Diminished Value Claims: Colorado
If you were in an auto accident caused by another person in the state of Colorado, you have a right to file a diminished value claim. A previously damaged vehicle is less valuable compared to a similar vehicle with a clean history. Fortunately, you can recover this lost value through a diminished value claim if you weren’t at-fault.
Summary – Colorado Diminished Value Claims
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
Third Party Diminished Value Claim: Yes
First Party Diminished Value Claim: No, most insurance policies will exclude diminished value
Colorado Property Damage Minimum Limits: $15,000 in coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Diminished Value: No coverage
Underinsured Motorist Coverage for Diminished Value: No coverage.
Colorado Small Claims Court Limit: $7,500, Appeals are permitted, however, attorney representation is not.
Colorado Diminished Value Law
The Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed the right to collect for diminished value in two long-standing cases, Trujilo v Wilson and Larson v Long.
Trujillo v. Wilson, 189 P.2d 147 (Colo. 1948)
Supreme Court of Colorado
Filed: January 12th, 1948
Precedential Status: Precedential
Citations: 189 P.2d 147, 117 Colo. 430
The measure of damage is the difference between its value immediately before its damage and immediately thereafter, together with any expense of reasonable efforts to preserve or restore it.
Larson v. Long, 74 Colo. 152 (1923)
Oct. 1, 1923 · Colorado Supreme Court · No. 10,585 74 Colo. 152
Automobiles: Evidence of the depreciation in value of an automobile on account of its having been in an accident, is admissible, the depreciation being an element of damage.
How to File a Diminished Value Claim in Colorado
Step 1. Prove your loss. You must supply evidence that you have lost value. An independent, unbiased appraisal will provide the documentation necessary to determine the diminished value of a vehicle.
Step 2. Submit your proof to the insurance company. You’ll need to submit a diminished value appraisal and demand letter to the at-fault insurance company for review.
Step 3. Claim settlement. Once you submit a diminished value appraisal report from a competent appraiser, most insurance companies will make a settlement offer. The insurance company may pay the claim in full, make a lower offer, or deny the claim.
Negotiate until they get firm with their offer. If you’re having trouble with the insurance company, you may need to consider legal action against the responsible party.
We can help you recover your vehicle’s diminished value. If you have any questions or would like a free consultation, please call us at (850) 201-1950 or submit a request for a free estimate.
