Maximize Your Georgia Diminished Value Claim with Gastley Law

Don’t let a car accident leave you with a permanent financial loss. When your vehicle’s market value drops due to a crash, the insurance company owes you for that difference. At Gastley Law, we specialize in holding insurers accountable, moving beyond ‘standard formulas’ to get you the actual compensation your car’s history requires.

What Is Diminished Value?

After a car crash, your vehicle loses resale value, even if it’s perfectly repaired. This loss is called diminished value. It’s the difference in market price for a car with an accident history versus one without. We fight to recover that loss for you.

A car with an accident history is worth less, period. Buyers will always pay more for a vehicle with a clean record. While insurance companies in Georgia are required to pay for this diminished value, they often use unfair tactics to avoid paying what your claim is truly worth.

That’s where Gastley Law comes in. As a law firm focused exclusively on diminished value, we fight to get you the compensation you’re owed. We know the insurer’s playbook and are prepared to take them to court to secure a fair settlement for your claim.

Insurer Tactics to Deny Your Diminished Value Claim

Insurance companies rely on a standard playbook to minimize your diminished value payout. Here are the common tactics they use to wear you down:

  • The Runaround: Endless calls, hold times, unresponsive adjusters, and outdated communication (yes, they’ll ask for faxes).
  • Lowball Offers: They’ll send you a small check hoping you think that’s all you’re owed. Don’t cash it before talking to us — and even if you did, we may still be able to help.
  • Forcing Lawsuits: Most people don’t know how to file a lawsuit, and insurance companies count on that. We file and handle it all for you.

Step-by-Step: How to Handle a Diminished Value Claim

Step 1: Repair Your Vehicle Properly

Get your car fixed at a trusted body shop — not just whoever your insurer suggests. Cheap or incomplete repairs can hurt your claim. Even if your car is already repaired, we can still work with it.

Step 2: Get a Copy of the Repair Estimate

Ask for a final repair invoice from your body shop or insurer. Then, email it to our case manager at Nik@GastleyLaw.com so we can assess your claim value.

Step 3: Request an Offer from the Insurance Company

Contact your insurer and ask for a diminished value offer. You’ll likely face resistance, long wait times, or unresponsive adjusters. If you’re stuck, we can handle it.

Step 4: Reject the First Offer

Insurers never offer fair value upfront. They’ll likely suggest you hire an appraiser if you want more. That’s where we step in.

Step 5: Hire an Independent Appraiser

Not all appraisers are equal. We use only the most credible experts — and we know which ones are blacklisted by specific insurers.

Step 6: Pay for a Full Report

Reports usually cost $200 to $1,500. When you work with us, we front the cost, and if the case yields nothing (rare), you owe nothing.

Step 7: Negotiate, Invoke the Appraisal Clause, or Sue

Once the appraisal is submitted, you can negotiate, invoke the appraisal clause, or file a lawsuit. Each path depends on your case type (see below).

Calculating Diminished Value (And Why Insurer Math Is Wrong)

Calculating the true diminished value of your vehicle depends on several key factors:

  • Type of Vehicle: Newer/luxury cars lose more value after a wreck.
  • Damage Severity: Structural damage = higher DV than cosmetic issues.
  • Location: Market demand changes based on geography.

Insurance companies often use the flawed 17(c) formula to produce absurdly low offers. For example, this formula could value the diminished value of a $50,000 vehicle at just $250. This is a tactic they rely on to underpay your claim.

We don’t let them get away with it. We challenge their flawed formula and lowball offers with credible, independent appraisals and are always prepared to take your diminished value case to court to get the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Appraisal Clause and When Should You Use It?

First, determine your claim type:

  • First-Party Claim: You’re at fault, or there’s dispute about fault. You’re dealing with your own insurer.
  • Third-Party Claim: Someone else hit you, and you’re claiming against their insurer.

 

The Appraisal Clause allows you to challenge the insurer’s DV offer. Here’s how it works:

  1. You hire an appraiser (we’ll choose a good one for you).
  2. The insurer hires their own appraiser.
  3. Both try to agree on a value.
  4. If not, a neutral umpire makes the final decision.

 

This process can be tricky — especially selecting a fair umpire — which is why it’s crucial to have an experienced negotiator on your side. Most insurance companies prefer to settle rather than risk losing at this stage.

Ready to File Your Diminished Value Claim?

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s by design. The insurance company’s process is intentionally confusing. At Gastley Law, we handle every step of your diminished value claim so you don’t have to. We manage all communications and legal filings from start to finish.

  • We deal with the insurer.
  • We select and pay the right appraiser.
  • We fight for your full diminished value.

Call 770-557-2838 or email Nik@GastleyLaw.com for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diminished Value

What is a diminished value claim?

A diminished value claim seeks compensation for the loss in your vehicle’s market value after an accident, even if the repairs have been fully completed.

Who can file a diminished value claim?

Anyone whose car has been damaged in an accident and has lost market value may be eligible, typically if the accident was not their fault.

Do I need a lawyer for a diminished value claim?

Insurance companies often undervalue these claims. A lawyer can help ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

How is diminished value calculated?

Diminished value is typically calculated based on the difference between your car’s market value before the accident and its value after repairs.

How long does it take to receive payment for a diminished value claim?

The timeline varies depending on the insurance company and complexity of the claim, but a lawyer can help expedite the process.