For Vehicle Owners
Your Car Can Be Worth Less After an Accident
A vehicle can be worth less even after complete repairs. When the accident was not your fault, Florida drivers often pursue diminished value as a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurer. An independent appraisal uses real market data to evaluate and document any accident-related loss in vehicle value.
Prepared by Michael DeMauro, an independent appraiser with 15 years of prior insurance claims experience.
The Process
How the Appraisal Process Works
Submit your case details
Fill out your vehicle, accident, and insurance details. Upload your repair estimate and any photos.
I conduct the analysis
I research comparable vehicles to establish your car's pre-loss and post-repair market value.
Receive your report
You receive a professional appraisal report documenting the market analysis and, where supported by the evidence, a calculated diminished value amount.
Present it to the at-fault insurer
Use the report when you contact the at-fault insurer's adjuster, or share it with an attorney for follow-up.
Standard Report: $395
What's Included in Your Appraisal
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diminished value?
Diminished value is the reduction in your vehicle's resale market value after an accident, even after complete, professional repairs. Buyers typically pay less for a vehicle with a reported accident history than a comparable vehicle with no reported accident history. That difference in market value is the diminished value. A report documents that loss with market evidence. It does not guarantee that an insurer will pay a claim.
Am I eligible to file a diminished value claim in Florida?
If you were not at fault and the at-fault driver's insurer paid for your repairs, Florida vehicle owners commonly pursue diminished value from that insurer as a third-party claim. Diminished value is commonly pursued as a third-party claim involving the at-fault driver and their liability insurer. A claim under your own insurance policy is a separate matter that depends on the applicable policy terms and circumstances. Whether a claim applies depends on the facts of the accident. This is general information, not legal advice.
How do I know how much my vehicle lost in value?
Market comparable analysis evaluates diminished value using actual listings of similar vehicles, including vehicles with and without reported accident histories. That is what the report documents. An insurer's initial valuation may rely on internal formulas rather than current market listings, so the numbers can differ.
Does the insurance company determine my diminished value?
The adjuster works for the insurance company, and their initial valuation may rely on internal formulas rather than current market listings. An independent appraisal gives you a documented, market-based number that you can review and present to the adjuster yourself.
How long does the process take?
Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days after receipt of all required documents. There is no automatic expedited option.
Do I need to hire an attorney?
Not necessarily. Some vehicle owners present the report directly to the at-fault insurer's adjuster. If the insurer denies the claim or disputes the amount, speaking with a Florida attorney may be appropriate. Precision DV provides independent appraisal reports. I do not provide legal advice, represent claimants, negotiate insurance claims, or guarantee payment or any particular outcome.
What information do I need to submit?
You will need your VIN, the accident date, the repair estimate or invoice, your claim number, and the at-fault insurer's information. Photos of the damage are helpful. Providing complete and accurate documentation helps support a thorough appraisal.
Should I choose the Standard or Comprehensive Report?
The Standard Report is $395 and covers straightforward claims with a market-based valuation, comparable listings, documented adjustments, and a signed appraisal conclusion. The Comprehensive Report is $595 and adds expanded written analysis, including detailed vehicle and accident analysis, repair analysis, and a discussion of formula-based valuation limitations. If you are not sure which fits your situation, contact me and I will help you decide.
What happens after I submit my case?
I review your submission and confirm whether an appraisal fits your situation before any payment is due. If it does, you receive an invoice for the report you selected. Once payment and all required documents are received, the report is prepared and delivered as a PDF, with a standard turnaround of 5–7 business days. The optional $95 Claim Submission Kit is a self-service resource you can add to help organize your submission and follow up.