Diminished Value Appraisal Services
Your vehicle lost value after an accident — even with perfect repairs. National Appraisers LLC provides certified diminished value appraisals that document the true market loss using real comparable sales data, not the discredited 17c formula.
What is Diminished Value?
Diminished value is the measurable loss in a vehicle's fair market value that occurs after it has been involved in an accident and repaired. Studies consistently show that vehicles with accident histories sell for 10-33% less than identical vehicles with clean histories, regardless of repair quality. This loss is compensable through a diminished value claim filed against the at-fault driver's insurance company in most states.
Our Diminished Value Appraisal Process
National Appraisers LLC uses a market-based methodology that analyzes real comparable sales data to determine your vehicle's true diminished value. We examine pre-accident retail value, post-repair market value with accident history disclosed, the severity and location of damage, repair quality and extent, vehicle age, mileage, and condition, and local market conditions. Our reports are accepted by insurance companies, attorneys, and courts nationwide.
Why We Don't Use the 17c Formula
The 17c formula is a discredited method originally created by State Farm Insurance as an internal claims-handling guideline. It caps diminished value at 10% of NADA retail value and applies arbitrary multipliers for damage severity and mileage, consistently producing figures far below actual market loss. Courts in multiple states have rejected the 17c formula as unreliable. National Appraisers LLC uses market-based methodologies that reflect actual buyer behavior and real transaction data.
Diminished Value Claims by State
Diminished value claims are recognized in most U.S. states. Third-party claims (against the at-fault driver's insurer) are available in nearly every state. First-party claims (against your own insurer) are more limited. National Appraisers LLC provides diminished value appraisals in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with expertise in state-specific laws and procedures.
Call 1-888-967-6488 for a free diminished value claim evaluation.