recover Your Car’s True Value?
What Is Diminished Value When a vehicle is in an accident, its trade-in or resale value almost always drops. Even if the vehicle is repaired and returned to its original condition, it simply won’t bring as much as it would have had it not been wrecked. If the other...
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I file a diminished value claim in California if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a comparative negligence model. You can still recover diminished value, but your payout may be reduced based on your level of fault.
2. Is diminished value covered by my own insurance?
Not usually. In California, diminished value is typically claimed through the at-fault driver’s insurance unless your policy explicitly includes it.
3. How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in California?
You have up to three years from the date of the accident to file your claim under California’s statute of limitations.
4. What’s the best way to prove diminished value?
A certified appraisal report from a licensed auto appraiser is the most effective and credible way to prove your claim.
5. Can I use a free online calculator to estimate my diminished value?
You can, but it’s not recommended. These calculators often undervalue claims and don’t hold weight with insurers. A professional report is far more accurate and defensible.