Diminished Value Claim Letter (Free PDF Template)
Use this to present a diminished-value claim — the loss in resale value after a vehicle is repaired. Rules differ by state and by whether the claim is against the at-fault driver's insurer or your own. Read our diminished-value guides first.
Fillable on screen or printable · no email or sign-up · last reviewed 2026-09-29 by David Bennett
When to use it
- Your car was repaired after a crash that someone else caused, and its resale value dropped because of the accident history.
- You've gathered evidence of the value drop: an appraisal, dealer quotes, or market listings.
- Your state allows the kind of diminished-value claim you're making — check our state-law guide first.
What the form asks for
- Your name · Date
- Your address
- Insurance company · Adjuster name
- Claim number · Their insured's name (if third-party) · Date of loss
- Vehicle (year, make, model, trim, VIN, mileage at time of loss)
- Pre-loss value ($) · Post-repair value ($) · Diminished value claimed ($)
- How these values were determined (appraisal, dealer quotes, market listings)
- Repair summary (repair cost, structural or frame repairs, parts replaced)
- Signature · Phone / email
- ☐ Final repair invoice and photos
- ☐ Independent appraisal or dealer trade-in quotes (with and without accident history)
- ☐ Vehicle history report showing the accident
- ☐ Diminished value calculation (fairclaimcalculator.com/calculators/diminished-value-baseline/)
How to fill it in
- Confirm your claim type: third-party (against the at-fault driver's insurer) is allowed in most states; first-party (against your own insurer) is limited.
- Estimate a baseline with the Diminished Value calculator, then back it up with real market evidence.
- Fill in the pre-loss value, post-repair value and the difference you're claiming, and explain how each was determined.
- Summarize the repairs, especially structural or frame work, which affects resale value most.
- Attach the evidence listed at the bottom and ask for a written response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diminished value claim?
It's a claim for the loss in your vehicle's market value because it now has an accident and repair history, even after good repairs. Buyers typically pay less for a car with a reported accident.
Is the 17c formula the right way to calculate diminished value?
It's a common insurer starting point, not a legal standard, and it often produces low numbers. Market evidence — what similar cars with and without accident history actually sell for — is usually stronger. Our 17c guide explains its history and limits.
Can I claim diminished value from my own insurance?
Usually not, except in a few states and situations. Most diminished-value claims are made against the at-fault driver's insurer. See our state-law guide for first-party diminished value.