What Is Diminished Value?

The aftermath of an accident can be stressful and expensive, even when it's not your fault. A concept many vehicle owners are unaware of is Diminished Value (DV). This represents the drop in a vehicle's market value post-repair, resulting from an accident. Simply put, a repaired car, despite how well the fix is, will not hold the same value as one that has never met with an accident.

Why Consider Diminished Value?

• Accident History Impact: Vehicles with an accident history are seen as less valuable in the market.

• Certification Implications: Cars that have been involved in an accident can no longer be "Certified” by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Fair Market Appraisals: Insurance companies utilize various methods to determine vehicle value, often relying on sources like Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and Edmund’s. A fair market value appraisal presents an unbiased assessment based on current market trends.

• Insurance Company Tactics: It's essential to note that many insurers might not readily recognize your right to recover diminished value.

How Pinnacle Can Help

At Pinnacle Auto Appraisers, our licensed and certified specialists are committed to ensuring that you get the most for your diminished value claim.

Our Approach:

1. Detailed Inspection: Post-accident and post-repair, we meticulously inspect your vehicle, recording its condition, the quality of repairs, and existing features.

2. Comprehensive Report: Our certified diminished value reports comply with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and cover:

   • Background and credentials of the appraiser
   • A detailed analysis of the damage and repair
   • Pre and post-accident vehicle valuations
   • An outline of the total diminished value
   • Photographic evidence for clarity

When Should You Consider a Diminished Value Claim?

If you weren’t at fault in the accident, you’re typically a 3rd party claimant, implying that your claim is against the at-fault party's insurance. Being informed and proactive in this phase can ensure that you reclaim the lost value of your vehicle.

Are You Eligible for Diminished Value?

While every repaired vehicle experiences some diminished value, not all circumstances qualify for claims against insurance. Some determining factors include:

• Your role in the accident (at fault or not)
• The vehicle's make, model, year, and mileage
• The nature and cost of repairs
• Prior accident history

Why Choose Pinnacle?

Before selecting an appraiser, ask the following:

• Are they certified for diminished value appraisals?
• Do they offer a comprehensive vehicle inspection?
• Are their reports court-accepted?
• Are they licensed and accredited?
• Do they review preliminary information to gauge the viability of the claim?

Pinnacle Auto Appraisers fulfills all these criteria and more, aiming to simplify the appraisal process and guide you through the insurance maze. Additionally, we offer an array of services including pre-purchase inspections, post-repair inspections, total loss appraisals, and more.

Insurance 101: A Brief Overview

Navigating insurance can be confusing. Here’s a concise breakdown of some common auto insurance coverage types:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers injuries you cause to others.
• Property Damage Liability: Coverage for damage you cause to another's property.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protection against those without adequate insurance coverage.
• Medical Payments: For injuries to individuals in your vehicle.
• Comprehensive: Covers damages like theft, fire, etc.
• Collision: For damages due to collisions.
• Towing & Rental: Covers breakdown-related towing and rental car costs during repairs.

Wrapping Up

If you believe your vehicle has suffered from diminished value post-accident, don't wait. Time is of the essence. At Pinnacle Auto Appraisers, our expert team is ready to guide you, ensuring a comprehensive, professional appraisal of your vehicle's true worth. Contact us today to learn more.