How much less is my car worth after an accident?

Asked by: Angus Beer  |  Last update: January 20, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (60 votes)

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.

How to calculate the diminished value of a car after an accident?

Calculating diminished value
  1. Step 1: Determine the value of your car. You can determine the sales, or market, value of your vehicle using the NADA or Kelley Blue Book websites. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply a 10% cap to that value. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply a damage multiplier. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply a mileage multiplier.

How do I value my car after an accident?

Determine the market value's 10% cap: The 17c formula is applied to 10% of your car's market value. For example, let's say you determined the market value was $25,000 before the accident. $25,000 x 10% = $2,500.

How much does a car's value go down after an accident?

Following a motor vehicle accident, the car itself typically loses approximately 10% to 30% of its value following the damage. However, the loss of value can be as much as 50%, depending on the extent of your damage.

How do I calculate the loss value of my car?

To get an idea of what your totaled car is worth, find the Kelley Blue Book value for it in fair condition. Figure out what the 20 to 40 percent fair condition value is. Depending on the amount of damage done to your vehicle, it's likely going to be closer to the 20 percent range, according to CarBrain.

What is your car worth after an accident?

22 related questions found

Can you ask for more money when your car is totaled?

In some cases, you may get more insurance money for a totaled car than for repairs. In addition, it is possible to negotiate a higher settlement by providing evidence that your car was worth more than the insurance company's initial valuation.

How much is my damaged car worth?

Find what percent of market value your insurance company uses to determine salvage value. The percentage can vary, but it's usually around 75% of market value. Subtract that percentage as a decimal from 1.0.

How does a minor accident affect car value?

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.

What is considered major damage to a car?

Severe damage usually means that key components of the car, such as the engine, transmission, or suspension, have been affected. These types of damages often render the vehicle unsafe or unable to be driven until the necessary repairs are made.

How do you argue the value of a totaled car?

Negotiating for a Maximum Payment After a Car is Deemed a Total Loss
  1. Conduct independent Research on the Vehicle's Worth. Get an independent valuation of your vehicle before accepting any offer from the insurer. ...
  2. Provide Supporting Documentation. ...
  3. Negotiate With the Insurance Company.

How to calculate depreciation of a car after an accident?

How To Calculate Diminished Value
  1. Calculate The Value Of Your Car. The first step is to determine the worth of your car before the accident. ...
  2. Apply A 10% Cap To That Value. ...
  3. Apply A Damage Multiplier. ...
  4. Apply A Mileage Multiplier.

Should I sell my car after an accident?

If you're willing to put in the time and effort to repair the damage, then you may be able to sell your car for a good price. However, if the damage is too severe or you don't have the time to fix it, you may be better off simply junking the car and buying a new one.

How do you find the fair value of a totaled car?

Your own insurance company determines value based on the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV). ACV is calculated by subtracting depreciation from the cost to replace the car. Factors like mileage, condition, and market demand can influence depreciation.

How do you negotiate a diminished value claim?

Steps to Negotiate Diminished Value with Confidence
  1. Know Your Rights. Before engaging with your insurer, understand your state's laws on diminished value claims. ...
  2. Gather Strong Evidence. ...
  3. Initiate the Claim with Your Insurer. ...
  4. Be Strategic in Negotiations. ...
  5. Seek Mediation or Legal Help if Needed.

Does Kelley Blue Book take accidents into account?

By using information such as the vehicle's make, model, year, and condition, the Kelley Blue Book generates an estimated value range for your car. This estimation can be a reference in various situations like buying, selling, and assessing the potential diminished value of your car after an accident.

How do you calculate the diminishing value of a car?

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 is classed as major damage on a car?

Frame and unibody damage is particularly significant. The frame is like the skeleton of your car, while the unibody is a design that integrates the frame and body into one piece. Damage here can lead to serious safety issues. For instance, a bent frame can affect how your car handles, especially in emergency maneuvers.

Will a minor accident show up on Carfax?

In most cases, accidents are reported to Carfax through police reports. It does not matter the severity. Anytime the event is reported, it will appear on the vehicle history report.

How much value does a car lose after one accident?

I usually say it drops by roughly half of the claim. But it also depends on when you're selling it, etc... the longer you keep the car, the smaller the impact of the accident.

Is it illegal to sell a car that has been in an accident?

Any significant damage should be disclosed. In some jurisdictions, it may be unlawful to sell a car without disclosing significant accident damage. And regardless of where you're selling your car, any car buyer can purchase a detailed accident history report that will list all the collision repairs on your vehicle.

Is it worth repairing a car after an accident?

If the cost of repairing your current vehicle is minor then there's no need to purchase a new car. However, It might cost you more to repair a car that's been heavily damaged in a collision. The initial repair might not cost as much as a new car but some cars are never the same after a major car accident.

How do I estimate a damaged car?

Where to Get an Estimate on Your Car's Damage. You'll need to go to an auto body shop for an estimate. An automotive technician will inspect the car and evaluate the cost to fix the damage. Where you go for a car's damage estimate may depend on how the vehicle was damaged.

Will a dealership buy my damaged car?

If your vehicle is in rough shape, dealers could still take it on a trade-in. They may not keep it on their lots to sell themselves, but trading your older automobile for a newer one in better condition may be a more viable option than you think.

How to calculate diminished value after accident?

This is the pre-accident value of your car, in its original condition. It often comes from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) or Kelley Blue Book. The appraisal value is then multiplied by 0.1. This represents the maximum diminished value that a vehicle can suffer from a crash.