Diminished Value

1.   How much does it cost to get help from Petty Details?

We offer too many services to offer a short answer here, so we’ll just say that our prices are the best in the industry and we also offer more free services than any other specialty provider.

2.   Where are the official rules about how to file a diminished value claim?

We have never seen an official rule book about diminished value.  Even in Georgia, there is no rule.  Each case involving diminished value must be evaluated on its own merit.

3.  Do I have a first party claim or a third party claim?

If you are filing a claim against your own insurance company, whether it is a uninsured / underinsured motorist claim, or a collision / comprehensive claim, then you have a first party claim.  If you are filing a claim against someone else’s insurance, you have a third party claim.

4.   Does the insurance company really owe me for diminished value?

If you live in a couple of privileged States, then the answer is always yes (if there is actually any lost value)!  If you live anywhere in the US, then if you have a third party claim, then the answer is always yes (if you actually have any lost value)!

5.  Where can I find the law about diminished value in my State?

We can show you where to find the laws in your State, and we can provide you with a list of case law citations that you can browse through that are related to diminished value.  We cannot provide legal advice.  Call or email with your specific questions and I’m sure we can assist you with finding the answers you need.  It’s what we do!

6.    How can I be sure you’re a true expert?

You can’t!  You have to have a little bit of trust in your gut.  We are the real deal, believe it or not.  Our founder has over 15 years experience and when combined with our team of specialists our company boasts over 40 years of combined insurance claims and auto damage experience, making us uniquely qualified to handle even the most difficult and complex of damage scenarios with ease. Our services help settle property damage disputes daily and are used by attorneys, insurance companies, and individuals alike.  Let us put you in our system and you decide for yourself whether or not we’re experts.

7.   The insurance adjuster told me my vehicle was too old for diminished value, is that true?

Maybe.  We pride ourselves on being the most credible and thorough specialists when it comes to determining a realistic figure for residual diminished value.  As an example, one of our customers owned a 1998 Honda Accord.  The vehicle had over 120000 miles on the odometer.  The vehicle sustained a little over $2K in damages to the front driver side.  The vehicle was really only worth about $4500.00 at the time, but it was highly desirable because it was tough times (2008) and economical used cars were hot (like they still are).  Honda has a very good reputation, and a long story short, there was some DV on the vehicle.  Not much, but we were able to get the claim settled with the insurance company by professionally documenting the case.  We never charge for a report until we have determined the actual diminished value amount that the report will reflect.  Whew!  Does that cover it?

8.  My insurance company told me that my policy excludes diminished value, is that right?

Could be.  The Insurance Services Office approved language for an exclusion to be included in personal auto policies that relates directly to diminished value.  It is possible that your policy does exclude this type of coverage.  Ask for a copy of your policy and review it with a professional to determine whether or not you want to pursue a DV claim.  We do potential audits all the time, and normally for free (depending on circumstances).

9.  What if I buy your report and still can’t get paid?

That is highly unlikely because we screen cases very carefully to avoid wasting money or time.  In the rare case that you cannot settle the case on your own, we can point you to a network of professionals that can potentially assist you with finding an attorney to help you, and we can definitely show you where to find all the information you need to be able to pursue a small claims action on your own.  Each case is different, but our success rate is the highest in the industry.  We simply refuse to fail.  If you are unsatisfied with our services, you can surely request a refund and we will immediately address your request.  We do not control how insurance carriers handle diminished value claims, so we cannot guarantee a fair settlement (neither will most attorneys, though).  What we can guarantee is that your report will be accurate.

10.  I still don’t trust you, how do I know you’re not like that Peggy guy from US Prime credit?

We would never hire Peggy.