It happens to all of us.

Auto Accidents are, unfortunately, a normal thing to experience. There are very strict laws, both Federal and State, that were created to prevent you from experiencing a financial loss because of an accident. We are here to help with that process.

With decades of combined experience, our team can help you navigate through the process of making sure that you recover the correct amounts that are owed to you.

Here are some of the most frequent questions we are asked:

When you have an auto accident your vehicle suffers a loss to the value that it is worth. Even after it is repaired, the vehicle would be worth less because of the fact that it was in an accident. If you are “not at fault” for the accident Federal Law states that you are entitled to recovery this loss. It is called Diminished Value.

In some places, the State Law can give you the right to recover this loss even if you are the person found to be “at fault.”

There are many factors that come into consideration. When a vehicle is painted at a factory, in most cases, electrolysis is used to bond the paint to the metal. This causes the paint to last considerably longer and be more durable than a car painted in a body shop that is, basically, attached to the vehicle with only a “glue” like primer. So, painting a vehicle after an accident produces areas of weaker paint. These areas fade differently, are affected by weather differently, and will not last as long as factory paint.

Also, remember that time you were eating ice-cream, and the spoon started to bend? When straitened, the spoon bent even easier the next time? That is because metal is ALWAYS weaker after bending. When repairing a vehicle, a body shop must often bend metal (and frames) back into shape. Just like the spoon, these areas are now considerably weaker.

Because of these factors, and others, it is the law that you must disclose that a vehicle has been in an accident when it is sold. It is also the reason that CarFax is popular.

The Diminished Value is established, from a time perspective, at the point of the accident. It represents the difference between the value of the auto a moment before the accident and the value a moment after the accident. This is under the assumption that the vehicle will be repaired correctly. If the vehicle is not repaired correctly, then the warranty at the body shop will handle any needed correction.

Auto Value Experts will render a non-biased opinion of value.  We take into account the effects of any accidents or history events that may impact the value of the subject vehicle.  

Taking a common sense approach, analyzing any required repairs to determine the effects, and consulting with several sources not available to the public results in a fair, objective and non-biased means of calculating this type of loss. Our report includes all the source data used in our assessment.

Most insurance companies offer only a portion of the real value of your vehicle. Often, it is because they rely on faulty reports, like the CCC One report which has been repeatedly contested in court. These reports search for vehicles that may not match yours or choose the least expensive comparable vehicles available. That is not a fair representation of your vehicle’s real value. 

We can help you by creating a Total Value report to show what your specific vehicle is worth.

Auto Value Experts will render a non-biased opinion of value.  We consider the effects of any accidents or historical events that may impact the value of the subject vehicle.  

Our company takes common sense approach, analyzing any required repairs to determine the effects, and consulting with several sources not available to the public results in a fair, objective, and non-biased means of calculating this type of loss. Our report includes all the source data used in our assessment.

It is actually straight forward to see if you're covered. If you are considered a Third Party, which means that you are not at fault for the accident, then you are covered to claim Diminished Value in all 50 States. This is because it is governed by Federal Law.

If you are the First Party, which means that you are at fault for the accident, you can only claim Diminished Value in a few States. This is covered by the State laws. See the chart below.

Lastly, each State has a time limit, from the date of the accident, in which you must file and complete your claim (there are some exceptions to this.) See the chart below.

Lastly, if you purchased a vehicle that was previously damaged, and that damaged not disclosed to you by the dealership, you will usually not have to worry about time limits, AND CAN RECEIVE UP TO 3X the loss of value.