Table of Contents
Six months after a driver ran a red light and T-boned my meticulously maintained sedan, I stood on a dealership lot, keys in hand, feeling a sense of relief. The other driver’s insurance, State Farm, had been efficient. They accepted full liability, and the body shop they recommended did flawless work. My car looked brand new. The ordeal, I thought, was finally over.
Then the trade-in manager returned with a grim look and an offer that was thousands less than the Kelley Blue Book value. “Everything looks great,” he said, tapping his screen, “but the vehicle history report shows a major collision. That’s a stigma. We just can’t sell it for top dollar.”
In that moment, the floor fell out. I had been made physically whole—my car was repaired. But I had not been made financially whole. The at-fault driver’s negligence had inflicted a second, invisible wound: a permanent, significant loss in my car’s value. This is called Diminished Value, and I soon learned it was a battleground where consumers are routinely short-changed by insurance giants.
This report is the product of that battle. It’s the playbook I wish I’d had, designed to arm you with the knowledge, strategy, and evidence needed to successfully navigate a diminished value claim with State Farm and recover the money you are legally owed.
In a Nutshell: Your Winning Strategy
- Your Claim is Valid: If another driver was at fault, their insurance (e.g., State Farm) is almost certainly liable for your car’s diminished value under the legal principle of making you whole. This is a third-party liability claim, not a claim against your own policy.
- Reject Their Formula: State Farm will likely use an internal formula called “17c” to calculate your loss. This formula is deeply flawed and designed to produce a lowball offer. Do not accept it.
- Get a USPAP Appraisal: Your most powerful tool is an independent diminished value appraisal that complies with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This is the gold standard for valuation and is legally defensible in court.
- Document Everything: Create a paper trail. Send a formal demand letter via certified mail with your appraisal. Keep all communications in writing.
- Sue the Driver, Not the Insurer: If negotiations fail, your final recourse is small claims court. Critically, you sue the at-fault driver, not State Farm. This forces State Farm to defend their client and often prompts a fair settlement.
Part I: Decoding Diminished Value—The Financial Damage Your Insurer Won’t Mention
Diminished Value (DV) is the tangible loss in a vehicle’s market value after it has been damaged and repaired.1 It’s the simple, common-sense difference between what a buyer would pay for a car with a clean history versus the exact same car with a documented accident on its record.3 This loss is real, immediate, and a direct financial injury caused by the at-fault party’s negligence.
To effectively pursue a claim, you must understand the specific types of value loss.
The Three Faces of Value Loss
There are three distinct categories of diminished value, but one is the primary focus of your claim.
- Inherent Diminished Value: This is the most common and critical type of DV. It represents the automatic loss in value that occurs simply because the vehicle now has an accident history.4 It assumes the repairs were performed perfectly. This “stigma” damage is the core of your claim, as a wrecked-and-repaired vehicle will always be less desirable to a potential buyer than one with no accident history.3
- Repair-Related Diminished Value: This is a loss in value resulting from subpar or incomplete repairs.7 Examples include mismatched paint, the use of low-quality aftermarket parts instead of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, or persistent mechanical issues.4 While a serious issue, this is technically a separate claim against the body shop or the entity that authorized the poor repairs.
- Immediate Diminished Value: This refers to the difference in the vehicle’s value immediately before the accident and immediately after, prior to any repairs being made.3 This is less commonly pursued but helps form the complete picture of the financial loss.
The Legal Bedrock: Tort Law and Being “Made Whole”
My first mistake was thinking my claim was a negotiation with State Farm based on their insurance policy. It wasn’t. My epiphany came when I understood the legal foundation of my claim: tort law.
A third-party diminished value claim is not a contractual claim; it is a liability claim rooted in the legal principle that a negligent party (the “tortfeasor”) is responsible for all damages caused by their actions.9 The core concept is to “make the victim whole,” meaning you must be restored to the same financial position you were in moments before the accident.10 This obligation extends beyond simply paying for parts and labor; it includes compensating you for the loss of your property’s market value.11
This is why the distinction between a first-party and third-party claim is the most critical concept you must grasp.
- First-Party Claim: This is a claim you file against your own insurance company. Success here is extremely rare. Your policy is a contract, and insurers have carefully worded these contracts to limit their liability to the tangible “repair or replacement” of damaged parts, often excluding diminished value.3 The landmark Georgia case,
Mabry v. State Farm, is the famous exception that forced insurers in that state to cover first-party DV claims, making Georgia unique.2 - Third-Party Claim: This is a claim you file against the at-fault driver’s insurance company (in my case, State Farm). This is where virtually all successful DV claims are won.10 Your claim is not bound by the language in State Farm’s policy with their customer. It is based on their customer’s legal liability to you under tort law. State Farm’s role is simply to pay that liability on behalf of their insured.9
Understanding this distinction is the key that unlocks the door to a valid claim. You are not asking for a favor under their policy; you are demanding compensation for a legal liability they cover.
State-by-State Diminished Value Claims Guide
Your right to claim diminished value is governed by state law. Nearly every state allows for third-party DV claims. The table below provides a quick reference for your rights.
| State | Allows First-Party Claims? | Allows Third-Party Claims? | Statute of Limitations (Property Damage) | Key Notes |
| Alabama | No 14 | Yes | 2 Years 15 | |
| Alaska | Policy Dependent | Yes | 2 Years 15 | |
| Arizona | Policy Dependent | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Arkansas | Policy Dependent | Yes | 3 Years 15 | |
| California | No (unless specified in policy) 5 | Yes | 3 Years 17 | Pure comparative negligence applies. |
| Colorado | No 18 | Yes | 3 Years 18 | |
| Connecticut | Policy Dependent | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Delaware | Policy Dependent | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Florida | No (unless specified in policy) 5 | Yes | 4 Years 15 | |
| Georgia | Yes 5 | Yes | 4 Years 5 | Landmark Mabry v. State Farm case. |
| Hawaii | Limited | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Idaho | Policy Dependent | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Illinois | Policy Dependent | Yes | 5 Years 16 | |
| Indiana | Varies | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Iowa | Limited | Yes | 5 Years 16 | |
| Kansas | Yes 19 | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Kentucky | Limited | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Louisiana | Yes (UM Coverage) 15 | Yes | 1 Year 9 | |
| Maine | No 20 | Yes | 6 Years 15 | |
| Maryland | Yes (UM Coverage) 15 | Yes | 3 Years 15 | |
| Massachusetts | Policy Dependent | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Michigan | Limited | Limited | 3 Years 16 | “Mini-tort” system can cap recovery. |
| Minnesota | Policy Dependent | Yes | 6 Years 15 | |
| Mississippi | Varies | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Missouri | Limited | Yes | 5 Years 16 | |
| Montana | Limited | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Nebraska | No | No 5 | 4 Years 15 | Only state that bans third-party DV claims. |
| Nevada | Varies | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| New Hampshire | Limited | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| New Jersey | Limited | Yes | 6 Years 16 | |
| New Mexico | Varies | Yes | 4 Years 16 | |
| New York | No (unless specified in policy) 5 | Yes | 3 Years 5 | |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| North Dakota | Varies | Yes | 6 Years 16 | |
| Ohio | Limited | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Oklahoma | Varies | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Oregon | No 21 | Yes | 6 Years 21 | |
| Pennsylvania | Limited | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Rhode Island | Policy Dependent | Yes | 10 Years 22 | |
| South Carolina | Varies | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| South Dakota | Limited | Yes | 6 Years 16 | |
| Tennessee | Varies | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Texas | No (unless specified in policy) 5 | Yes | 2 Years 5 | |
| Utah | Policy Dependent | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Vermont | Policy Dependent | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| Virginia | Varies | Yes | 5 Years 16 | |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | 3 Years 16 | |
| West Virginia | Varies | Yes | 2 Years 16 | |
| Wisconsin | Policy Dependent | Yes | 6 Years 16 | |
| Wyoming | Limited | Yes | 4 Years 16 |
Part II: The State Farm Gauntlet—Navigating Their Process and Tactics
After my rude awakening at the dealership, I called my State Farm claims adjuster. I explained the situation and asked how to file for diminished value. His friendly tone evaporated. He informed me there was no specific “diminished value claim form” and that since the car was “fully repaired,” there was no further loss. This was my introduction to the State Farm gauntlet.
The “Claim Form” Myth and the Adjuster’s Playbook
Your first hurdle is understanding that State Farm does not have a dedicated form for diminished value claims because they do not want to encourage them.23 The process is initiated by you, within your existing property damage claim, by formally notifying the adjuster in writing of your intent to pursue compensation for your vehicle’s diminished value.8
This act immediately shifts the entire burden of proof onto you. The adjuster’s role is not to help you; it is to protect State Farm’s bottom line by minimizing payouts.22 They are trained negotiators who handle hundreds of claims a day and are well-versed in tactics to discourage, delay, and deny.27 Expect an adversarial process from this point forward.
The Appraisal Clause Crisis: State Farm’s Strategic Disarmament
In a fair negotiation, there are mechanisms for dispute resolution. In insurance, one of the most important is the appraisal clause. This is a policy provision that creates a straightforward arbitration process: if you and the insurer disagree on the value of a loss, you each hire an independent appraiser. If they can’t agree, they select a neutral third appraiser (an “umpire”) to make a binding decision.11 It’s a consumer’s most powerful tool for challenging a lowball offer without resorting to a full-blown lawsuit.
However, State Farm has been systematically removing this clause from its auto policies in a growing number of states, including Alabama and Texas.29 This is not a minor policy update; it is a calculated corporate strategy to gain leverage over consumers. By eliminating this efficient, low-cost off-ramp for dispute resolution, State Farm forces claimants into a stark choice: accept their “final offer” or file a lawsuit. This dramatically increases the time, cost, and psychological burden on the individual, making it far more likely that they will simply give up. It is a deliberate move to deter challenges and suppress payouts.
Part III: The Valuation Battleground—State Farm’s 17c Formula vs. Your USPAP Appraisal
Once you formally demand DV compensation, State Farm will likely respond with a settlement offer. This offer will almost certainly be based on an internal calculation known as the 17c Formula. Understanding and dismantling this formula is the central battle you must win.
Deconstructing State Farm’s Weapon of Choice: The 17c Formula
The 17c Formula is a calculation method that originated from the 2001 Georgia class-action lawsuit, Mabry v. State Farm.32 As part of the settlement, the court approved this formula as an “acceptable methodology” for State Farm to assess the thousands of first-party claims involved in that specific case.34 State Farm now wields this history to present the formula as an objective, court-sanctioned standard. It is not. It is a tool riddled with flaws designed to systematically undervalue your claim.
Here is how the formula works and why it is fundamentally unfair 35:
- Step 1: Calculate Pre-Accident Value. The process starts by determining your vehicle’s value using a source like NADA or KBB.
- Step 2: Apply an Arbitrary 10% Cap. The formula immediately caps the maximum possible diminished value at 10% of the pre-accident value. This “base loss of value” is an arbitrary ceiling with no foundation in actual market data.32 A luxury vehicle that suffers severe structural damage might lose 30-40% of its value, but 17c pretends that loss cannot exceed 10%.
- Step 3: Apply a Damage Multiplier. The capped amount is then multiplied by a crude “damage modifier,” a decimal between 0.00 and 1.00 (e.g., 0.25 for minor damage, 0.50 for moderate, 0.75 for major).32 This subjective modifier fails to account for the complexities of modern vehicles, where even “minor” damage can affect sensitive electronics and safety systems.
- Step 4: Apply a Redundant Mileage Multiplier. Finally, the result is multiplied again by a mileage modifier, which further reduces the payout for any vehicle that isn’t brand new.35 This is a form of “double-dipping,” because the vehicle’s mileage was already a primary factor in determining its initial pre-accident value.
The 17c formula is a piece of institutional bad faith. It creates the illusion of a methodical, fair assessment while being engineered at every step to minimize the result. Its purpose is to generate a defensible-sounding lowball offer that most consumers will reluctantly accept.
The Gold Standard: Your Irrefutable USPAP-Compliant Appraisal
Your counter-argument to the 17c formula is not your own opinion or a printout from a website; it is a professional, independent appraisal that adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).22
USPAP is the high-water mark for valuation. It is a set of ethical and performance standards for all professional appraisals—including real estate, business assets, and personal property like vehicles—authorized by the U.S. Congress and maintained by The Appraisal Foundation.38 A USPAP-compliant report is legally defensible and considered credible evidence in court.6
A certified appraiser doesn’t use a simplistic formula. They conduct a detailed market analysis, comparing recent sales of vehicles identical to yours, both with and without accident histories in your specific geographic market. They analyze the final repair invoice to understand the severity of the damage, noting structural repairs or airbag deployment, which have a major impact on value. The result is a comprehensive, evidence-based report that quantifies your true financial loss.41
17c Formula vs. USPAP Appraisal: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The difference between the two methods is stark. Think of it as preparing for a tax audit. The 17c formula is like showing up with a few crumpled receipts and letting the auditor decide what you owe. The USPAP appraisal is like arriving with a certified public accountant who presents an ironclad, professionally prepared return. The power dynamic shifts entirely.
| Feature | State Farm’s 17c Formula | Independent USPAP Appraisal |
| Basis of Valuation | An arbitrary, insurer-created mathematical formula.36 | Real-world market data, analysis of comparable sales, and expert review.41 |
| Legal Standing | Approved for a specific 2001 class action; not endorsed by regulators as a universal standard.33 | The federally recognized standard for professional appraisals; considered credible evidence in court.38 |
| Objectivity | Inherently biased to favor the insurer by using caps and redundant modifiers.37 | Requires appraiser to be an unbiased, independent third party with no financial interest in the outcome.40 |
| Market Factors | Ignores vehicle type, brand reputation, local market conditions, and repair quality.32 | Considers all relevant market factors, including vehicle desirability, location, and accident severity.43 |
| Typical Outcome | A systematically low valuation designed to minimize the payout.46 | An accurate, evidence-based valuation of the true financial loss. |
Part IV: Your Strategic Playbook—Executing a Flawless Claim
Armed with a superior understanding of the law and valuation methods, you can now execute a professional and effective claim.
Step 1: Assemble Your Arsenal of Evidence
Before you do anything else, gather every piece of relevant documentation into a single file. This includes:
- The official police/accident report.5
- The final, itemized repair invoice from the body shop, detailing every part replaced and all labor performed.8
- High-quality photographs of the vehicle’s damage before repairs and of the completed repairs after.8
- A complete record of every communication (names, dates, summaries of calls) with the insurance adjuster.8
Step 2: Commission Your USPAP-Compliant Appraisal
This is the most important investment you will make. Find a reputable, independent auto appraiser who specializes in diminished value and is certified in USPAP standards.22 Provide them with all the documentation from Step 1. They will conduct their analysis and produce a detailed report, which becomes the foundation of your claim.42
Step 3: Craft and Send the Demand Letter
The demand letter is the formal start of the negotiation.22 It should be professional, factual, and sent via
certified mail with return receipt to create a legal record of delivery.
Your letter must include:
- Your name, address, and contact information.
- The date of the accident and the claim number.
- The at-fault driver’s name and policy information.
- A clear statement that you are demanding compensation for the inherent diminished value of your vehicle.
- The specific dollar amount of your claim, as determined by your USPAP appraisal.
- A statement that this amount is based on a professional, USPAP-compliant appraisal, a full copy of which is enclosed.
- A reasonable deadline for their response (e.g., 30 days).
Step 4: Manage the Negotiation
Once State Farm receives your demand, the real negotiation begins.
- Keep it in Writing: After the initial certified letter, insist on communicating via email to maintain a clear record of the entire conversation.22
- Reject the 17c Offer: The adjuster will likely counter with their low 17c calculation. Politely but firmly reject it. State that the 17c formula is an inappropriate and inaccurate methodology for your specific vehicle and that your claim is based on a USPAP-compliant market analysis.22
- Anchor to Your Appraisal: Do not let them re-frame the negotiation around their number. Your USPAP appraisal is the credible, evidence-based figure. Every counteroffer should be a justification for why they believe your professional appraisal is incorrect, a position they will find difficult to defend.
- Do Not Sign a Release: State Farm will require you to sign a “Release of All Claims” form to receive the check for your vehicle’s repairs. Do not sign this until you have also reached a satisfactory settlement for your diminished value claim, as it could extinguish your right to pursue it further.49
Part V: Anticipating the Pushback—Common Denial Tactics and How to Counter Them
State Farm adjusters have a script of common arguments they use to deny or lowball DV claims. Here’s how to dismantle them.
- Tactic 1: “The repairs restored the vehicle to its pre-loss condition.” 19
- Your Counter: “You are confusing physical condition with market value. My USPAP-compliant appraisal demonstrates that due to the stigma of the accident history, the vehicle’s fair market value has been permanently reduced, regardless of the quality of the physical repairs. This is the definition of Inherent Diminished Value.”
- Tactic 2: “You haven’t sold the car, so you haven’t realized a loss.” 50
- Your Counter: “This is legally incorrect. The financial loss occurred at the moment of the accident caused by your insured’s negligence. A sale is not required to quantify the loss. A professional appraisal is the legally accepted method for determining the amount of that damage, just as a body shop estimate is used to determine the cost of repairs before they are paid.”
- Tactic 3: “Diminished value is speculative and our policy doesn’t cover it.” 50
- Your Counter: “My claim is not based on your policy; it is a third-party liability claim based on your insured’s legal obligation to make me whole under state tort law. Furthermore, my claim is not speculative. It is quantified by a USPAP-compliant appraisal based on verifiable market data, which is considered credible evidence.”
- Tactic 4: “Your vehicle has high mileage and wasn’t perfect to begin with.” 4
- Your Counter: “My professional appraiser already accounted for the vehicle’s pre-accident condition, including its age, mileage, and any prior wear, in establishing its baseline market value. The diminished value figure represents the additional loss in value caused directly by the collision for which your insured is liable.”
Part VI: Escalation and Final Recourse—When All Else Fails
If the adjuster refuses to negotiate in good faith, you have a clear path for escalation.
Step 1: Escalate Within State Farm
Your first move is to politely end the conversation with the adjuster and ask to speak with their direct supervisor or a claims manager. Supervisors often have greater authority to approve settlements and may be more willing to make a reasonable offer to avoid further escalation.22
Step 2: File a Complaint with the Department of Insurance
Every state has a Department of Insurance (or equivalent regulatory body) that oversees insurers and enforces fair claims practices.22 Filing a formal complaint is free and puts your case on a regulator’s desk. While they typically won’t force State Farm to pay a specific amount, an official inquiry can pressure the company to re-evaluate your claim and act in better faith to avoid regulatory scrutiny.22 Be sure to cite any violations of your state’s specific consumer protection or fair claims settlement laws.51
Step 3: The Final Weapon—Small Claims Court
If all else fails, small claims court is your ultimate and most powerful leverage. It is an informal, inexpensive process designed for individuals to resolve disputes without needing a lawyer.22
The most crucial part of this strategy is knowing who to sue. You do not sue State Farm. You file the lawsuit against the at-fault driver personally.53
This may seem counterintuitive, but it is the correct legal procedure. The individual driver is the one who committed the tort and is legally liable for your damages. State Farm, as their insurer, has a contractual duty to defend them and pay for liabilities covered by their policy. When you sue their customer, you create a legal problem that State Farm is now obligated to resolve. This action often triggers an immediate and much more reasonable settlement offer from their legal department to avoid the costs and hassle of a court appearance for their client.53
To prepare for court, you will present the same evidence: your USPAP appraisal, repair invoices, photos, and a clear, factual timeline of events. The appraisal report itself is your expert testimony on the amount of damages.53 Check your state’s small claims filing limit (e.g., $12,500 for an individual in California, $20,000 in Texas) to ensure your claim qualifies.56
Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Loss and Being Made Whole
My journey began with the frustrating discovery of a hidden financial loss and the feeling of being powerless against a corporate giant. It ended with a check from State Farm that fully compensated me for my car’s diminished value. The difference was knowledge.
By understanding my rights as a third-party claimant, rejecting their flawed formula, and arming myself with an irrefutable, professional appraisal, I transformed the dynamic from one of a supplicant asking for a handout to an empowered claimant demanding what was legally owed.
The path is not always easy, and it requires diligence and resolve. But the financial loss your vehicle suffers is real, and you have a legal right to be compensated for it. By following this playbook, you can navigate the process with confidence, counter the insurer’s tactics, and ultimately secure the fair compensation required to truly be made whole.
Works cited
- www.iii.org, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.iii.org/article/what-is-diminished-value#:~:text=Diminished%20value%20explained,-Depending%20on%20its&text=Even%20if%20the%20car%20repairs,is%20known%20as%20diminished%20value.
- Diminution in Value: What insurance companies don’t want you to know – Paullin Law Firm, accessed August 14, 2025, https://paullinlaw.com/diminution-in-value-what-insurance-companies-dont-want-you-to-know/
- Inherent Diminished Value Claims for Personal Autos – IRMI, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.irmi.com/articles/expert-commentary/inherent-diminished-value-claims-for-personal-autos
- What Is a Diminished Value Claim? – Experian, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-diminished-value-claim/
- Diminished Value Claims by State (2025): Laws, Limits & Filing …, accessed August 14, 2025, https://teamjustice.com/diminished-value-claims-by-state/
- Diminished value – Wikipedia, accessed August 14, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diminished_value
- Types Of Diminished Value | Totaled Car – Wreck Check Atlanta, accessed August 14, 2025, https://wreckcheckatlanta.com/diminished-value-info/
- How to File a Diminished Value Claim – The Zebra, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/accidents/diminished-value-claims/
- First Party v. Third Party Claims – Diminished Value Georgia, Car Appraisals for Insurance Claims, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/auto-loss-appraisal-info-center/first-party-v-third-party-claims/
- First Party & Third Party Diminished Value Claims | Car Value Appraisal Experts, accessed August 14, 2025, https://wreckcheckatlanta.com/first-party-vs-third-party-in-states-other-than-ga-nc-sc/
- 1st Party Claimant vs 3rd Party Claimant | Collision Claim Associates, Inc., accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.collisionclaims.com/info-center/1st-party-claimant-vs-3rd-party-claimant/
- Diminution of Value Cases In All 50 States – mwl-law.com, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DIMINUTION-IN-VALUE-IN-ALL-50-STATES.pdf
- Mabry v. State Farm: A Case That Changed Georgia’s DV Claims, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/mabry-v-state-farm/
- Pritchett v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. – Justia Law, accessed August 14, 2025, https://law.justia.com/cases/alabama/court-of-appeals-civil/2002/2000850-0.html
- Diminished Value Claims By State (2025): A Complete Guide, accessed August 14, 2025, https://1800lionlaw.com/diminished-value-claims-by-state/
- Diminished Value Claims by State (2025), accessed August 14, 2025, https://francisinjury.com/blog/diminished-value-claims-by-state-2025/
- What Are Diminished Value Claims in California? | Cutter Law P.C., accessed August 14, 2025, https://cutterlaw.com/faqs/what-are-diminished-value-claims-in-california/
- State Farm Diminished Value Claims – Front Range Injury Attorneys, accessed August 14, 2025, https://frontrangefirm.com/state-farm-diminished-value-claims/
- Understanding Diminished Value Claims | Denning Law Firm, LLC, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.denninglawfirm.com/blog/understanding-diminished-value-claims/
- Auto Claims FAQs | PFR Insurance – Maine.gov, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/frequently-asked-questions/auto-claims
- How to Collect Diminished Value in Oregon [GUIDE w/PICS], accessed August 14, 2025, http://diminishedvalueoforegon.com/collect-diminished-value-oregon-pictures/
- How to Claim Diminished Value from State Farm – Tiger DV, accessed August 14, 2025, https://tigerdv.com/blog/how-to-claim-diminished-value-from-state-farm/
- Personal Injury and Medical Payments Forms – State Farm®, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.statefarm.com/claims/pip-and-mpc-forms
- Diminished Value: Biggest Secret About Diminished Value Claims With Insurance – – Autoloss, accessed August 14, 2025, https://autoloss.com/diminished-value/diminished-value-biggest-secret-about-diminished-value-claims-with-insurance/
- frontrangefirm.com, accessed August 14, 2025, https://frontrangefirm.com/state-farm-diminished-value-claims/#:~:text=Phone%20Submission%3A%20Call%20(800),use%20that%20alternative%20number%20instead.
- State Farm Auto Accident Claims Attorneys in Alabama | Birmingham Car Injury Lawyers, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.hollis-wright.com/handling-state-farm-auto-accident-claims-in-alabama.html
- Negotiating a Settlement With State Farm: Insurance Claim Tips & Tactics, accessed August 14, 2025, https://milanoaccidentlawyers.com/negotiating-a-settlement-with-state-farm-insurance-claim-tips-tactics/
- State Farm Claim Average Settlement Compensation Payout, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.millerandzois.com/car-accidents/insurance-claims-settlements/state-farm-claim-average-settlement-compensation-payouts/
- State Farm Diminished Value Claims: What You Need to Know, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/State-Farm-Diminished-Value-Claims-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf
- State Farm Removes Appraisal Clause from Alabama Auto Policies …, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/state-farm-removes-appraisal-clause-from-alabama-auto-policies-harming-their-policyholders/
- State Farm reportedly makes changes to appraisal policy language | Repairer Driven News, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/08/31/state-farm-reportedly-makes-changes-to-appraisal-policy-language/
- How to Calculate Diminished Value: Step‑by‑Step Formula – super car claims, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.supercarclaims.com/faq/how-to-calculate-diminished-value/
- Georgia 17C Formula – Mabry vs State Farm – Wreck Check Atlanta, accessed August 14, 2025, https://wreckcheckatlanta.com/georgia-17c-formula-mabry-vs-state-farm-why-is-use-of-the-17c-formula-unfair/
- State Farm 17c Letter – Diminished Value Georgia, Car Appraisals for Insurance Claims, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/state-farm-17c-letter/
- How to Calculate Diminished Value in Texas | JML Injury Law, accessed August 14, 2025, https://jmlinjurylaw.com/how-to-calculate-diminished-value-in-texas/
- How to Calculate Diminished Value: 13 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Diminished-Value
- 17c Formula, Unfair for Diminished Value Calculations …, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/17c-formula-and-why-its-not-fair/
- USPAP-Compliant x Non-Compliant Appraisals: What’s The Risk?, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/uspap-compliant-x-non-compliant/
- USPAP – The Appraisal Foundation, accessed August 14, 2025, https://appraisalfoundation.org/products/uspap
- What Is USPAP and Why It Matters in Appraising – ARTEFACT FINE ART, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.artefactfineart.com/blog/what-is-uspap-and-why-it-matters
- Our Appraisal Method – Diminished Value of Georgia, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueofgeorgia.com/our-appraisal-method/
- Diminished Value Appraisals | Collision Claim Associates, Inc., accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.collisionclaims.com/our-services/diminished-value-appraisals/
- Diminished Value Claims Ohio | Appraisal Wise, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.appraisalwiseauto.com/diminished-value
- What exactly is a USPAP compliant appraisal?, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.equipmentappraisal.com/blog/what-exactly-is-a-uspap-compliant-appraisal
- How Do You Ask for Diminished Value? – Tiger DV, accessed August 14, 2025, https://tigerdv.com/blog/how-do-you-ask-for-diminished-value/
- Federal judge asked to reconsider class action status for DV suit against State Farm, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2021/09/22/federal-judge-asked-to-reconsider-class-action-status-for-dv-suit-against-state-farm/
- What is Diminished Value in California? | Wisner Baum, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.wisnerbaum.com/blog/2025/february/what-is-diminished-value-in-california-/
- Diminished Value | Diminished Value Appraisal Reports, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalue.net/
- Diminished Value Claim against State Farm? : r/Insurance – Reddit, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/1feedhg/diminished_value_claim_against_state_farm/
- Invalid Diminished Value Claim Denials – 8 Unfair Examples | Petty …, accessed August 14, 2025, https://diminishedvalueexpert.com/diminishedvalue/dvhottopics/invalid-diminished-value-claim-denial/
- Insurance Consumer Rights in California (2022) – United Policyholders, accessed August 14, 2025, https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/insurance-consumer-rights-in-the-state-of-california-2022/
- Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 10, § 2695.7 – Standards for Prompt, Fair and Equitable Settlements, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/10-CCR-2695.7
- How to Deal with a Denied Diminished Value Claim | Auto Appraisal …, accessed August 14, 2025, https://autoappraisalnetwork.com/how-to-deal-with-a-denied-diminished-value-claim.html
- Diminished Value – CACI 3903J – At-Fault Insured – Small Claims – Reddit, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/1avzc3b/diminished_value_caci_3903j_atfault_insured_small/
- Before you start a small claims case – California Courts | Self Help Guide, accessed August 14, 2025, https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/small-claims/before-you-start
- Diminished Value Appraisal for California – MYDVAC, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.mydvac.com/diminished-value-claim/california/
- Diminished Value Appraisal for Texas – MYDVAC, accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.mydvac.com/diminished-value-claim/texas/






