help finding the diminished value for a prius in accident

Possibly your insurance agent can be of assistance..

 

i have never read about the process, just that people recommend asking the insurance company for diminished value payment.
depending on the damage report a thousand may be reasonable. if no vital systems need to be repaired, potential buyers won't be too concerned, although some people shy away altogether, preferring to pay more for a pristine vehicle.
this is a failing of the used car valuation industry, it is an average generalization.
you get no credit for one owner, or service records or no accidents, just estimated condition.

 

Does DC allow diminished value claims? Start by finding that out. Then take your car to a couple of dealers or carmax and get an offer in writing once they know of the accident. Pull some examples from craigslist as they allow salvage titles as one of their search arguments. Compare to KBB.

Here is an example 2012 Toyota Prius V -pearl white - 38k miles - cars & trucks - by dealer - vehicle automotive sale and that one supposedly had no damage just theft.

 

Does your insurance cover repairs to the car (and medical for drivers/others, if needed) or its value?

Do you have replacement value coverage?

 

I would probably START with asking your insurance company about the process. I would also look up the rules and laws in your state. The internet will be your friend here.

 

In for answer.
Yes, I have seen firms that specialize in diminished value report found on the 'net.
Cost for report is @$400 as I recall and perhaps not recoverable.
For homework, as above, get a quote from CarMax and local dealer on a
post accident purchase.
Also gather your local region's adverts for like Prius's.
Check you state laws on DM claims, some don't allow.
Then ask your ins. co about DM.
I can't say for sure how the formula computes the DM value...as a ratio of
the accident amount or by vehicle pre & post accident.
If you sell the car today, then you have facts/ actual evidence.
Hence the written appraisal is the key to attain a value, more than likely
greater than your ins. co may or may not offer.
Lastly, let us all know your finding!
DM is an important issue IMO.

 

I had a similar issue around 10 years ago with my 2006 Prius. The members here were very helpful and I received the diminished value, as well as the cost of the estimate. Here was my response, then: "I hired a company called "Collision Claims" (Diminished Value Auto Appraisal Experts - Auto Claims Consultants - Vehicle Total Loss Appraisals.) (no affiliation) that I found after someone recommended a discussion at fatwallet.com (also, no affiliation). They charged $375.00 for their service. This included an inspection of the car, which itself was really helpful. They inspected the car inside and out, but didn't drive it. They looked at all repair documentation, including the alignment report. The inspector said the repair shop did an excellent job. In a few days I received a Diminished Value Report along with instructions. The company was very helpful, and emphasized that they do not give legal advice, but did have sample letters for submitting the claim myself. The appraiser and Collision Claims estimated the diminished value at $3,750." I never would have thought of that had it not been for Prius Chat members!

 

Is that interpreted as the post-repair "diminishment" being $3750, or the post-repair "value" being $3750?

How did you claim it, and what was the result?

Also, did your insurance company write down the value of the car by that amount?

 

well done, please let us know the outcome.