Your car was repaired. Its value may not be fully restored. We document the difference.
An independent, certified diminished value appraisal — an objective, documented analysis of whether and to what extent your vehicle has lost market value.
Not every vehicle warrants a diminished value appraisal. We’ll help you determine whether an appraisal makes sense before you order.
Certified Auto Appraiser · ASCAA · Cert. #ASCAA-CERT-2418 · USPAP-compliant
Appraisal
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What is diminished value?
Even a proper repair doesn’t erase an accident from a vehicle’s history. A documented accident history can affect what buyers are willing to pay compared with an otherwise similar vehicle with no accident history.
That gap between what your car was worth before the accident and what it’s worth after is your diminished value. In Georgia, diminished value may be recoverable from an at-fault driver’s insurer on a third-party claim, or under applicable first-party physical-damage coverage with your own insurer.
Establishing the number takes credible, independent documentation — an appraisal that documents how the opinion of diminished value was developed and the market evidence supporting it.
Georgia recognizes diminished value as a compensable element of vehicle property damage. In State Farm v. Mabry, the Georgia Supreme Court confirmed that diminished value may be recoverable under first-party physical-damage coverage even when a vehicle has been properly repaired. Diminished value may also be pursued against an at-fault party on a third-party claim. Establishing the amount of any loss calls for an independent, documented appraisal of the specific vehicle.
Why an independent appraisal?
An insurance company’s diminished value assessment may rely on a formula or internal methodology rather than a market-based appraisal of your specific vehicle. One well-known approach is commonly referred to as the 17c formula, which applies standardized adjustments for factors such as vehicle value, damage severity, and mileage.
An independent diminished value appraisal takes a different approach — analyzing the specific vehicle, its damage and repair history, condition, mileage, and relevant market data to develop an independent opinion of any loss in market value.
Two vehicles with similar values and mileage can experience very different market reactions after an accident — depending on the type and severity of damage, the repairs performed, vehicle history, and buyer behavior. An independent appraisal evaluates the individual vehicle rather than applying a standardized calculation.
How it works
Complimentary screening
Send a few details about your vehicle and the accident, and we’ll help you determine whether an independent appraisal is appropriate for your situation.
Order your report
If an appraisal is appropriate, the next step is a full certified appraisal at a simple, flat fee.
The appraisal
A certified appraiser analyzes your vehicle’s pre-accident value, repair impact, and relevant market comparables to develop an independent opinion of diminished value.
Submit the evidence
You or your attorney can submit the completed appraisal as independent documentation supporting the diminished value claimed.
What attorneys are saying
Lakia at GA Diminished Value Experts just assisted us and got our client $7K over what [the insurance company] was offering on his diminished value claim. We settled at $8,000.00. Thank you for your help.
Results vary by vehicle, damage, and claim. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
One report. One price.
No hourly billing, no percentage of your claim. You know the cost before you commit.
- Full certified diminished value report
- Pre-accident valuation with market comparables
- Post-repair market analysis
- Documented, professional appraisal format
- Georgia statewide service
Luxury, exotic & specialty
Custom quoteHigh-value and specialty vehicles are quoted individually based on the analysis required.
Rush — 48-hour
+$100Expedited turnaround when your claim is on a deadline.
Supplemental appraisal analysis
$150Review and analysis of additional valuation information or methodology received after the original appraisal, and whether it affects the opinion of value.
Get your complimentary appraisal screening
Tell us about your vehicle and the accident, and we’ll let you know whether an independent appraisal is appropriate for your situation.
Start your complimentary, no-obligation appraisal screening. It takes about two minutes — have these handy if you can:
- Vehicle year, make, model & mileage
- Repair estimate or final invoice
- Photos of the damage (if you have them)
- Basic accident / claim details
Prefer to talk? Call (770) 648-6248 or email La***@**********************ts.com
Common questions
I’m at fault — can I still file a claim?
Possibly. In Georgia, diminished value may be recoverable under your own first-party physical-damage coverage on a covered claim — the principle confirmed in State Farm v. Mabry — even where you were at fault or no other driver was involved. If someone else was at fault, diminished value may instead be pursued against their insurer. Either way, what matters isn’t only who caused the accident — it’s whether the vehicle actually lost market value. Not sure which situation applies to you? Just ask and we’ll help you sort it out.
What documents do I need?
To get started, it helps to have your vehicle information (year, make, model, mileage), the repair estimate or final repair invoice, photos of the damage if you have them, and the claim or accident details. Don’t have everything? Send what you’ve got — we’ll tell you what else would strengthen the appraisal.
How long does the report take?
Standard turnaround is typically a few business days. Need it faster? A 48-hour rush option is available.
How is a certified appraisal different from my own estimate?
An independent, certified appraisal documents the loss in value with market comparables and a sound, well-documented methodology — not just an opinion. It provides a documented, substantiated figure with the analysis behind it, rather than an unsupported estimate.
What areas do you serve?
Diminished value appraisals are provided statewide across Georgia, including Metro Atlanta, Macon, Milledgeville, Covington, Conyers, and surrounding areas.