Chevy Tahoe: Total Loss or Diminished Value?
You take your Chevy Tahoe for a quick oil change and then you get the phone call! Is it totaled? Let's say your Tahoe is worth $28,000. In Florida, if the insurance company believes the cost to repair is close to 80%, or about $22,000, it's declared a Total Loss. If the damage is less, it will be repaired and your Chevy has suffered 'Diminished Value.' It's now worth less than before you took it in for the oil change. What to do?
If it's a Total Loss, your insurance company will probably offer you 10-12% less than it's actually worth. You need to exercise your right to the 'Appraisal Clause' in your policy and hire an independent auto appraiser to determine the Prior-to-Loss Fair Market Value of your vehicle.
If it has Diminished Value, hire an independent auto appraiser for a Diminished Value appraisal to make a claim for the loss in value to your Tahoe.
'Appraisal Clause' and 'Diminished Value' - the two best kept secrets in the automobile insurance industry!
For car, SUV, truck, motorcycle, watercraft and light aircraft appraisals in South Florida, call text 786-853-0711
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Is diminished value the same as depreciation?
Diminished value and depreciation are two separate and distinct issues. Diminished value is the difference between your vehicle’s market value before an accident and its value after an accident, once repaired. Depreciation is your vehicle’s loss in value over time, which is caused by normal wear and tear. Your car’s depreciation is determined based on its mileage, age, make, model, and general condition.
15 year old BMW 650 has over $5,000 in Diminished Value
This 15 year old BMW 650 was in an accident caused by another, resulting in over $10k in damage repairs. Following a Diminished Value appraisal, the owner is now making a $5,000 claim against the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
Flooded cars in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, South Florida
If your vehicle was damaged during the recent historic rainfall and floods in and around Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, South Florida, it is highly likely your car will be declared a total loss by your insurance company. Be aware of the 'Appraisal Clause' in your policy, and/or do an internet search. Do not accept your insurance company's first offer. Invoke your 'Appraisal Clause.' Big $$$ at stake!
Diminished Value - everything you need to know!
Almost everything you need to know about Diminished Value to your vehicle is in this article: https://classicmotorsports.com/articles/crash-course-diminished-value/ If you have been in an automobile accident, contact us and we'll walk you through step-by-step what you need to do to receive compensation for your loss.
How much is my rebuilt title vehicle worth?
As a follow-up to this post: https://southfloridacarappraisers.com/classic-car-news-and-tips/how-do-you-get-financing-on-your-branded-or-rebuilt-title-1657747143488.html? several have asked what effect a rebuilt title has on the value of a vehicle. As attorneys are known to respond – “it depends!” Comparing two identical vehicles, same year, make, model, options, mileage, and condition, the one with the rebuilt title can be worth anywhere from 20% to 40% less than the one with a clean, no accident history.
Stolen 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
With just 200 miles on the odometer, this 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was stolen out of the owner’s driveway at 2:30 AM, never to be seen again! Fortunately, he had comprehensive insurance with the “Good Hands” folk! Unfortunately, they wanted to reimburse him just $83,036 for his loss! Luckily, he was familiar with, and decided to invoke, the ‘Appraisal Clause’ in his policy and hired Auto Appraisal Network of South Florida to provide a prior-to-loss fair market value appraisal.
Is your car repairable, or a Total Loss?
You have just been in an automobile accident and now you are wondering if your vehicle is repairable or if it’s totaled. Your body shop manager says that they are certain they can repair it, but the insurance company says they want to total it! What to do? Who do you believe? What are your options?
The two secrets the auto insurance industry doesn't want you to know!
The two secrets the auto insurance industry doesn't want you to know are "Appraisal Clause" and "Diminished Value." Almost every auto insurance policy has an Appraisal Clause, giving the policyholder, in the event their vehicle is declared a total loss, the right to an independent appraisal of the prior-to-loss fair market value. Diminished Value is the sudden loss of value because of an accident. If you were not at-fault in the accident, you can make a Diminished Value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company. Call/text 786-853-0711 with any questions.
Should you tell your insurance company about upgrades and options?
Whether it's life, travel or automobile, insurance is the one item we purchase which we hope we never use. But, **** happens! Recently we handled total loss claims on a '90s Land Rover Defender and a 2021 Honda Civic Type R, both with over $10k in recent options and upgrades of which the owners never advised their insurance companies. We were able to settle for more $$$ than the insurance company initially offered, but the >$10k in upgrades was not covered! Yes, they saved a few $$ on the insurance premium, but lost thousands in the settlement. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish! If you have invested in upgrades on your vehicle, advise your insurance company in writing!
Wrecked Porsche?
If your Porsche has been in an accident, whether it has been declared a total loss, or is repairable, by having a Prior-to-total loss Fair Market Value, or a Diminished Value appraisal, you will almost certainly have a higher cash settlement than the insurance company is initially willing to pay. Applies to all vehicles, not just Porsches!