Detailed Answer

Short answer: To get a diminished value quote in Utah you document the vehicle’s pre- and post-accident condition, hire or request a professional diminished-value appraisal (or obtain market-comparison estimates), then submit that appraisal and supporting evidence to the at-fault party’s insurer as a demand. Expect negotiation. If the insurer denies or refuses to pay, you can pursue dispute options including arbitration, mediation, small claims court, or a civil suit. This article explains each step, what to collect, and how the process typically works under Utah practice.

What is diminished value?

Diminished value is the difference between a vehicle’s market value immediately before a collision and its market value after repairs. Even when repairs are high quality, buyers often pay less for a vehicle with an accident history. Diminished-value claims seek money to compensate for that loss in market value.

Who can pay a diminished-value claim?

Most diminished-value claims are made against the at-fault driver’s liability insurer (a third-party claim). Your own insurer normally pays only if you purchased coverage that specifically covers diminished value. If the other driver is at fault, send your documentation and demand to that driver’s insurer.

Step-by-step process to get a diminished value quote in Utah

1. Preserve evidence right away.
   • Take clear photos of the entire vehicle before repairs (if possible) and after the collision.
   • Get and keep all repair invoices, estimates, and written statements from the repair shop about parts used and whether original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts were installed.
   • Obtain the police report, witness info, and any insurer correspondence.
2. Establish pre-accident condition and value.
   • Collect maintenance records, previous inspection reports, and any photos that show the vehicle’s condition before the crash.
   • Get a current vehicle value estimate (Kelley Blue Book, NADA, Edmunds) showing the vehicle’s market value before the accident. These serve as baseline comparables.
3. Get a professional diminished-value appraisal or market-comparison quote.
   • Contact independent diminished-value appraisers or appraisers at reputable appraisal firms. Many use one of several accepted approaches: market-comparison (look for sale prices of similar vehicles), loss-in-value formulas, or an expert appraisal that explains the reasoning and data.
   • Ask for a written report with a clear dollar amount, methodology, comparable sales (if used), photos, and the appraiser’s qualifications.
   • Some repair shops or dealers offer informal “loss-in-value” estimates; these may be useful but a formal independent appraisal generally carries more weight with an insurer or in court.
4. Prepare a claim package and demand.
   • Assemble: appraisal report, repair invoices, before/after photos, vehicle-value printouts, the police report, and any statements establishing fault.
   • Write a concise demand letter to the at-fault insurer. State the demand amount, attach the appraisal and supporting documents, and request a response by a specific date (usually 2–3 weeks).
5. Send the demand and follow up.
   • Send your package via certified mail or the insurer’s preferred claim submission method, and keep proof of delivery.
   • Communicate in writing. If you receive a low offer or a denial, request a clear written explanation and the adjuster’s rationale.
6. Negotiate or escalate if needed.
   • Insurers commonly counteroffer. Use the appraisal and market data to support your position.
   • If negotiation fails, explore dispute options: insurer appraisal/arbitration clauses, mediation, or filing a claim in Utah small claims court or district court depending on the amount sought.
   • If you consider litigation or the claim involves complex valuation, consult an attorney experienced in auto-diminished-value matters.

Timing and practical tips

Act promptly. Obtain an appraisal soon after repairs are complete and before you accept any “final” settlement that might release the other driver/insurer from future diminished-value claims. Claims become harder to prove as time passes and comparable sales data grows stale. If you’re considering legal action, consult counsel early to ensure you don’t miss procedural deadlines.

Utah law and resources

Utah’s insurance rules and consumer resources are administered by the Utah Insurance Department and the Utah Legislature publishes the state insurance code. For general guidance consider these official resources:

• Utah Insurance Department (consumer information)
• Utah Code: Title 31A — Insurance
• Utah Courts: Small Claims guidance

These resources explain insurer obligations, complaint procedures, and how to file in small claims if your demand is denied and you want a court decision.

When to consult an attorney

Consider legal help if:

• The insurer denies liability for the accident.
• The at-fault insurer rejects a reasonable appraisal or offers a very low settlement.
• The claim value is high or involves a high-value vehicle where appraisal methods are complex.
• There are potential policy coverage issues or multiple at-fault parties.

Evidence that most helps get a fair quote

• Professional appraisal report with methodology and comparable sales.
• High-quality before-and-after photos showing damage and repair areas.
• Complete repair invoices showing parts, labor, and whether OEM parts were used.
• Vehicle maintenance history and proof of condition prior to the accident.
• Market value printouts from reputable valuation services.

Helpful Hints

• Get multiple appraisals if you can; different appraisers may use different methods and one may support a higher diminished value.
• Ask the appraiser to explain their method in writing—market-comparison appraisals that cite comparable sales are usually persuasive.
• Do not sign a full release from the at-fault insurer until you’re satisfied the diminished value issue is resolved.
• Save every repair estimate and receipt. Small line-items can affect overall value (airbags, frame repairs, replaced panels).
• Consider getting a vehicle-history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) to show how an accident can affect resale value—this supports your claim for lost market value.
• Be concise and organized when submitting a demand—adjusters review many files; clear documentation helps your case stand out.
• If the insurer references a standard formula (some carriers use internal or industry formulas), ask them to disclose their calculation so you can respond with your appraisal data.

Disclaimer: This article explains general procedures and consumer options for obtaining a diminished value quote in Utah. It does not offer legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting an attorney about your specific situation. For questions about deadlines, statutes, or filing claims in court, consider contacting a Utah attorney or the Utah Insurance Department.