Legal Question in Insurance Law in North Carolina
Automobile Dimunition of Value Claim
I was recently involved in an automobile accident that was not my fault. The other driver hit me from behind and was charged by the police. The value of my car according to Kelly Blue Book is approx. $17,500. The damage estimate to my car is currently $6,100 which could go higher. Can I file a dimunition of value claim for the lost value of my vehicle. I still have a few years to pay on this thing and I am afraid it will not be worth as much because of the damages especially if I want to trade in the near future. Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Automobile Dimunition of Value Claim
If the vehicle is truly repairable, then there
is no recoverable "diminution" claim. But if it
is not repairable, then you can claim a total loss
and get another vehicle.
Check out the various values in the auto trader,
in the Sunday paper classifieds,etc.