Diminished Value Calculator
Your car was repaired — but a collision on its history means it's worth less now. See how much value it lost with the industry-standard 17c formula. Free, instant, no signup.
This calculator provides an estimate only — not legal, financial, or appraisal advice. Diminished value eligibility, methods, and payouts vary by state, insurer, and the strength of your documentation; some states do not recognize first-party diminished value claims. Appalanche Inc. is a technology company, not a law firm or licensed appraiser.
What is diminished value?
Diminished value is the loss in your vehicle's resale or market value after it has been in an accident — even when the repairs are done perfectly. Once a collision appears on the vehicle's history report, buyers and dealers pay less for it than for an identical car with a clean record. That gap is your inherent diminished value, and it's a real, often-overlooked loss after a crash that wasn't your fault.
How the 17c formula works
The 17c formula is the most widely used method insurers apply to estimate diminished value. It starts from your vehicle's pre-accident value, applies a 10% ceiling, and then scales that ceiling down based on how severe the damage was and how many miles the vehicle had:
The damage multiplier ranges from 1.00 (severe structural damage) down to 0.00 (very minor, no structural impact). The mileage multiplier ranges from 1.00 (under 20,000 miles) down to 0.00 (100,000+ miles), reflecting that higher-mileage vehicles lose proportionally less. This calculator also runs a repair-cost cross-check and reports the higher of the two estimates, so a heavy repair bill isn't undercounted.
Remember: the 17c formula is a starting point, not a guarantee. A licensed independent appraisal often supports a higher, better-documented figure — and what an insurer ultimately pays depends on your state's rules and the evidence behind your claim.
How to claim diminished value
In many states you can pursue a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurer. It comes down to three steps:
- Estimate the loss. Use the 17c calculator above to gauge what your vehicle's accident history cost you.
- Document everything. Accident report, repair invoices, pre-accident value (KBB/NADA), and damage photos. IncidentApp captures and organizes this from the scene onward.
- Send a demand letter. IncidentApp generates a diminished value demand letter you can send to the at-fault insurer.
An independent appraisal strengthens the claim further. Eligibility and process vary by state — this is information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is diminished value?
The loss in a vehicle's resale or market value after an accident, even when repairs are done well — because the car now carries a collision on its history report and buyers pay less for it.
How is diminished value calculated?
The most common method is the 17c formula: pre-accident value × a 10% cap × a damage-severity multiplier (0–1.0) × a mileage multiplier (0–1.0).
Is the 17c formula accurate?
It's the most common starting point insurers use, but it's only an estimate. Actual diminished value and whether a claim is paid vary by state, insurer, documentation strength, and any independent appraisal. Some states don't recognize first-party diminished value claims.
Can I file a diminished value claim myself?
Often yes — typically against the at-fault driver's insurer. Eligibility and process vary by state and policy. This tool provides information, not legal advice; consult a qualified professional about your situation.
How do I prove diminished value?
With documentation: the accident report, repair records, pre-accident value (KBB/NADA), damage photos, and ideally an independent appraisal. IncidentApp helps assemble this and drafts a demand letter.
Turn the estimate into a claim.
IncidentApp guides you through capturing the evidence, valuing the loss, and generating a diminished value demand letter — free, on your phone.
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