Diminished Value: The Secret the Auto Insurance Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

Daily driver (Stated Value) insurance is well suited for your daily driver car that is depreciating in value, but your custom or restored collector car that is going up in value, needs different (Agreed Value) insurance coverage. Do NOT lump your daily drivers and collector cars on the same policy! In the event of a claim for your collector car, you could be greatly disappointed!

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.

For cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorhomes, RVs, boats and light aircraft appraisals, from Key West to Port Canaveral, South Florida Car Appraisers has you covered.

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.

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.

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.

If you are looking for a car appraisal near you, and you are in South East Florida, you've found us! Getting a car appraisal before you buy, sell, or trade a car helps you get a good idea of the vehicle’s value and puts you in a better-informed position to negotiate. Several factors can affect a car’s value, such as your location and what kind of buyer you’re selling to (if you’re selling). Where you go to get your car appraisal could also affect the estimate you receive. Online guides, lenders, car dealers and professional appraisers can all offer car appraisals.

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.

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!

If your Jaguar has been in an auto accident, there are two possible outcomes: declared a Total Loss, or repaired and back on the road. Either way, you should be aware of the auto insurance industry's two biggest kept secrets: Appraisal Clause and Diminished Value. Do an internet search of both terms, and learn how you can receive a greater settlement than the insurance company is willing to pay. Call/text: 786-853-0711