Auto Claim Advice & Diminished Value Insights from The Auto Mediator
What the Heck Is Diminished Value for a Car Anyway?
Say you’ve been in a car accident. It was the other driver’s fault. You jumped through the correct hoops–called the police to take an accident report, exchanged auto insurance information, took pictures of the damage, contacted your insurance company, got the required...
Diminished Value Estimator
If your vehicle has sustained damage in an accident, you should familiarize yourself with the term “diminished value estimator.” Diminished value is the difference in the resale value of your vehicle pre-accident versus post-accident. A diminished value estimator...
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.