Diminished Value Calculator
A diminished value calculator estimates how much less your car will sell for after a crash, even if the repairs are done well.
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How bad was the damage?
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How many miles were on the car?
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Use the private party value from Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds or J.D. Power for the car in good shape.
Answer three questions to see your estimate.
Your estimate
Your car lost about in resale value.
An estimate, not an appraisal or legal advice.
How the Online Diminished Value Estimator Works
You end up with two numbers. The market range shows how much less a buyer would probably pay because the crash is now part of the car's record. The 17c figure comes from a formula that many insurance companies use as a starting point, and it is often on the low side. If your market range is bigger, you can ask for more money. How the estimate works
Is It Also a Diminution in Value Calculator?
Yes: diminution in value is the term lawyers and courts use for this same loss of value, and the numbers stay the same.
Is a Diminished Value Claim Worth It?
Usually worth asking
- Someone else caused the crash.
- The car was fairly new, low in miles or worth a lot.
- The frame was repaired or the repair bill was large.
Often not worth the effort
- A small dent or bumper on an older car with high miles.
- Your estimate adds up to a few hundred dollars. An appraisal is a written report of your car's value from an expert on car values. It costs about $300 to $600.
- You caused the crash, or your state will not let you file a claim because your share of the blame is too high.
Does Your State Allow This Claim?
In most states, you can file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. Every state has its own deadline and its own rules for filing.
Send a Letter to the Insurance Company
A demand letter is a brief written request for payment. Ours puts your amount, the repair bill and your car's history report (the record showing the crash) on one page.
How to File a Claim Step by Step
Check the rules in your state. Save the final repair bill. Figure out how much value your car lost. Then write to the other driver's insurance company and ask for that amount.
Common Questions From Drivers
How much diminished value can I get?
It depends on how much the car is worth, the damage, and the miles. Market estimates range from about 2% of the value for bumper work to 30% for serious frame damage (damage to the car's main structure). The 17c formula never gives more than 10%. Answer the calculator's three questions to see both numbers for your car.
Does State Farm pay diminished value?
Yes, but only when a State Farm driver is at fault for the crash and your state permits this type of claim. If you file the claim under your own State Farm policy (your own insurance), payment usually happens only in Georgia. More about State Farm
Does GEICO pay diminished value?
If a GEICO driver caused your crash, you can usually get GEICO to pay for the value your car lost. Most states allow this kind of claim. If the claim is on your own GEICO policy, the answer is usually no. Georgia is the exception. Learn more about GEICO
Does Progressive pay diminished value?
If a Progressive driver caused the crash, you can usually ask Progressive to pay for the lost value. But your state must allow it. A claim on your own Progressive policy is harder. It also depends on your state. A closer look at Progressive
Does USAA pay diminished value?
Yes, as long as a USAA driver caused the crash and USAA agrees its driver was to blame. You do not have to be a USAA customer to ask. Under your own USAA policy, lost value is usually not paid. More on USAA
What is the deadline for a diminished value claim?
Your state sets the deadline to sue for car damage. That is the last day you can take your claim to court. In most states, the deadline is 2 to 6 years from the crash. Each state's deadline is in the state laws table.
Can I claim diminished value if the crash was my fault?
Usually not. The claim goes against the insurer of the driver who caused the crash, and most car policies do not pay it to their own customer. Georgia is the main exception.
Request a Written Review of Your Claim
Share the details of your crash and the repair work. One diminished value appraiser (an expert who prices cars) or car claim lawyer will read it and email you back.
Rather speak to someone? Call and describe the crash and the repair.
Call (855) 589-7222