California Diminished Value Claim
If your car has been in an accident, it’s value may decrease even if you have made all of the necessary repairs to restore it back to the original condition. If the accident wasn’t you fault, file for a diminished value claim with AutoLoss to receive compensation for the loss in value!
Diminished Value in California
In the state of California, you are required to file suit against the at fault within 3 years of the accident in order to receive a diminished value claim. Dealers and individuals are more likely to purchase a car that hasn’t been in an accident over one that has been, even if all necessary repairs have been made. Filing for a diminished value claim allows you to be compensated for the loss in value.
I would like to thank you VERY MUCH!! We just received the check, in the full amount you had proposed and have closed the claim.
Andrew Saccani – California
California law requires that damages for diminished value can only be recovered from the party who damaged your car, and is not recovered typically from Collision Coverage. It is also limited to the vehicle’s fair market value prior to the accident minus the cost of repairs. If you believe you deserve more money for the true value of your vehicle, contact the diminished value experts at AutoLoss.
About Diminished Value Claims
Diminished Value refers to the reduced value of a vehicle simply because it has a significant damage history. Even after the vehicle has been repaired to it’s optimal value, the market value of the vehicle may still be reduced. There are three types of diminished value that your case may fall under:
1. Inherent Diminished Value: This type of diminished value refers to the loss of value of a vehicle simply because it has been in accident. Even after the vehicle has been fully repaired, it may still be considered less valuable than a car that has no accident history. This type of diminished value is the most common and most highly accepted.
2. Repair-Related Diminished Value: A vehicle that experienced an accident and was not repaired properly may experience repair-related diminished value. Whether the car still has cosmetic damages or structural damages, it may experience loss in value due to incomplete repairs.
3. Immediate Diminished Value: Right after a vehicle has experienced an accident, it may lose value even before the owner has the chance to make repairs. Immediate diminished value can be calculated as the difference in resale value of a vehicle before the damage occurred and the resale value before repairs have been made after damage has occurred.
Auto Appraisals
When you need to know the true value of your vehicle, an auto appraisal by a professional at AutoLoss can help to make sure that you receive the best value for your unique vehicle. An auto appraisal takes into account the full history of the vehicle and provides you with an expert opinion on the vehicle’s value that you can then present to the bank, credit union, potential buyers, and insurance companies. There are many reasons as to why an individual may need an auto appraisal, which is why company’s such as AutoLoss provide a variety of Auto Appraisals.
A Stated Value Appraisal can help to establish the true market value of a vehicle that may be required from a bank, credit union, or insurance company. A Loss of Use Appraisal helps to value a business’ vehicle that has been involved in an accident but was necessary for business operations. This type of auto loss appraisal can help recover the value of the vehicle’s service to business. A Lease Termination Appraisal is best for individuals looking to get out of a lease early, and are determined by the vehicle, the market, and miles on the vehicle. Luxury Automobile Appraisals are another type of Auto Appraisal that help protect an individual’s investment. This type of appraisal ensures that the full value of the luxury vehicle is realized and proven. Auto Appraisals are also valuable for individuals looking to donate their car for tax write off purposes.
Total Loss Appraisals
When your vehicle is considered a “total loss”, the insurance company may make you an offer that is less than your desired amount. “Total Loss” of a vehicle refers to when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds the cost of the vehicle’s worth. After damages occur, an insurance company may make you an offer for the cash value of the totaled vehicle minus your deductible on your comprehensive or collision coverage. A Total Loss Appraisal will ensure that this offer from the insurance company is accurate and provides you with the best value for your damaged vehicle.
FAQ’s
Do I need a special appraisal or special insurance for my collector car?
Yes. Collector car insurance uses an appraisal to determine the fair market value for your collectible-quality vehicle. Most owners of collector cars carry standard insurance, which may result in less than half the compensation in the event of a loss.
If you choose not to carry special insurance, get a professional appraisal of your collectible vehicle on file with your insurance company, and demand a specific endorsement to protect your investment.
Do I have to sell my vehicle to make a diminished value claim?
No! Whether you want to sell your repaired vehicle right away, or 10 years after the claim is your business. The drop in value occurs immediately, and you are entitled to be compensated immediately.
What is fair market value?
Fair market value is the highest monetary price your property will receive once exposed to an open market, allowing time to find a willing buyer, where full disclosure of all uses, purposes and adaptations of current or capable uses of the property are made.
