Articles
Diminished value and total loss articles
Plain-language guides to how accidents affect a vehicle’s value, how insurers value totaled cars, what to watch for in repairs, and how to check a vehicle’s history. For state-specific rules, see the state law pages.
Diminished value basics
Diminished value appraisal guide
Thirteen guides on measuring the loss, comparing evidence and deciding whether to order.
Diminished value claim situations
Sold or traded cars, Carfax and AutoCheck records, hit-and-run and uninsured drivers, loss of use.
Diminished value claims by insurance company
Court decisions involving each insurer, low offers, delays and bad faith.
Diminished value by vehicle type
New cars, trucks, EVs, Teslas, luxury, classic, motorcycles, RVs and fleets.
Diminished value vs repair cost
Why a repair bill and a loss in market value are two different things.
How accident history affects resale value
Vehicle-history reports, dealer trade-ins and why buyers pay less.
What happens after you receive your appraisal
Sending the report and demand letter, insurer responses, and next steps.
Diminished value stigma survey results
What buyers told us about vehicles with accident history.
Accident damage and repairs
Diminished value by type of damage
Frame damage, rear-end and side impacts, airbags, hail, flood, paintwork and prior accidents.
Frame-related diminished value
Why structural and frame repairs weigh most on value.
What your auto body shop may not tell you
Questions to ask about repairs, parts and records.
Body shops and hidden frame damage
Why repair orders don’t always show the full story.
Certified pre-owned rules and accident history
Why many certified programs exclude damaged vehicles.
