$150,000 recovered
2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
$100,000 recovered
2020 Porsche 911 C2S
$77,490 recovered
2023 Porsche 911 GTS Carrera
$70,000 recovered
2024 BMW X6
$58,000 recovered
2023 Aston Martin DBX 707
$50,000 recovered
Proven Results: Hear From Our Clients
Real stories from luxury car owners who recovered their lost value with our help.
“I had no idea I could recover diminished value until I found Supercar Claims. They handled everything professionally and recovered over $28,000 for my GT3. The process was seamless and their expertise was evident from day one.”
Michael Thompson
“After my McLaren was hit, I thought insurance covering repairs was enough. Supercar Claims opened my eyes to the lost value and recovered $45K I never knew I was entitled to. Outstanding service and results.”
Sarah Chen
“The team’s knowledge of exotic cars is unmatched. They understood exactly how the accident would affect my Ferrari’s value and fought to get every dollar I deserved. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
James Rodriguez
Eligibility and Who Pays
All vehicles lose value in an accident, even with seamless repairs. In California, if you want to file a diminished value claim and attempt to recover this lost value, you must:
- Be the victim of an accident caused by negligence
- Be able to demonstrate your car’s value loss after the accident and repairs
- File as a third-party claimant
California is a comparative negligence state, so you may also be eligible to file a diminished value claim if you were partially at-fault for the damages, though your potential settlement amount will be reduced according to your personal responsibility.
Diminished value claims in California are paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance. First-party diminished value is usually excluded unless a policy clearly allows it.
How to File a Diminished Value Claim in California
01
Step One: Notify the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
California diminished value claims are filed third-party against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Get the diminished value process started right away by notifying the company and asking how they handle these types of claims.
02
Step Two: Gather Proof
Insurance will require evidence of your car’s lost value. Keep in mind that diminished value refers to value loss after both the accident and repairs, so you’ll need to wait until repairs are finished to collect all of your evidence.
For insurance purposes, proof of diminished value includes:
- Pre-loss value documents, such as appraisals, vehicle history reports, and market data reports
- Repair documents, including invoices and estimates
- Clear photos that show your car before and after the accident and repairs
- Comparable vehicles listings specific to your market
03
Step Three: Get an Independent Diminished Value Appraisal
Independent diminished value appraisals are always a good idea, and are especially important for owners of rare, exotic, or luxury cars. They should ideally be done by an expert who specializes in your car’s make and model and can provide a true accounting of your financial losses.
You are not required to get an independent diminished value appraisal when you file in California. That being said, they can greatly strengthen your claim and are a reliable tool for estimating value loss in luxury and collectors’ markets.
04
Step 4: Submit a Written Demand
Officially file your diminished value claim insurance via a written demand letter. Make sure all of your evidence is organized and attached, and respond promptly to additional information requests.
05
Step 5: Negotiate a Settlement
Insurance will assess your claim and offer you a diminished value settlement, which you can choose to accept or negotiate.
A successful negotiation may require professional assistance. You can work with a contingency-based diminished value attorney or seek out mediation options through the California Department of Insurance (DOI).
Diminished Value Deadlines Under California Law
There is no specific deadline in California for filing a diminished value claim; however, it is recommended that you file your claim immediately after the accident. This supports a more streamlined claims process and ensures you have enough time to file a property damage lawsuit, if necessary. Exceptions do apply. If you are filing a claim against a government vehicle, for example, there is a short filing window under the California Tort Claims Act.
Not sure how to get started? We offer resources for assistance and are available 24/7 for a free consultation.
Evidence Required for a Diminished Value Claim
The 17c Formula, a standard tool used by insurance companies to calculate diminished value, is not California law. Instead, a fair diminished value estimate relies on evidence regarding your vehicle’s pre- and post-accident/repairs value, which can be sourced through things like:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair invoices and parts
- Scan reports
- Before and after photos
- Comparable vehicle sales
- KBB (Kelley Blue Book) or NADA (National
- Automobile Dealers Association) snapshots
- Independent appraisals
What To Do If Insurance Offers Too Little
Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible on diminished value claims, and initial settlement offers tend to be low. Fortunately, you have options.
One option is to counter with comps and your appraisal, which carry more weight than standard guidebooks for assessing market value loss. As a general rule, ask for the insurer’s written reasoning and try to fill in any noticeable gaps with current or new evidence. If your request for reasoning is denied, escalate to a supervisor.
If negotiations stall, consider legal help. Depending on the specifics of your claim, an attorney may recommend small claims court as a possible option for achieving a fair payout.
How Much Is Your Diminished Value Claim Worth?
Don’t let an insurance company tell you how much value your vehicle has lost. Instead, get a SuperCarClaims.com diminished value estimate and talk to our team about pursuing a successful claim for compensation.
Our estimates are performed by certified in-house appraisers who specialize in collectible, luxury, and exotic vehicles. We’ll carefully assess your vehicle, then provide you with a comprehensive demand package to send to insurance, making sure to include a breakdown of your car’s true diminished value.
We recommend a full, physical appraisal for luxury and collectible cars, especially if you are considering taking legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Help with Your California Diminished Value Claim
We offer expert help filing diminished value claims for luxury, rare, exotic, and collectible vehicles in California. Book your no-cost estimate today, and get a fast turnaround and the utmost privacy as you seek to recover your financial losses after a preventable car accident.
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