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

[draganc]

Thanks for all the input! Some clarifying points: it was my DD, a CLK500 convertible, garaged all year and in like NEW conditions.

I agree to the points that if the car is repaired properly it "shouldn't" affect the value of the car and pictures and repair bill should support this - for most of us on the board here.

However, let's face it, if I try to trade in my car at the dealership they will pull a carfax and don't car about any pics nor reapair bills. They will offer me even less for the car than w/o and dings or reports.

If I sell it to an individual, they will either not call (I wouldn't) or they would use it to lower the price (I would).

Any newer car will sell better and for more money than a car with any kind of records.

In Germany - I know I'm not on Germnay anymore - it is common practices to incl the diminishing value in the settlement.

@Mblizzard, can you pls PM me or post how you handled your past claim? NJ does support such claims.

Thanks again for all the inputs,
Dragan

PS: very funny Elliot! Don't ever stop around exit 9! :-)