Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like answers to frequently asked questions about diminished value, DVCHECK can help. We’ve helped thousands of consumers just like you, with their DIMINISHED VALUE claims.
Do I have the right to get my own diminished value assessment report?
Yes. You have the right to hire your own impartial, licensed appraiser to help determine the amount of your diminished value. The insurance company is required to take your independent assessment into consideration.
How much does a diminished value report cost and what will I receive?
Our appraisal reports typically cost $399. High-end and exotic vehicles may have a higher cost. You’ll receive:
• A certified appraisal report stating the amount of your diminished value loss.
• Detailed instructions for presenting your claim and a sample demand letter.
• Phone and email support throughout the claim process.
You’ll have everything you need to file and maximize your diminished value claim. Our satisfied customers tell us that their diminished value settlements far exceeded the cost of our reports.
What should I do with my diminished value report after I receive it?
Submit your appraisal and demand letter to the insurance company for review.
What support do you offer after I purchase my diminished value report?
We offer phone and email support to help you present your demand and recover your diminished value. This support can include guidance on how to respond to insurance company offers and steps you should consider taking if you are unable to reach an acceptable settlement. We’ll also suggest the appropriate communication channels to use when negotiating with an insurance company.
Do I need a lawyer to recover my diminished value?
In most cases no. If you hire a lawyer to present your diminished value claim, they will require you to pay them up to 33% of your settlement in order to represent you. Having a lawyer will not necessarily result in a higher settlement to you. In addition, insurance companies aren’t intimidated by lawyers because they are constantly involved with lawsuits and deal with them every day.
Our professionally prepared appraisal reports will give you the option of presenting your demand for diminished value directly to the insurance company without using a lawyer. If the insurance company refuses to pay or won’t make a reasonable offer, you can still file a lawsuit in small claims court yourself.
If I’ve already repaired my car can I still file a diminished value claim?
Yes, most insurance companies won’t accept a diminished value claim until the vehicle has been repaired.
Why should I care about diminished value?
Your car will lose value immediately after a reported car accident whether you repair it or not. If you fail to make a diminished value claim, you’ll be forced to absorb the loss in value when you sell your car. A diminished value claim will allow you to get a settlement for car's loss in market value due to the damage history.
Why are your reports better than other reports I can buy online?
Many reports you’ll see online are based on canned software that have not been reviewed on a line by line basis by a human being. Other reports will give you an appraiser opinion in the report without any supporting documentation. This opinion could be arrived at using questionable methods including
• Providing a high level “expert opinion” of your lost value with no supporting evidence
• Using an arbitrary percentage (such as 20%) to estimate your loss based on the book value of your car with no backup to support why 20% was the correct percentage to use.
DVCHECK diminished value reports are professionally prepared by a licensed auto appraiser and include the following:
• Industry respected guidebooks
• Market comparable vehicles
• A line by line review of your damage estimate
• A certification statement and our credentials
When it comes to maximizing your claim settlement, it’s important to select an industry expert that insurance companies will take seriously.
If you pick the wrong company and they underestimate your diminished value claim, you’ll lose the amount you thought you were saving by purchasing an inexpensive report many times over.
When will I receive my diminished value report?
You’ll receive your diminished value report within 2-4 business days.
When should I present my diminished value claim?
You should present your diminished value claim to the insurance company once your repairs are completed. That way, you’ll have a complete list of all the repairs that you can send us for review, prior to submitting your claim for diminished value to the insurance company.
Will you guarantee my results?
We offer a money back guarantee that you’ll recover at least the amount you paid for our report. To qualify for a refund, you must present our appraisal in small claims court and provide us with a copy of the court's ruling.
You’ll be working with a company that has among the highest DIMINISHED VALUE SUCCESS RATES in the industry.
If I believe my accident will not be reported to CARFAX, should I still try to recover diminished value?
Yes. There is no guarantee that your car accident will not appear in a CARFAX report at some point. So while it might not be there today, it could be there tomorrow.
In addition, while not appearing in a report might prevent a private party buyer from offering you less for your vehicle, you may also live in a state that has damage disclosure laws that require you to report an accident history to a potential buyer.
Even if your accident is not reported to CARFAX, it still could affect the amount you are offered from a dealer for a trade in. Dealers have a trained eye and know how to spot a vehicle’s accident history. For example, they can detect paint work using gauges that compare the thickness of the paint on repaired panels to your original panels.
Do I have to sell my car to file a diminished value claim?
No. The decision on when to sell your car is always your choice. However, because the diminished value loss happens immediately after your car accident occurs, you should file your claim immediately.
Can my diminished value be estimated without an in person inspection?
Yes. AN IN PERSON INSPECTION IS NOT NECESSARY to determine diminished value. A review of pertinent information such as the repair estimate and photos is all that is needed to assess diminished value.
