Auto Accidents – Critical Thinking

July 20, 2015By Justin Petty

What To Do After An Auto Accident

Advice on Dealing with an Auto Insurance Claim

Most of us will be involved in an auto accident within our lifetimes.

This means that we are likely to have a claim with an insurance company; either our own insurance company or someone else’s insurance company.

After over 17 years of experience in the field of insurance (most as a claims adjuster), I have come to realize that the majority of the public just doesn’t get it (the claims process, that is).

Additionally, I also believe that the majority of auto claims adjusters don’t get it.

When I first began to speak with people about insurance claims over 17 years ago, the problem was not so apparent, but as more attorneys and less experienced adjusters come on the market, claimants get fed a lot of misinformation.

Just search the internet for auto accident claims help or some similar string of search words and you will quickly become confused on how to best approach getting a fair settlement on your insurance claim.

In my own opinion, the best approach is the simplest approach. As the title of this article indicates, critical thinking is the key to a successful claim negotiation.

As an adjuster who has handled almost every type of claim imaginable, I will attempt to give some pointers on critical thinking that we should all remember when we are dealing with a claim, adjusters and claimants alike.

How To File a Diminished Value Claim

June 25, 2015By Justin Petty

How To File a Diminished Value Claim: Diminished Value Explained

Loss in market value, diminution of value, diminished value, depreciation, and lost value are some of the terms used to describe what happens to certain vehicles after they have been involved in an accident.

Most consumers know that this type of loss happens, but they just don’t know how to properly document the loss, and there are very few insurance companies that will offer to calculate it for the consumer because that would just mean more money out of the insurance company’s pocket.

When consumers search for help, they sometimes misspell the actual terms and come up with less than optimum help. It is not diminition of value, it has a “u” in it, hehe.

I have seen such misspellings as demiciated value, depreciated value, diminishment of value, and depreciation of value.

First off, spell it right, and you might come across some better resources!

More Wins! $2000 on 2013 Chrysler 200 Diminished Value

February 26, 2015By Jen Petty

2013 Chrysler 200 Limited S

LOCATION: McKinney, Texas

Our client, Ed, started his claim out the right way and that was by doing his research about 2013 Chrysler 200 diminished value while his car was still in repair and requested a free consultation with us right away.  

Chrysler 200 diminished value

He was fighting with an insurance company that was open-minded about being fair when giving him an offer and a little back and forth on his end got him a settlement of $2000!

My Attorney Says They Don’t Do Property Damages?!

January 22, 2015By Justin Petty

attorneys and property damage

When dealing with another person’s insurance company for an accident, many attorneys will simply tell clients that they do not get involved with the property damage part of the claim and that includes diminished value and total loss settlements.

In fact, MOST injury attorneys practice this policy on third party cases.

Why do they say this?

Well, normally it’s because there is no way for the attorney to make any money handling the property damages AND make sure the victim gets all their property damage money.

Tow Trucks, Taxis, & Rentals, Oh My! Commercial Vehicle Claims

January 6, 2015By Justin Petty

 How To Deal With A Diminished Value Claim Against A Commercial Vehicle Insurance Policy

During my auto claims career I have dealt with hundreds of claims that stemmed from the negligence of a commercial vehicle. In particular, three types of claims are most common: Claims involving rental vehicles, taxis, or small freight / towing truck companies. In most cases, if one of these commonly self-insured entities has caused you damage, then you’ll have a very difficult time recovering your damages.

Here’s an example of what you could run into . . .

Diminished value claims against commercial vehicle

I currently have a case on the books where my customer’s vehicle was damaged because a towing company failed to secure an item that was on the bed of a tow truck. The item fell off causing over $7K in damage and lost value to my client’s vehicle. The tow company’s risk manager told us that he would not pay for damages, and that my customer would have to sue. Then, he said if the customer won the suit, he still would simply never pay the judgment.

(more…)

There’s No Such Thing As Diminished Value

April 1, 2014By Jen Petty No Comments

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS DIMINISHED VALUE

Taken directly from adjuster training school handbook

Here are some samples from the actual handbook that explains exactly why you are crazy if you believe in diminished value, especially as an adjuster (personal vehicles excluded, of course). There is no such thing as diminished value – we’ll keep it short. . .

(more…)

2013 Kia Sorento Diminished Value Win – $3000 Settlement!

April 1, 2014By Jen Petty

2013 Kia Sorento – $3,000 DV Win!

LOCATION: Litchfield Park, Arizona

Another success to brag about and this time it’s a 2013 Kia Sorento diminished value win!  

Amber had a pretty bad wreck with over $10,000 damages to her 2013 Kia Sorento and luckily she hired a law firm that was familiar with our stellar diminished value services and decided to hire us for the case.  

The claim was against an insurance company that is notorious for just saying no, no matter what, but that never stops us from fighting!

Fiat Diminished Value Success!

March 17, 2014By Jen Petty

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth – $1100 DV Award!

Location: Staten Island, New York

Leo knew he had at least a small Fiat diminished value claim after minor damage to his new car.  He found us to give him the evidence to fight without coming out of pocket hundreds of dollars!

Leo’s damages were under $2,000 so he didn’t want to invest a lot in his Fiat diminished value claim but the insurance company was willing to address the DV if he had an expert report.  After looking at his claim, we valued it at about $1450 and helped him get a demand in front of the insurance company.

2012 Infiniti Diminished Value – $3400 on a G25!

January 31, 2014By Jen Petty No Comments


diminished value. Infiniti G25

Location: Dallas, Texas

Carl had an $8000 repair on his 2012 Infiniti G25 after he was rear-ended in an auto accident and he was looking for more info on Diminished Value.  He couldn’t find an attorney to help him with a property damage only claim and he was stuck until an attorney helped him find us.  After reviewing his claim, we formulated our opinion at around $5000 for his Infiniti diminished value claim. (more…)