Your car got hit. You got it fixed. But something doesn’t feel right.
That moment you pull the CarFax and see the accident listed? Your stomach drops.
This guide is for that moment.
If your vehicle was damaged in an accident and someone else was at fault, you may be eligible for a diminished value claim—a way to recover money for the lost resale value of your car. But most people lose out without even knowing it. This guide breaks down the top mistakes people make and how to avoid them. (You can also get expert help here.
1. Not Knowing You’re Eligible
The #1 reason people miss out on diminished value claims? No one told them they could file one.
If your car was damaged in an accident that wasn’t your fault—even if it’s been fully repaired—you may be able to get compensation for the loss in value. This is especially true if:
- Your car was relatively new or in excellent condition before the crash
- You have a clean accident history
- The repair was extensive (frame damage, airbag deployment, etc.)
Insurance companies don’t volunteer this info. And they’re hoping you never find out.
2. Waiting Too Long to Start the Process
Time is not on your side.
Most states have a deadline for filing a diminished value claim—often one to three years—but that doesn’t mean you should wait. The longer you delay, the more difficult it becomes to:
- Gather the right documentation
- Prove the pre-accident condition of your vehicle
- Negotiate from a position of strength
Think of it like milk in the fridge: technically good for a while, but not something you want to leave sitting.
3. Accepting the Insurance Company’s First Offer
When it comes to diminished value, many insurance companies offer pennies on the dollar—if they offer anything at all.
They’re betting that you won’t push back. That you won’t know the real value of your car. And that you won’t bring in an expert to help you fight for more.
But here’s the thing: when you challenge lowball offers with data—like a professional diminished value report or a certified appraisal—the whole conversation changes. Suddenly, you’re not just some random claimant. You’re someone with evidence.
4. Relying on Free Online Calculators
We get it. The internet is full of quick fixes. And yes, an online diminished value calculator might give you a ballpark number.
But here’s what they won’t give you:
- Market-specific comps
- Adjustments for luxury models or custom features
- Documentation that stands up in a negotiation or court
Think of it like trying to value your home using Zillow—it might be close, but it won’t hold up in a real estate deal.
For claims that matter, vague estimates just won’t cut it.
5. Believing the Repairs Made It “Good as New”
Cosmetic fixes don’t erase collision history.
Even if your car looks perfect, the damage is now on record. And that matters—to dealerships, to private buyers, and to the algorithms behind every trade-in offer you’ll ever get.
To the naked eye? Your car’s fine.
To the market? It’s a car with a past.
That’s where diminished value comes in—it’s not about dents or paint. It’s about reputation. And reputation costs money. Click here to see pricing packages for your diminished value claim.
6. Trying to Handle It All Yourself
You could try to file the claim, research the law, build your own appraisal, and negotiate with the adjuster. But unless this is your full-time job, you’re walking into a stacked deck.
Diminished value claims are technical. Emotional. Strategic.
And insurance companies know all the loopholes.
Having a team behind you means you don’t have to play catch-up. You get to walk in with confidence—backed by documentation, data, and people who’ve done this before.
7. Giving Up After the First “No”
A denied claim doesn’t mean it’s over. In fact, some of the best claim outcomes we’ve seen came after an initial rejection.
Here’s what most people don’t know:
- You can ask for a written explanation of the denial
- You can challenge the offer with an independent appraisal
- You can re-open a claim if new documentation is provided
- You can escalate to arbitration or small claims court (with support)
Don’t mistake a door for a wall. The system might be complicated, but you’re not powerless.
You Only Get One Shot at This
Diminished value isn’t just about a number—it’s about fairness.
You didn’t cause the accident. You shouldn’t take the financial hit.
Call (888) 438-8803 to talk to someone who knows how to fight—and win—these claims. You don’t have to do this alone.
