Tennessee law is unsettled, so a diminished value claim in Tennessee takes more care than in most places. No ruling makes lost value after a repair a standard part of damages, and the fault rule is strict.
Bloodworth Left the Question Open
In GEICO v. Bloodworth, from 2007, drivers sued over lost value under their uninsured motorist coverage. The Court of Appeals ruled on class action steps and did not settle the rule. The Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer survey puts it plainly. There is no definitive case law that a loss in value measured after the repair is a recognized item of damages here.
Repairs or the Value Drop, Not Both
The same survey gives the usual measure against an at-fault driver. It is either the repair cost or the difference in market value just before and just after the crash. Courts pick one, not the two added together.
That shapes the strategy. If a car lost more value than the shop bill, argue for the before and after measure. You will need a written appraisal that sets both values with real sales. For one large insurer's habits, see whether GEICO pays lost value.
Your Own Policy Stops at Repairs
Do not expect your own carrier to pay extra. In Black v. State Farm, from 2002, an appeals court read the policy as plain and limited the insured to repairs.
Fault, Time and Money Limits
The fault rule is tight. In McIntyre v. Balentine, from 1992, the Tennessee Supreme Court held that recovery is possible while your negligence stays below the other driver's. A finding of 50% fault ends the claim, so an even split leaves you with nothing.
Lawsuits for injury to personal property must start within three years under Tenn. Code ยง 28-3-105. The state requires $25,000 for property damage per accident, which caps what a minimum policy pays.
General sessions court is the local option. Its civil limit is $25,000 in every county, according to the County Technical Assistance Service. If an insurer treats you unfairly, file with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.