Can you negotiate diminished value?

Asked by: Sedrick Gislason III  |  Last update: June 24, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (39 votes)

Yes, you can negotiate a diminished value claim. While your insurance company may offer an initial settlement, it's often possible to negotiate for a higher amount.

Can you negotiate a diminished value claim?

Negotiating an insurance settlement for diminished value doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding your rights, gathering strong evidence, and approaching negotiations professionally, you can advocate for a fair outcome.

How to get the most out of a diminished value claim?

Prove your car's diminished value. Having photos and documents of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle may help your case. You may need to get an appraisal from a certified vehicle appraiser as part of the claims process. Satisfy all the insurance company's conditions for diminished value and file your claim.

How much can you get from a diminished value claim?

A 10% cap is applied to the car's pre-loss value

So if your vehicle was worth $10,000 before the accident, the max its diminished value would be is $1,000 (10,000 X . 10 = 1,000).

What to do when a diminished value claim is denied?

How to Respond When Your Diminished Value Claim is Denied
  1. Understand the Reason for Denial. ...
  2. Gather Stronger Evidence. ...
  3. Appeal the Decision – The Right Way. ...
  4. Seek Mediation or Arbitration. ...
  5. Contact Your State's Insurance Department. ...
  6. Consider a “Diminished Value” Attorney. ...
  7. Review Your Policy for Diminished Value Clauses.

How to File a Diminished Value Claim (5 Key Things to Know)

15 related questions found

How long does it take to settle a diminished value claim?

On average these are settled between 30 – 45 days, however some insurance companies will intentionally delay this process causing it to take longer. If my car is financed, do I qualify for diminished value? Yes, as long as you are the registered owner, you can claim diminished value.

Can I claim diminished value on my taxes?

he good news for consumers is Diminished Value can be and oftentimes is claimed as a tax deduction. The resale value of a vehicle with a damage history is oftentimes worth substantially less than a comparable vehicle with no damage history.

How is diminishing value calculated?

Diminishing value method

The base value reduces each year by the decline in the value of the asset. This means the base value for the second year will be $48,000; that is, $80,000 minus the $32,000 decline in value in the first year. In the third year, the base value will be $28,800 and the claim will be $11,520.

How much does a diminished value appraisal cost?

How Much Will I Pay for a Diminished Value Appraisal? Generally, you can expect to pay from $350- $699 for a diminished value report. If you have a solid case, it's well worth the expense; not getting an expert DV report can cost thousands of dollars in the long run.

What states allow diminished value claims?

All U.S. states and territories except Nebraska allow third-party diminished value claims filed with the at-fault insurance.

How do you write a demand letter for diminished value?

I respectfully request compensation in the amount of [requested amount], which represents the vehicle diminished value of my vehicle. I believe this amount is fair and accurately reflects the loss in value my vehicle has suffered due to the accident. Please review this claim and respond by [provide a deadline].

Does Carfax show diminished value?

Although a substandard repair job is grounds for a diminished value claim, it isn't required. An accident appearing on a vehicle history report, like AutoCheck or Carfax, will reduce a car's market value.

Does State Farm offer a diminished value claim?

This happens because the car's accident history is visible on vehicle reports, making it less attractive to potential buyers. GEICO and State Farm offer diminished value claims, but their methods for calculating and settling these claims vary significantly.

Do insurance adjusters lowball?

Insurance adjusters are often given bonuses or other incentives based on how much money they save the company by getting claimants to accept low settlements. Making lowball offers is a key way insurers try to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.

Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company for a car?

No. The initial offer is usually only a fraction of what you deserve. The first offer is only the bare minimum the insurer is willing to provide to settle the case. The insurance company may want to see if you will take the smallest amount of money before speaking to an attorney.

How to argue with an insurance adjuster?

Negotiate Respectfully But Firmly

If an adjuster offers less than you believe is fair, don't be afraid to push back. Voice your disagreement calmly and respectfully. Explain your reasoning and provide evidence to justify asking for a higher settlement. Make a reasonable counteroffer based on your documentation.

What is the average amount of diminished value?

How Much Does an Accident Devalue a Car? A car can lose 10% to 30% of its value after an accident, with potential losses as high as 50%. For example, if your vehicle was worth $20,000 before the collision, you could lose between $2,000 and $6,000 in value due to the diminished value claim.

Do insurance companies have to pay diminished value?

Will my insurance company pay for diminished value? A diminished value loss may or may not be covered, depending on a number of factors, including who was to blame for the accident; and because insurance is state regulated, it also depends on state legislation and state court rulings.

Does Geico pay diminished value claims?

This loss of value is something insurers like GEICO are supposed to cover if you file a claim. According to the Insurance Information Institute: “Diminished value is a common yet often misunderstood aspect of auto insurance claims. It's important to know your rights and ensure you're compensated fairly.”

What is the rule of diminishing value?

The law states that once you become used to a value or benefit, if not reminded of the value on a regular basis, the original high-perceived value diminishes. You can see this law at work all the time in the world around you. For example, when you buy a new car it'll seem like the best thing on the road.

How to calculate diminishing rate?

Example: calculating asset's decline in value using the diminishing value method
  1. 2021–22 income year: $10,000 × (365 ÷ 365) × (200% ÷ 10) = $2,000.
  2. 2022–23 income year: ($10,000 − $2,000) × (365 ÷ 365) × (200% ÷ 10) = $1,600.

Who determines depreciation rates?

When it comes to deciding how much to depreciate, the company who owns the asset calculates this. And there are several methods of depreciation that can be used. For example, the simplest would be straight-line depreciation. With this method, the same amount each time is depreciated.

What is a residual diminished value?

A car that's been in an accident is often less valuable compared to a car with no accident history. That's because the car may have residual issues from the crash—even after repairs are completed. The difference between what your car was worth before an accident and after you get repairs is called diminished value.

What is deductible diminished?

Also referred to as a diminishing deductible or vanishing deductible, disappearing deductible reduces your collision car insurance deductible on your auto policy over time if you remain accident free and maintain a clean driving record.

Can I write off a loss from a car accident?

Taxpayers may be eligible to claim a casualty deduction for property damage caused by a sudden, unexpected, or unusual event, including car accidents, extreme weather, and vandalism.