Diminished Value Calculator
The drop in what your car can sell for after a crash, even with solid repairs. Built for drivers in the US.
Step 1 of 2
How bad was the damage?
Step 2 of 2
The value in a private sale, based on KBB or Edmunds
The mileage reading when the crash occurred
Your car lost about in resale value.
An estimate, not an appraisal or legal advice.
- Multiplier tied to damage: goes from severe frame damage down to panels only.
- 1.00 down to 0.00 Damage table
- Multiplier tied to mileage: starts below 20,000 miles, goes to 100,000 and up.
- 1.00 down to 0.00 Mileage table
How the Online Diminished Value Estimator Works
You get two numbers from it. Because the crash stays on the car's record, a buyer would likely pay less: the market range captures that gap. The formula that many insurers use as a starting point produces the 17c figure; it is usually on the low side. A higher market range gives you a reason to ask for more. How the estimate works
- Loss that occurs before any repair
- Immediate
- Drop in value that a bad repair leaves behind
- Repair-related
- Drop in value from the crash showing up on the car's history
- Inherent
Is It Also a Diminution in Value Calculator?
Yes, lawyers and courts use the term "diminution in value" for the same loss, and the numbers stay the same.
Is it worthwhile to file a diminished value claim?
Usually, it is worth asking.
- Someone else caused the crash.
- The car was still fairly new, had few miles on it or cost a lot.
- The frame was repaired or the total repair bill was large.
It is often not worth the effort.
- A car that is older, has high mileage, and suffered a small dent or bumper damage.
- Your number comes out in the low hundreds of dollars. A car-value expert writes a report that states your car's worth: that document is an appraisal. Expect to pay roughly $300 to $600 for one.
- You cannot file a claim if you caused the crash, or if under your state's rule your share of fault is too large.
Does Your State Let You File This Kind of Claim?
In most states, you can submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver who was at fault. Every state has its own time limit and its own rules for how to file.
Get in Touch With the Insurer by Mail
You ask for payment with a short written note called a demand letter. On one page, our letter presents the repair bill, the car history report that records the crash and your dollar figure.
How to File a Claim, Step by Step
- Look up your state. Learn whether it permits the claim, and note your deadline.
- Have the repair completed. Hold on to both the estimate and the final bill.
- Figure out the loss amount. Use the free calculator to get your number.
- Submit a demand in writing. Request that amount from the other driver's insurer using a demand letter.
- Negotiate. When a low offer comes back, respond with your evidence.
Common Questions From Drivers
How much diminished value can I get?
It varies with the car's worth, the extent of the damage and its mileage. After bumper work, market estimates start near 2% of the value; for major frame damage (harm to the vehicle's main structure) they reach 30%. The 17c formula will never pay more than 10%. Enter three answers into the calculator and you will see both numbers for your car.
Does State Farm pay diminished value?
State Farm does pay, but only when one of its drivers caused the crash and your state permits this type of claim. If you use your own State Farm policy to submit the claim, Georgia is generally the only state where you are paid. More about State Farm
Will GEICO pay for diminished value?
If a GEICO driver was at fault, you can usually recover your car's lost value from GEICO. Most states allow this kind of claim. If you are using your own GEICO coverage, the answer is usually no. Georgia is the exception. Learn more about GEICO
Does Progressive pay diminished value?
Normally you can request that Progressive pay the lost value after a crash their driver caused. Your state must allow it, though. Using your own Progressive policy is harder. Your state matters here as well. A closer look at Progressive
Does USAA pay diminished value?
Yes, when a USAA driver was at fault and USAA takes responsibility for that driver. Making the request does not require you to hold a USAA policy. Under your own USAA policy, lost value is usually not paid. More on USAA
What is the deadline to file a diminished value claim?
Your state sets the deadline for suing over car damage. That is the final day you can take the claim to court. Most states allow you a period of 2 to 6 years from the date of the crash. Every state's time limit is listed in the state laws table.
Can I still submit a diminished value claim if I caused the crash?
Usually not. The claim goes to the insurance company of whoever caused the crash; most auto insurers will not pay this for their own customers. Georgia is the main exception.
Request a Review of Your Claim in Writing
Share the details of your crash and the repair work that followed. One diminished value appraiser (an expert in car pricing) or a lawyer who handles car claims will review your information and reply by email.
Rather speak to someone? Call and describe the crash and the repair.
Call (855) 589-7222