How to get a diminished value quote for your vehicle in Vermont

Short answer: Gather your vehicle information and repair records, order an independent diminished value appraisal or market-based report, then submit that report to the liable insurer. If the insurer refuses or offers too little, you can negotiate, file a complaint with the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, or pursue a claim in small claims or civil court. This page explains each step in plain language and tells you what to expect.

What is “diminished value”?

Diminished value is the difference between a vehicle’s market value immediately before a crash and its market value after repairs are complete. Buyers often pay less for a vehicle with an accident history even when repairs are high quality. A diminished value claim seeks to recover that loss.

Detailed answer — step-by-step process to get a diminished value quote in Vermont

1) Confirm whether diminished value is potentially payable

Determine who is legally responsible for the damage (the at-fault driver or your own insurer if you have collision coverage). In many cases the at-fault driver’s liability insurer is the party that should pay for diminished value. If your carrier already paid for repairs, they may have subrogation rights and pursue the at-fault insurer.

2) Collect the documents the appraiser and insurer will want

• Vehicle year, make, model, trim, VIN, and current mileage.
• Photos of the vehicle before the accident (if you have them), photos of the damage, and photos after repair.
• Police/accident report (if available).
• Repair estimates and final repair invoices showing parts used and labor.
• Any communications or offers from an insurer.
• Vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) showing the accident.

3) Choose how to get a diminished value quote

You have two common options:

• Online/computerized estimate: Quick and inexpensive. These use formulas and database values to produce a ballpark number. Good for a first check, but results vary widely.
• Independent professional appraisal: A certified appraiser or vehicle valuation service conducts a market-based analysis using comparable sales, condition, and repair history. The report is more credible for negotiating with insurers or presenting in court.

4) Hire an appraiser or valuation service

Look for appraisers who do automobile diminished value reports and who provide a written, supported valuation with comparable sales and market data. Common credentials include automotive appraisers affiliated with appraisal organizations or accredited vehicle appraisers. Typical fees range from about $100 to several hundred dollars depending on report detail.

5) Receive the quote/report

The appraiser will provide a written report that usually includes:

• Pre-loss market value (based on recent sales of similar cars).
• Post-repair market value (adjusted for accident history and repairs).
• The estimated diminished value amount and supporting comps.
• Photos and a description of damage and repairs.

6) Submit the report and demand to the insurer

Send the insurer a cover letter, the appraisal report, repair records, vehicle history report, and a clear demand for payment of the diminished value amount. Use certified mail or an insured email method to create a record of delivery.

7) Negotiate or escalate

An insurer may accept, make a settlement offer, or deny. If the insurer offers less than your appraisal, you can:

• Negotiate with evidence from comparable sales and the appraiser’s analysis.
• Ask the insurer to explain any discounting method they used.
• File a complaint with the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation if you believe the insurer acted improperly. See the Vermont DFR for consumer guidance: https://dfr.vermont.gov/insurance.
• Take the claim to small claims court or hire an attorney for a civil action if needed.

What to expect: timing and costs

• Report turnaround: online tools — minutes to days; professional appraisers — typically 1–3 weeks depending on workload and inspections.
• Costs: online calculators can be free or low-cost; professional reports commonly cost $100–$500.
• Negotiation timeline: may take several weeks. If you must escalate to a regulatory complaint or court, allow months for resolution.

When you might need a lawyer

Consider consulting an attorney if the insurer unreasonably denies your claim, if the settlement offer is far below the appraisal, or if your case involves totaled vehicles, branded titles, or complex subrogation issues. An attorney can advise on collection strategies, lawsuit options, and likely costs versus potential recovery.

Vermont-specific resources

• Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (insurance consumer help and complaint forms): https://dfr.vermont.gov/insurance
• Vermont Legislature (statutes and laws): https://legislature.vermont.gov/
• Vermont DMV (vehicle title and record questions): https://dmv.vermont.gov/

Helpful hints

• Act quickly. Preserve repair invoices, photos, and any pre-accident evidence of condition.
• Use a market-based appraiser for stronger evidence. Online calculators may understate true diminished value.
• Get a vehicle history report to show the accident is on record — insurers and buyers rely on those reports.
• Document all communications with insurers in writing and keep copies of everything you submit.
• If you accept a diminished value payment, check whether the insurer requires a release of future claims — understand what you sign.
• File a consumer complaint with Vermont DFR if you suspect bad-faith handling by an insurer: https://dfr.vermont.gov/insurance.

Disclaimer: This article explains the general process for obtaining a diminished value quote in Vermont and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consider contacting a licensed Vermont attorney or the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation.