Short Answer — What to expect

If your vehicle lost market value after a crash that was not your fault, you can get a diminished value quote (an appraisal or estimate of that lost value). The usual process: gather documents and photos, have an independent appraiser calculate pre-accident market value and post-repair value, get a written diminished value report, and submit that report and a demand to the at-fault driver’s insurer. If the insurer denies or undervalues the claim, you can negotiate, seek appraisal/arbitration if the policy allows it, or file a civil claim.

Detailed Answer — Step-by-step process under Wisconsin law

1. Confirm you have a basis for a diminished value claim

Diminished value claims arise when a vehicle’s market value after repairs is less than its market value before the crash because of the accident’s damage history or structural damage. In Wisconsin, diminished value is treated as property damage. You generally pursue it against the at-fault driver’s liability insurer. Wisconsin’s rules for statutes of limitations and civil remedies for property damage are set out in the Wisconsin Statutes (see Wis. Stat. ch. 893 and related chapters), so act promptly.

2. Collect the necessary documents and evidence

Before you order a quote, assemble paperwork the appraiser and insurer will want:

• VIN, year, make, model, trim, and odometer reading.
• Photos of the vehicle: overall shots, close-ups of damage, and repair-area photos after repairs.
• Repair invoices, parts lists, and the repair shop’s final invoice and work description. Include information whether OEM parts or aftermarket parts were used.
• Vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) showing the accident entry and title history (to show no prior salvage/title brands).
• Comparable pre-accident market listings (Kelley Blue Book, NADA, local listings) if you have them.

3. Choose the right type of appraisal

There are two common ways to get a diminished value quote:

• Independent appraiser or diminished value specialist — they issue a written report calculating the lost retail or market value based on comparables, condition, and damage severity. This is the strongest evidence to support a demand to an insurer.
• Insurance company’s in-house appraisal — the insurer may offer its own appraisal after you submit documents. That appraisal can be lower because insurers use internal cost and value models. You can still present an independent appraisal to challenge it.

4. What a good diminished value report includes

A useful report typically contains:

• Pre-accident market value (with sources: KBB, NADA, comparable sales).
• Post-repair market value or likely resale value.
• Explanation of how accident history, structural repairs, or poor repair quality reduced value.
• Photos, VIN, mileage, and a clear calculation of diminished value (dollar figure).
• Signed appraiser credentials and statements about methodology.

5. Typical timeline and cost

Costs vary: a basic verbal estimate or simple report can run $75–$200; a comprehensive written appraisal can run $200–$500 or more. Turnaround is commonly 3–14 days depending on appraiser availability and how quickly you provide documents.

6. Submitting your demand to the insurer

Send the diminished value report together with repair invoices, photos, and a concise demand letter to the at-fault party’s liability insurer. Keep records of all communications and send materials by a traceable method (email with read receipt or certified mail). The insurer should investigate and respond. Under Wisconsin insurance regulations, insurers must handle claims in good faith — you can review consumer guidance at the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: https://oci.wi.gov.

7. If the insurer denies or undervalues the claim

Options include:

• Negotiate further and present additional comparables or an updated appraisal.
• Request appraisal or independent dispute resolution if the policy includes an appraisal clause.
• File a civil action for property damage in court. Wisconsin’s civil procedure and statute of limitations for property-damage-related tort claims are set out in the Wisconsin Statutes; see the limitations chapter for timing rules: Wis. Stat. ch. 893. Act promptly because delays can bar your claim.

8. When to consider hiring an attorney

Consider an attorney if:

• The insurer refuses to pay any diminished value and the amount at stake justifies legal fees.
• The dispute turns on complicated valuation questions such as structural/frame damage or title brands.
• The insurer handles the claim in bad faith or you suspect unfair claim practices — you may contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance for consumer help: https://oci.wi.gov.

Key Wisconsin resources and statutes

• Wisconsin Statutes — limitations on civil actions and related matters: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893
• Wisconsin Statutes — damages chapter (general guidance about measure of damages): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/895
• Wisconsin insurance laws and regulations (insurance code): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/632 and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: https://oci.wi.gov
• Wisconsin DOT — title branding and salvage information (helps if the collision affected title): https://wisconsindot.gov

Note: The links above are to state statute chapters and state agencies that explain rules and consumer protections. For exact legal obligations and deadlines that apply to your situation, consult a lawyer.

Helpful Hints

• Order an independent diminished value appraisal early — while evidence and photos are fresh.
• Keep all repair invoices and ask the repair shop to document parts used and whether structural/frame work was performed.
• Get a vehicle history report showing the accident entry; a history entry can materially affect resale value and supports your claim.
• Save all communications with insurers and send demands by email and by certified mail so you have a record.
• Compare at least three comparable vehicle sales (same year/trim/mileage/region) to back up pre-accident value figures.
• Be realistic: small cosmetic repairs may not produce a large diminished value. Significant structural damage, airbag deployment, or title branding often leads to larger diminished value claims.
• If the at-fault driver’s insurer delays handling the claim without a valid reason, contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance for guidance: https://oci.wi.gov.
• If you choose to hire an appraiser, ask for sample reports and references and confirm they are familiar with Wisconsin market conditions.