Understanding Diminished Value

Diminished value is the loss in a vehicle's market value that occurs after it has been damaged and repaired. Even if the repairs are flawless and restore the car to its pre-accident condition, the fact that it has an accident history makes it less desirable to potential buyers.

Think of it this way: if you were choosing between two identical used cars, but one had a clean history and the other had a record of a significant collision, you would naturally pay less for the one that was in an accident. That difference in price is its diminished value.

When Can You Claim It in Washington State?

In Washington, you are generally entitled to claim diminished value from the at-fault driver's insurance company (a "third-party" claim). It is much more difficult to claim it from your own insurance (a "first-party" claim), though not impossible depending on your policy. The key is that someone else's negligence caused your vehicle's value to decrease.

How Precision Auto Body Can Help

A successful diminished value claim requires proper documentation and expert proof. Our team at Precision Auto Body provides the critical foundation for your claim by:

• Performing OEM-Certified Repairs: We repair your vehicle according to strict manufacturer specifications, ensuring its safety and integrity.
• Providing Detailed Documentation: We supply you with all the necessary repair orders, photos, and records that prove the extent of the damage and the quality of the repair.
• Connecting You with Experts: We can refer you to independent, licensed appraisers who specialize in producing formal diminished value reports that insurance companies recognize.