Diminshed Value Claims

Any vehicle that has suffered damage and been repaired suffers diminished value in resale. It is a previous damaged vehicle and worth less than a comparable vehicle that has not been damaged.

Why are you going for diminished value? Is the repair not complete or proper? Repaired properly the coach should be in the same condition it was before the accident! Hence still worth the same amount as before the claim.

X2, Arch.

Did you turn it into your own insurance company?

“The problem with lawyers is that they usually end up costing you more than whatever you end up getting.“

So you are suggesting, way2roll, that OP, who has received nothing, shouldn’t get a lawyer to get something?

If this happened on private property it most likely isn't going to show on any vehicle report so diminished value may not even be a factor. Moreover if the damage was cosmetic and not structural or safety related it may be tough to show diminished value even with an appraisal.

That said every state has different insurance rules and how diminished value is forced or not. If the insurance company involved can legally can fight it they will.

gbopp wrote:
The only advice I can think of is to speak to a lawyer. He/she can advise you on how to proceed with your case.

The problem with lawyers is that they usually end up costing you more than whatever you end up getting.

The only advice I can think of is to speak to a lawyer. He/she can advise you on how to proceed with your case.

I negotiated a value for our Jaguar that was damaged by a State Farm insured. They did not want to use the "diminished value" claim that I originally started with. They asked that I submit what I would accept and they would review and rule on my suggestions. I submitted three different alternatives and they agreed to write me a check for the full amount that I requested. No lawyer involved and I feel that they handled it very well and quickly.
I would get all of your figures together and just tell the insurance company what you would accept. Try to avoid using the "diminished value" reference and see how it goes. Remember they are supposed to get you back to where you were before the accident. Some companies are easier to deal with than others but I would think that a large company that handles commercial vehicles would just be interested in a quick settlement.