Guide
Diminished value in unusual claim situations
Most diminished value advice assumes a simple case: another driver’s insurer, a repaired car you still own, and a clean history report. These guides cover what changes when the accident record looks wrong, the car has been sold or traded in, the other driver was never found or had no insurance, or the loss was the time you spent without a car.
Each guide explains the rule, what courts and regulators have said in named states, and which records matter. They are general information, not legal advice, and rules vary by state. For what the loss is and how it is measured, start with our diminished value appraisal page, and for where your state stands, see diminished value laws by state.
Vehicle history reports
Vehicle history reports
How an accident reaches Carfax and AutoCheck, what the labels mean, and how to correct a record that is wrong.
Unusual situations
Unusual claim situations
A car that has already been sold or traded in, and an at-fault driver who was never identified or had no insurance.
Loss of use
Loss of use and rental cars
What the time without your car is worth, how it is measured, and what happens to the rental after a total loss offer.
Related
Tools and reference pages
Resale
How accident history affects resale value
Why buyers and dealers pay less once an accident is on record, and what makes the drop larger or smaller.
Who pays
First-party vs third-party diminished value
Claims against the at-fault driver’s insurer compared with claims on your own policy, with where each state stands.
Loss of use
Loss of use appraisal
When a vehicle you rely on is out of service, an appraisal documents the value of the lost use.
Deadlines
Statute of limitations
Each state’s deadline for a vehicle property damage claim, and why settlement talks do not pause it.
Not sure whether an appraisal will help?
The claim review is free: we look at your situation and tell you whether an appraisal is likely to help. The appraisal itself is a paid report. We help from start to finish, including a custom demand letter, and our support staff is a phone call away throughout the process.