Diminished Value FAQ
Even a perfect repair leaves a mark on Carfax — and that mark costs you real money the day you trade or sell. Arizona law lets you recover that lost value. Here's how diminished value actually works.
Diminished Value FAQ
What is diminished value?
Diminished value (DV) is the difference between what your vehicle was worth before the accident and what it's worth after — even after a perfect repair. Two identical cars, same year/miles/condition: the one with an accident on Carfax sells for thousands less. That gap is your diminished value.
Is diminished value a real thing in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona courts recognize diminished value as a recoverable loss under property damage law. Allstate v. Mader, Wilson v. Pacific Indemnity, and similar cases established that you're entitled to be made whole — including the resale-value loss caused by the at-fault driver's negligence.
How much is my DV claim worth?
Typical Arizona DV claims range from $1,500 to $8,000+ depending on: vehicle age (newer = more DV), pre-accident value (luxury = more DV), mileage, severity of damage, and repair location. Cars 1-5 years old with under 75K miles and structural damage tend to yield the largest claims.
Whose insurance pays the DV claim?
The at-fault driver's liability carrier owes you the DV — it's part of being made whole under their property damage liability coverage. Your own insurance does NOT owe you DV unless you carry first-party DV coverage (rare in Arizona). If the accident was your fault, there's no DV claim to file.
Why does my insurance adjuster say diminished value isn't a thing?
Adjusters work for the carrier, not for you. The carrier pays less if you don't ask. They're not lying exactly — they're declining to volunteer the information. The legal right is yours; the documentation has to come from you. That's where our DV Appraisal Packet comes in.
How do I file a DV claim?
Step 1: Repair the vehicle properly (we recommend OAB — the appraisal is more credible when paired with documented OEM-procedure repair). Step 2: Order a certified DV appraisal documenting pre-accident value, post-repair value, and the gap. Step 3: Submit the appraisal to the at-fault carrier with a demand letter. Step 4: Negotiate. Step 5: Cash check. We handle steps 1 and 2 in one visit.
How long do I have to file a DV claim in Arizona?
Arizona's statute of limitations on property damage is 2 years from the accident. Insurer internal deadlines may be shorter. If your accident was within the last 2 years, call us today — every month that passes makes the comparable-sales data weaker.
What's in the OAB Free DV Appraisal Packet?
Pre-accident NADA/KBB market value, post-repair market value, comparable Phoenix-area sales, photo documentation of the repair, mileage adjustment, condition adjustment, and a formal opinion letter signed by our certified appraiser. It's a $450-value packet, free when you repair with us. The packet is what insurers actually pay against — without it, you're just asking.
Do I have to use OAB for the repair to get the DV packet?
The free packet is bundled with our repair — that's how we keep it free. If you already repaired elsewhere, we can still produce a DV appraisal as a paid service ($450). Either way, a properly documented OEM-procedure repair makes a dramatically stronger DV claim.
Will pursuing DV cost me my repair money?
No. The repair is paid under property damage liability (the same bucket as the DV) but they're separate line items. The carrier owes you both. Pursuing DV doesn't slow down or jeopardize the repair payment.
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