Diminished Value In Washington State
Diminished Value in Washington State
If you’ve been in a not-at-fault accident, even after your car is repaired, it’s worth less than it was before the crash. This loss in value is called diminished value—and in many cases, you’re entitled to recover it. At Loss Values Auto Appraisals, we specialize in independent, expert-level diminished value appraisals across Washington that help you collect what you’re rightfully owed.
What Is Diminished Value?
Diminished value refers to the decrease in a vehicle’s resale value after it has been in an accident, even if it has been fully repaired. Buyers will always pay less for a vehicle with a damage history. Insurers know this—and in many cases, will avoid telling you that you’re entitled to file a diminished value claim. At Total Loss NW we work for the consumer to help you recover the difference in value after an accident.
How Total Loss Northwest Can Help Recover LosT Vehicle Value
Our customers receive a detailed, market-supported report that accurately reflects your vehicle’s post-accident value. This is NOT a computer generated generic auto appraisal. Our appraisals are manually prepared using verified local market data, the vehicle’s condition, and all relevant factors at the time of the incident.
Use this documentation to confidently dispute low insurance offers and safeguard your financial interests.
We provide the following to help you recover whats owed:
A full market analysis comparing pre-accident vs. post-accident value
VIN-specific report prepared by an experienced auto appraiser
Explanation of how your value loss is calculated
Demand letter template for submitting your claim
Step-by-step directions on how to mail the claim to the at-fault insurer
Our Process
Our streamlined process makes it easy to get the appraisal you need—quickly and confidently. From free assessment to final report, we guide you every step of the way.
01
Submit Your Claim Information
Provide us with the essential details about your vehicle and the accident. This includes:
Vehicle make, model, year, and mileage
Date of loss
Damage estimates or repair documents
Insurance claim number (if available)
You can do this quickly through our online form or by uploading your documents directly.
02
We Handle the Appraisal & Valuation
Our certified appraisers will:
Review your vehicle and claim documentation
Assess the market impact of the damage on your car’s resale value
Prepare a detailed Diminished Value report using industry-standard methodologies
This process is fast and typically completed within 1–3 business days.
03
Get Paid What You Deserve
Once your appraisal is complete:
For Total Loss claims, we handle the negotiation directly with the insurance company on your behalf to pursue a fair settlement.
For Diminished Value claims, we provide you with a certified appraisal report that you can submit to the insurer.
We’ll also offer guidance and support if you need help with the submission process.
Our goal is to ensure you receive a fair and equitable outcome without the burden of handling claim disputes on your own.
Why This Matters
A diminished value appraisal gives you solid proof of your loss—something far more effective than assumptions. Without it, your claim may be dismissed or undervalued, as most insurance adjusters won’t take it seriously unless it’s backed by a professional third-party opinion.
Common Scenarios Where You Can File
Diminished value claims apply more often than you think.
If your car lost value after an accident, you may be eligible to file.
You were not at fault in the accident
Your vehicle was repaired
You live in Washington or a state that allows diminished value recovery
You still own the car and have not signed any release of liability
100% Money Back Guarantee
We stand behind every appraisal with confidence. If your claim is denied and not due to missing info, you’ll get a full refund—no questions asked.
Eligibility Requirements:
Proper Submission:
You must submit the certified appraisal and demand letter to the insurance company via certified mail.
Response Window:
The insurance company must be given a minimum of 30 calendar days to respond to the claim.
Written Denial:
A written response from the insurer must be provided stating that no diminished value compensation will be paid.
Claim Viability:
The vehicle must not have a salvage, rebuilt, or branded title, nor any prior accident history or pre-existing damage that would reasonably invalidate a diminished value claim.
Documentation:
All related documentation, including proof of delivery and insurer correspondence, must be submitted to Total Loss Northwest for review before a refund can be processed.
Meet Your Appraiser
Total Loss Northwest, founded by Nico Nix, an independent auto appraiser with deep roots in the car community and a lifelong passion for vehicles.
Nico grew up surrounded by the appraisal business—his father owns Leverage Auto Appraisals in Oregon, and his brother runs Diminished Value of Oregon. For the Nix family, helping drivers fight for fair value isn’t just a business—it’s a family tradition.
From weekends spent in the garage to classic car shows and local meetups, Nico’s journey has always revolved around cars. Today, he brings that same enthusiasm and deep industry knowledge to every diminished value and total loss appraisal he delivers.
When you work with Nico, you’re not getting a generic report—you’re getting insight from someone who lives and breathes cars, and who fights to make sure your vehicle’s true worth is recognized.
What Our Clients Say on Google
Real reviews from real customers who trusted us with their diminished value claims.
Free Diminished Value Estimate
Find out how much value your vehicle may have lost after an accident—at no cost. Each estimate is professionally reviewed, not computer-generated, for accuracy you can trust.