Diminished Value Claims
Recover The Money You Are Owed.
Your Vehicle Is Worth Less After an Accident. We Make the Insurance Company Pay For It.
Even with perfect repairs, a vehicle with an accident history permanently loses value. This is called Diminished Value, and the at-fault party’s insurance owes you that money. They won’t pay it voluntarily—you need an advocate with the strength to make them.
Get a Free Consultation to Speak with an Appraiser Now.
What is Diminished Value?
Inherent Diminished Value is the automatic and permanent loss of a vehicle’s market value after it has been damaged and repaired.
Think about it from a buyer’s perspective. If you were shopping for two identical used cars —one with a clean Carfax report and the other with a significant accident history — which one would you buy?
If you bought the one with the accident, you would demand a steep discount. That “discount” is your car’s diminished value. It’s a real financial loss that you suffer the moment you try to sell or trade in your vehicle.
The insurance company for the at-fault driver is legally responsible for compensating you for this loss, but they will not simply write you a check. You must prove your claim with an independent, professional appraisal.
Fact 1: It’s a Third-Party Claim. You must file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. You cannot claim it from your own policy.
Fact 2: Online Calculators Fail. Insurance companies reject “estimates” from online calculators. A claim requires a USPAP-compliant appraisal from a certified expert to be taken seriously.
Fact 3: They Bank on You Not Knowing. Adjusters are not required to tell you about diminished value. Their job is to minimize the payout, and they will offer nothing (or a low-ball “goodwill” payment) if you don’t fight back.
Insurance Companies Have Experts. You Should Too.
The insurance adjuster’s primary goal is to close your claim for the least amount of money possible. They will use confusing formulas, rely on flawed data, or simply deny your claim outright, knowing most people will give up. This is where Ironclad Claims steps in. We work only for you. We leverage our deep expertise to build an “ironclad” case they cannot ignore.
Our Proven Process for Recovering Your Money
Do you want to know how much value your vehicle has lost?
No Cost Diminished Value Estimate Inquiry
Please fill out the following form, and we will follow up with our findings within 24 hours.
Stop Letting Insurance Companies Keep Your Money
You have one chance to recover your vehicle’s lost value. Don’t settle for less than you are owed. Contact Ironclad Claims today and get the strength of an expert appraiser on your side.
Diminished Value FAQS
What is diminished value?
Diminished value is the loss of a vehicle’s market value after an accident. Even after quality repairs, the accident history on reports like Carfax makes it worth less to a potential buyer.
Can I claim diminished value if I was at-fault?
No. Diminished value claims can only be filed against the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
Can I get diminished value on a leased car?
No. In a lease, you do not technically own the vehicle (the leasing company does). Therefore, only the leasing company can file for diminished value.
My car was declared a total loss. Can I claim diminished value?
No. Diminished value applies to vehicles that have been repaired. If your car is a total loss, you should be fighting for a fair Actual Cash Value (ACV) settlement, which is a separate service we offer.
How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in Oklahoma?
The statute of limitations for property damage in Oklahoma is two (2) years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to start your claim as soon as repairs are completed.
Will the insurance company just pay me if I ask?
Almost never. The burden of proof is on you. You must prove that your vehicle lost value and provide a credible, documented amount. This is why a professional appraisal is essential.
What is the difference between Inherent and Repair-Related Diminished Value?
Inherent DV is the value lost due to the accident history, assuming perfect repairs. Repair-Related DV is additional value lost due to poor-quality repairs (mismatched paint, non-OEM parts, etc.). If you suspect poor repairs, our Post-Repair Inspection service can be combined with your DV claim.