A lot of Georgia drivers think the insurance company is finished once the car is repaired. But here is the truth: even a perfectly repaired vehicle can be worth less the moment it has an accident history. Buyers see a crash on Carfax or AutoCheck and they expect a discount. That loss in market value is called diminished value, and in many Georgia car accident cases, it is real money that people simply forget to claim.
Georgia is one of the most well known states for diminished value because the Georgia Supreme Court recognized that insurers must evaluate and pay diminished value when it exists in certain physical damage claims. That matters because insurers often focus on the repair bill and hope you never ask about the value you lost.
What diminished value means in real life
Let’s say your car was worth $28,000 before the wreck. It gets repaired, it looks fine, and it drives fine. But now it has an accident record, and the market says it is worth $24,500. That $3,500 difference is diminished value. It is not about whether the repairs were good or bad. It is about the stigma and the reduced resale value that follows the car after a crash.
When diminished value is most common
Diminished value claims tend to be strongest when the vehicle is newer, has lower mileage, and had meaningful damage. Luxury vehicles can be hit hard because buyers are especially sensitive to accident history. On the other hand, very old vehicles or cars with prior damage may have less to claim.
How to start a diminished value claim in Georgia
You do not need to overcomplicate it, but you do need to be organized. Here is a clean process that works for most motor vehicle accident cases.
- Finish repairs and collect every repair document. Get the final invoice, any supplements, the parts list, and photos of the damage and repairs.
- Document the car’s pre accident condition. Save maintenance records, recent photos, and any listings or valuation info that shows what your car was worth before the collision.
- Get an independent diminished value appraisal if the number matters. Insurance companies may use formulas that undervalue your loss, so a professional appraisal can strengthen your demand.
- Send a clear demand package. Include the appraisal, repair paperwork, the police report, and the amount you are requesting. Keep it factual and attach proof.
- Be ready for pushback and negotiation. Many insurers offer a small number first. The goal is to prove your number with market evidence, not just feelings.
Common mistakes that cost Georgia drivers money
One mistake is assuming the body shop can handle it. Shops fix cars, they do not fight insurers. Another mistake is accepting a quick property settlement without confirming whether diminished value is included or waived. A third mistake is skipping documentation, because without repair records and value proof, the insurer has room to deny or minimize the loss.
How Gunn Law Group can help
If you were in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, the goal is not just to repair the car. The goal is to make you whole. That includes your medical recovery, your lost wages, your pain, and also the financial hit your vehicle takes after the wreck. If insurance is acting like diminished value is not a real thing, we can help you evaluate the coverage, build the demand, and push for full value.
Need a home run after a car accident in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia. Call the Big Gunn at 888 BIG GUNN for a free case review.
This post is general information and not legal advice. Every case is different.
