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

[MoveQik]

I just ran the carfax on my 2007 Suburban as I am considering selling/trading it and I wanted to see what the next owner would see on the report if they ran it. One accident shows up. I rear ended someone. Oops! However, even with the accident, the "Carfax Price Adjustment" still says it is worth $1,160 more than the average retail. I guess the point of my story is, it appears that if the vehicle is properly repaired it doesn't give a ding to the value.

Now, this may be because my Suburban has 116k miles so it doesn't matter at this point. The reports also notes that the vehicle was 100% functional even after the impact.