Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is frustrating — the other driver caused the damage and left the scene. But even when the at-fault driver flees, you may still be able to recover diminished value for your vehicle. If you carry uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage on your Arizona auto policy, your own insurance company may be required to compensate you for the diminished value, not just the repair costs. Arizona courts have recognized diminished value claims under first-party UMPD coverage in several key rulings.
At Orlando Auto Body, we work with hit-and-run victims across the Phoenix Valley every week. Our three locations in Mesa, Scottsdale, and Gilbert are staffed by I-CAR Gold certified technicians who will restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition with OEM parts and a lifetime warranty. We also provide a free $450 Diminished Value Appraisal Packet that documents the loss in your vehicle's market value. For hit-and-run claims, this documentation is especially important because your own insurance carrier will scrutinize the claim more closely than a standard third-party DV demand.
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run in the last two years — whether it happened in a parking lot, on a freeway, or at an intersection — don't assume you're out of luck for diminished value. Review your auto insurance policy for UMPD coverage, then call Orlando Auto Body. We'll repair your vehicle, build your DV documentation, and guide you through the claims process. Many hit-and-run victims recover $1,500 to $5,000 or more through their own coverage. Let us help you get what you're owed.