Diminished Value Calculator
Estimate post-accident loss of value using pre-accident price, damage severity, and repair cost, with transparent steps and examples results.
Equation Preview
Helping Notes
- Common 17c approach:
DV = 10% × (pre-accident value) × damage multiplier. Damage multipliers range 0.00–1.00 (minor≈0.25, moderate≈0.50, major/severe≈0.75–1.00). - This quick calculator omits mileage (another 17c factor) because your reference form doesn’t ask for it.
- “Total Repair Cost” is displayed for context and reasonableness (repair/ACV ratio); keep receipts and photos for claims.
- Real claims often require a professional appraisal and supporting market data.
Results
Low Estimate
Likely Estimate
High Estimate
Error
Steps
What is Diminished Value Calculator?
A Diminished Value (DV) Calculator estimates how much market value a vehicle loses after an accident—even after quality repairs. Shoppers often pay less for previously damaged cars; insurers or buyers may reference standardized heuristics (like the “17c” approach) or appraisal comparisons with similar vehicles. This calculator turns inputs—pre‑loss value, damage severity, mileage, and comparable sales—into a transparent estimate with side‑by‑side methods, so you can present a reasoned claim or negotiation figure.
About the Diminished Value Calculator
The tool supports three workflows. Appraisal‑based: compute \(V_{\text{post}}\) from repaired‑vehicle comparables and subtract from \(V_{\text{pre}}\). 17c heuristic: apply a 10% base cap to \(V_{\text{pre}}\), then multiply by damage and mileage factors. Custom percent: pick a justified percentage \(p\) (e.g., for exotic models or thin markets). It documents assumptions, flags edge cases (salvage/structural frame hits, airbag deployment, panel repaint counts), and provides a simple net‑benefit view after fees or potential premium changes.
How to Use this Diminished Value Calculator
- Find \(V_{\text{pre}}\): use guides or clean comparable listings for your year, trim, mileage, options, and region.
- Choose a method: Appraisal, 17c, or Custom %. Enter damage category and current mileage if using 17c.
- Optionally enter comparable repaired sales to estimate \(V_{\text{post}}\) (median or weighted average).
- Click calculate to see formulas, substitutions, and the DV result with an explanation you can copy into a claim.
- Review net‑benefit output to decide whether pursuing payment is financially worthwhile.
Examples
Example 1: 17c severe structural damage
\(V_{\text{pre}}=\$22{,}000\), structural frame hit \(D=1.00\), \(M=0.80\) for ~20–40k miles.
Example 2: 17c moderate damage, higher mileage
\(V_{\text{pre}}=\$30{,}000\), moderate panel repairs \(D=0.50\), \(M=0.60\) (~40–60k miles).
Example 3: Appraisal‑based comparison
Clean comps median \(=\$18{,}500\); repaired comps median \(=\$16{,}900\).
Example 4: Custom percent for rare trim
\(p=7\%\), \(V_{\text{pre}}=\$45{,}000\).
FAQs
Is the 17c formula legally binding?
No—it is a heuristic used by some insurers. Many states accept appraisals or other evidence over 17c caps.
What counts as pre‑loss value?
The market value immediately before the crash, reflecting mileage, options, condition, and local demand—not the original MSRP.
Does quality repair eliminate diminished value?
Usually not. Accident history (reports, disclosures) can still reduce buyer willingness and market price.
How do I pick damage and mileage multipliers?
Assign a severity tier (minor to structural) and mileage bracket; the calculator lists common step values for 17c.
What if my vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title?
Market impact often dominates; DV may be large, but settlement rules vary. Appraisal evidence is key.
Can I combine methods?
Yes—use 17c as a conservative baseline and an appraisal comparison for a market‑grounded figure.
Are taxes, fees, or rental loss included?
Those are separate claims. DV concerns value loss; the tool can show net benefit after your own costs.
Will filing a DV claim raise my insurance premium?
Possibly, depending on fault and insurer. Use the net‑benefit line to weigh a potential premium impact.
How many comparable sales should I use?
Three to five well‑matched comps (trim, year, miles, region) are typical; use medians to limit outlier effects.