Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.
Virginia motorists are entitled to compensation after an automobile wreck caused by another, including all property damage to their vehicles.
A diminished value claim allows drivers to seek compensation when the value of their car decreases after an accident, even if repairs have been made.
In Virginia, motorists may file a diminished value claim to recover the difference between the car’s value before and after the accident.
River Run Law has extensive knowledge of accident claims in Virginia. We can review your case and ensure that nothing is overlooked.
To get started, please contact the Richmond personal injury attorneys at River Run Law.
What Is a Diminished Value Claim?
A diminished value claim seeks compensation for a vehicle’s loss of value after an accident, even if fully repaired.
You are seeking the compensation you stand to lose when selling the car because of the damages done in the accident.
In Virginia, a diminished value claim is defined by Virginia Code §46.2-1600 as the compensation that an insurance company pays to a third-party vehicle owner. This compensation, in addition to covering the cost of repairs, is intended to address the reduced value of the vehicle resulting from damage.
What Is Diminished Value Compensation in Virginia?
Virginia law defines “diminished value compensation” as the amount of compensation that an insurance company pays to a third party vehicle owner, in addition to the cost of repairs, for the reduced value of a vehicle due to damage.
In other words, a diminished value claim allows you to recover the resale value of your car.
The resale value must factor in the stigma naturally associated with a car after it’s been in an accident.
Even if you can repair the car, CarFax and other companies will record its history.
Imagine being on a car lot, choosing between two cars identical in every respect except that one has been in a wreck. Which one would you pick?
Have you suffered a loss in your car’s value after an accident? Our attorneys are ready to help you pursue your diminished value claim. Call (804) 889-0500 for a free consultation.
Should I File a Diminished Value Claim?
A diminished value claim is not for everyone. For starters, the accident that caused the damage must have occurred within the Virginia statute of limitations.
A statute of limitations is a law that says how much time you have to sue another person for personal injury or property damage.
With respect to automobile accidents, Virginia law generally provides that motorists have two years from the date of the accident to pursue a personal injury claim or five years from the date of the accident to pursue a claim for property damage.
Diminished value claims are appropriate when the vehicle is valuable. The damage is usually significant.
For example, a rare 1980 Corvette that suffers frame damage in an accident would carry a significant stigma to potential buyers.
In this scenario, the difference between the value of the car before the wreck and the car’s value after repairs would be substantial.
In comparison, the resale value of a 1980 Honda Accord with cosmetic damage would depreciate very little after a wreck. In this situation, it might not be worth the time and money to file a diminished value claim.
How Does a Diminished Value Claim Work?
Generally, in Virginia, you will file a third-party insurance claim for the diminished value of your car.
In other words, if the other driver is at fault for the accident, you will file your diminished value claim with their insurance company.
This is known as a third-party claim. Typically, you cannot file a diminished value claim with your own insurance company unless the other driver is uninsured.
Documenting the extent of your vehicle’s damage through photos is imperative.
You will also need the car inspected and appraised, and, in certain circumstances, you will need an expert to testify about the damage, cost, etc.
How Do I File a Diminished Value Claim?
Filing a diminished value claim involves two basic steps.
- Step 1. Proof of Diminished Value. Obtain proof of your vehicle’s diminished value by hiring a licensed, qualified, and independent diminished value expert to appraise your vehicle. Although not required, it is a good idea to have a local expert if you need them to testify later. The more detailed, reliable, and competent the report, the more likely it will be accepted and paid for by the insurance company.
- Step 2. File a Demand Letter. Next, you must file a demand letter, alongside supporting documentation (i.e., the diminished value appraisal), to the appropriate insurance company. It would be best to do this immediately after your vehicle is repaired.
Negotiations will begin once you file your claim with the appropriate insurance company.
How Do I Negotiate a Diminished Value Claim?
Negotiating a diminished value claim can be challenging.
Three tips to successfully negotiating your diminished value claim are to act quickly, obtain more than one appraisal, and hire an attorney.
If you are seeking the reduced value of your vehicle after an accident, it is essential to act quickly.
Although you have five years to file the claim, you want to file it as soon as possible while the damage, estimates, and appraisals are fresh.
It may also be necessary to obtain multiple appraisals to present evidence of a fair and accurate valuation to the insurance company.
Above all else, the best way to negotiate a diminished value claim is to speak with your attorney during your auto accident consultation.
If you are pursuing compensation for injuries, you may also have a claim for the diminished value of your vehicle.
If you’ve suffered a loss in your car’s value after an accident, our attorneys are ready to help you pursue your claim. Call (804) 889-0500 for a free consultation.
Contact a Virginia Diminished Value Claim Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation
You may have a claim for diminished value if you are not the driver at fault. Take detailed photographs of your vehicle before and after repairs.
In addition, you should hire a reputable appraiser to determine the resale value of the car after repairs.
The River Run Law team get clients full compensation for the diminished value of their vehicle. Our firm commits to our clients.
Our Richmond personal injury lawyers provide the highest possible level of professionalism, responsiveness, quality, and value.
Contact us online or call now to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.
FAQs About Diminished Value Claims
What types of accidents typically result in a diminished value claim?
Diminished value claims often arise from:
- Rear-End Collisions: Damage affects resale value despite repairs.
- T-bone or Side-Impact Collisions: Severe side damage impacts integrity and marketability.
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Extensive damage across multiple vehicles can lead to significant value loss.
- High-Value Vehicles: Luxury or classic cars experience pronounced value depreciation after accidents.
In general, any accident causing noticeable damage that cannot be fully repaired may warrant a diminished value claim.
Can I file a diminished value claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
In Virginia, if you are even 1% at fault due to contributory negligence, you may be barred from recovering damages. However, if the other driver is primarily responsible, you may still pursue a diminished value claim despite partial fault.
How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in Virginia?
In Virginia, you have five years from the accident date to file a diminished value claim. Acting quickly is crucial to gather evidence and ensure your claim is filed within this timeframe.
Do I need an expert appraisal to support my diminished value claim?
An expert appraisal is not mandatory but can significantly enhance your diminished value claim by providing a detailed assessment of your vehicle’s loss in value. Insurance adjusters may offer their estimates, but an expert opinion can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Filing a diminished value claim generally does not directly impact your insurance premiums, as it is a property damage claim. However, if the claim results in a large payout, it may prompt your insurer to reevaluate your risk, potentially leading to higher premiums in the future.
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