Your car was just in an accident. You got it repaired. Everything looks perfect. But here’s what many policyholders don’t realize about their coverage: your vehicle just lost thousands of dollars in market value, and you can file a diminished value claim for that loss.
This is called diminished value, and 8 out of 10 vehicle owners have no idea they’re entitled to this compensation under law. Diminished value claims are an under-utilized benefit that many policyholders aren’t aware of.
Claims Concierge makes sure you get every dollar you deserve from your property damage claim.
Even when your vehicle is repaired perfectly after an accident, its value is permanently reduced. The reason is simple: the accident is now part of your vehicle’s history. Once damage appears on a vehicle history report like Carfax, buyers and dealerships immediately view the car as less desirable, no matter how flawless the repairs look.
That loss in value is called diminished value.
Diminished value represents the difference between what your vehicle was worth before the accident and what it is worth now—with an accident on record. This loss is real, measurable, and widely recognized across the automotive and insurance industries. Most importantly, it is compensable, separate from the cost of repairs.
What many vehicle owners don’t realize is that insurance companies may owe you money for this loss. Diminished value is not included in standard repair payments. It must be claimed separately, either through your own insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurance. This benefit requires a separate claim to be filed and won’t be automatically included in standard repair payments.
After an accident, the property damage process usually follows a familiar pattern:
Years later, when you try to sell or trade in your vehicle, you discover it’s worth thousands less than similar vehicles with clean histories. That loss didn’t happen overnight, it occurred the moment the accident was reported.
Because diminished value claims are rarely explained, many vehicle owners don’t realize they may be eligible to recover $3,000 to $6,000 or more through a separate diminished value claim
Not every accident results in a meaningful diminished value claim, but many do. You may have a strong case if:
Newer vehicles and higher-value cars experience the greatest diminished value losses.
A well-maintained vehicle that required extensive body or structural repairs can lose thousands in market value instantly, even after professional restoration.
When a vehicle is declared a total loss, insurance companies base settlement offers on “actual cash value.” The problem? Initial valuations may not reflect your vehicle’s true market value or unique characteristics.
Adjusters often rely on:
Most people accept initial offers due to time constraints and unfamiliarity with the valuation review process. Having expert support can help ensure the valuation reflects true market value.
Fair market value should reflect what it actually costs to replace your vehicle with a comparable one—not just standard database values, but actual replacement costs in your local market.
Insurance adjusters handle claims all day, every day. Adjusters work within structured processes and guidelines, which is why having an advocate who understands these systems can be valuable.
Complicated paperwork. Slow responses. Repeated documentation requests. “Take it or leave it” offers. Standard insurance processes can be time-consuming and complex, which is why having expert support helps ensure you receive full compensation without added stress.
Without experience in valuations and insurance negotiations, it’s hard to know if a diminished value calculation is accurate or how to challenge a low settlement. Having specialized knowledge of insurance valuations and processes helps level the playing field.
We identify additional compensation opportunities that may not be part of standard claim discussions, including:
Most of our clients discover additional claim opportunities they weren’t aware were available.
A dedicated property damage specialist guides you through every step, ensuring personalized attention for your case
We handle all insurance company communications and negotiations to secure fair compensation for your claim
We help recover compensation that insurance companies rarely mention
No upfront costs - you only pay based on the additional value we recover for your claim.
We can connect you with trusted repair shops to ensure quality work
You deserve a comparable rental during repairs, not a downgrade. We can help make sure you get it.
There are no upfront fees. No hourly billing. No risk.
We only get paid if we recover more money than the insurance company originally offered. If we don’t increase your settlement, you owe us nothing.
Our success depends entirely on yours.
We guide you through every step with clear communication and expert support.
We work to secure full compensation and finalize the settlement efficiently. Only after you’re paid do we collect our fee.
We have answers
Even after repairs, a vehicle may be worth less than it was before an accident—this is known as diminished value. In certain situations, compensation may be available for that loss.
In Georgia, diminished value and total loss claims may be available regardless of fault. Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances, and we help clarify what options apply.
You absolutely can, but we have access to vehicle valuation data that isn’t publicly available. That, plus our experience working with insurance adjusters helps make sure that you get a fair valuation.
Valuations can vary based on market data and vehicle details. We review the available information and work through the process to help ensure the value is properly supported.
There’s no upfront cost for diminished value or total loss claims. Our fee is contingent on a successful recovery.Valuations can vary based on market data and vehicle details. We review the available information and work through the process to help ensure the value is properly supported.
If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, make sure you’re aware of all available compensation options under your policy.
Before you accept a settlement, or even if repairs are already complete, let us review your claim at no cost.
You have nothing to lose, and potentially thousands to gain.
