Everything You Need to Know

Diminished value is the reduction in your vehicle's market value after it has been in an accident — even after it has been fully repaired. Buyers and dealers pay less for vehicles with accident history, and that difference in value is what you're entitled to recover.

There are three types: inherent diminished value (the stigma of accident history alone), repair-related diminished value (caused by substandard repairs), and immediate diminished value (the difference in value right after the accident, before repairs).

If the accident was someone else's fault (a third-party claim), you have a strong right to pursue diminished value in most states including Indiana. The at-fault party's insurer owes you the full measure of your loss — including the reduction in market value.

For first-party claims (your own insurance), it depends on your policy. Some policies allow DV claims, some don't. A consultation with us can help you determine what your policy allows.

It depends on several factors: the pre-loss market value of your vehicle, the severity of the damage, the quality of the repairs, how the accident is reported on CARFAX, and current market conditions for your specific vehicle.

We don't use the "17c formula" that many insurance companies use to generate artificially low DV numbers. We produce a market-based appraisal using current comparable sales data and accepted methodology.

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for property damage claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you should pursue your DV claim as soon as possible — market conditions change, and delays can complicate your case. Don't wait.

The appraisal clause is a provision in most auto insurance policies that gives either party — you or the insurer — the right to demand an independent appraisal when there's a dispute over the value of a loss.

The process works like this: each party selects a qualified independent appraiser. The two appraisers attempt to agree on the value. If they can't agree, they jointly select a neutral umpire. A decision agreed to by any two of the three is binding.

Yes — and you should if the number doesn't reflect what you'd actually have to pay to replace your vehicle in today's market. Insurers use their own software (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex) to generate ACV numbers, and those systems frequently undervalue vehicles by using poor comparable selections.

We produce an independent ACV appraisal using Black Book, JD Power, and live market comparables — then invoke the appraisal clause on your behalf to present that number against the insurer's.

Most standard auto insurance policies in Indiana include an appraisal clause, though the language varies. It's typically found in the "Loss Settlement" or "Conditions" section of your policy. If you're not sure, send us your declarations page and we can take a look.

Once you've accepted and cashed the settlement check, it becomes significantly harder to reopen the claim. If you haven't accepted yet, don't sign anything until you've spoken with us. The consultation is free.

We charge a flat fee that is quoted upfront before any work begins. Our fee never changes based on the outcome of your claim — we are not a contingency-fee service. This is important: it means our appraisal reflects an honest assessment of the facts, not a number inflated to justify a higher fee.

Contact us for specific pricing on your type of claim.

Most appraisals are delivered within 3–5 business days of receiving all necessary documentation. Complex cases or vehicles requiring additional market research may take slightly longer. We'll give you a specific timeline when you contact us.

For a diminished value appraisal: the repair estimate or invoice, photos of the damage (before and after if available), your CARFAX report, and basic vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN, mileage).

For a total loss appraisal: the insurer's CCC or Mitchell valuation report, your policy declarations page, and vehicle information including any recent maintenance or upgrades.

Don't worry if you don't have everything — we can often help you obtain what's missing.

Yes. We serve vehicle owners across all of Indiana — Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Kokomo, Evansville, Bloomington, and everywhere in between. Most of our work is conducted remotely using documentation and market data, so your location within Indiana is not a barrier.

Yes — a properly documented independent appraisal carries real weight, especially when it's backed by current market data and presented through the formal appraisal clause process. Insurers know that a well-supported independent appraisal is difficult to dismiss.

Our reports are written to withstand scrutiny at every level — adjuster review, appraisal arbitration, and if necessary, litigation.

If the appraisal clause process results in a binding award and the insurer refuses to pay, you have legal remedies available including a bad faith insurance claim. We can provide documentation to support your attorney in that process. We'll be transparent with you about the realistic outcomes before you engage us.