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]

Just a quick update: after messing with the insurance, MB garage and insurance adjuster, I got my car back after about 3 weeks.
The problem was that the adjuster only wrote-up half the parts that MB wanted to replace and most of them as used/refurb parts.

Total damage was $4500! Mainly mechanical work (parts and labor).

Now that I have the total repair cost, I will approach the other insurance about diminished car value.