Diminished Value Claims: Connecticut
If your vehicle suffered damage due to another driver’s negligence, you can file a diminished value claim in Connecticut. When your vehicle loses value from crash-related damage, you can recoup that loss through a diminished value claim.
Summary – Connecticut 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
Connecticut Property Damage Minimum Limits: $25,000 in coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Diminished Value: No, Connecticut doesn’t offer this coverage.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage for Diminished Value: No, Connecticut doesn’t offer this coverage.
Connecticut Small Claims Court Limit: $5,000 limit with no appeals allowed.
Connecticut Diminished Value Law
Connecticut is a diminished value state, meaning there is case law supporting your legal right to compensation when another party is at fault. You have two years from the date of loss to file a diminished value claim.
The true rule regarding diminished value law in Connecticut is that the plaintiff is entitled to recover the reasonable repair costs and any residual diminution in value. Littlejohn v. Elionsky, 36 A.2d 52 (Conn. 1944); Stults v. Palmer, 141 Conn. 709 (1954); Damico v. Dalton, 1 Conn. App. 186 (1984); Alexander v. Bailey, 55 Conn. L. Rptr. 653 (2013); Chenevert v. Turek, 2013 WL 6671512 (Conn. 2013); Corridino v. Kovacs, et al., 2013 WL 8118969 (Conn. 2013); Sheldon v. Soucy, 2014 WL 1814279 (Conn. 2014); Bartnick v. Stehr, 2014 WL 5094332 (Conn. 2014); Muckle v. Pressley, 2017 WL 1429932 (Conn. 2017).
How to File a Diminished Value Claim in Connecticut
Gather Your Proof
Having the required proof and supporting documents in any legal matter is crucial, especially when it involves a vehicle’s diminished value. To succeed with your diminished value claim in Connecticut, insurance companies prefer a high-quality, independent appraisal conducted by an experienced industry expert with the highest qualifications and credentials.
Typically, diminished value claims are brought against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. DVCHECK can assist you with questions you may have about how to proceed after receiving our free estimate or appraisal.
Settle Your Diminished Value Claim in Connecticut
Insurance companies often want to negotiate. By doing so, they can lower how much they pay you. Some insurance carriers may initially offer nothing. Due to those potential outcomes, it’s best to receive a professional diminished value appraisal for help with your claim. Haggle and negotiate until they get firm with their offer.
If you have any questions, please call us at (850) 201-1950 or complete a free estimate form to get further assistance with your diminished value claim.
