OT: diminished car value claims - got hit today WTF, Looking for advice and experience Options

[draganc]

Fellows,

I was just minding my own business on a sunny day until I got rear ended by a mini van. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)

Damage is within limits, the bumper needs to be repainted and the douche hit my rear right wheel, hence it will need a new tire and alignment at least. No biggi.

Since he didn't wanted to admit his fault, I called the police for an report. At least they wrote him a ticket for hitting my car.

Nevertheless, since it is reported now and most likely gonna show up at a car fax search I'm concerned that it will lower my potential resale value (the car has only 29k mls and is in like new condition).

Hence, who has any advice and experience about diminished car value in NJ or other states. In particular how to calculate and claim the addition damage.

Thanks in advance,
Dragan

[Mblizzard]

While the insurance theory is to restore to "pre-accident condition" there is no way to repair a wrecked car so that it can be sold as a non-wrecked car. Period! It cant be done and you should not accept a settlement that does not include this. That is exactly what a diminished value claim is suppose to cover. This applies even more to vintage cars. This accident took away from you the ability to sell your car as never wrecked. You have incurred a monetary loss regardless of the quality of the repair. The insurance agents will try to steer you away from this because they want to settle things quickly. But if you are reasonable and have supporting data that you can present they should pay you for your loss. I have done this multiple times and have never failed to get it paid. It was a pain for sure but it can be done.

I would aggressively seek compensation for this loss if allowed by state law. The hardest part is determining what the amount of the loss is.

Also, I think Carfax only covers cars back to 1981.