Diminished Value Appraisal in
Oregon

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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Oregon: What You Need to Know

August 17, 2025

If you were in an Oregon accident, your vehicle may lose market value even after high-quality repairs. That loss is called diminished value (DV). This guide explains when Oregon diminished value claims are recoverable (first-party vs. third-party), key cases and statutes, what documents to collect, step-by-step filing instructions, and why a professional Oregon diminished value appraisal from SnapClaim helps you recover faster—and for the right amount.

Does Oregon Allow Diminished Value Claims?

Third-party DV (claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer): Yes. Oregon courts have long recognized the measure of auto property damage as the difference in fair market value before and after a collision. That means diminished value is owed when repairs don’t restore the vehicle’s true market worth. See Rossier v. Union Automobile Ins. Co. (Or. 1930).

First-party DV (under your own policy): Oregon’s Supreme Court ruled that when an insurer elects to “repair,” it must restore the vehicle to pre-loss physical condition. If repairs fall short, the remaining diminished value is part of the covered “loss.” See Gonzales v. Farmers Ins. Co. (Or. 2008) and Dunmire Motor Co. v. Oregon Mutual Fire Ins. Co. (Or. 1941).

UM/UIM/UMPD: Oregon requires UM/UIM for bodily injury (ORS 742.502), but uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) is optional. Whether it pays diminished value depends on your policy wording—check your declarations and limits.

New to DV? Start with our Diminished Value Overview.

Key Oregon Law & Authority

First-party “repair” must restore pre-loss condition or pay DV: Gonzales v. Farmers (2008), Dunmire (1941), Rossier (1930).
Statute of limitations (property damage): ORS 12.080(4) — 6 years for property damage including diminished value. Contract claims (first-party policy disputes) also 6 years under ORS 12.080(1).
Comparative negligence: ORS 31.600 — recovery reduced by your share of fault, barred if above 50%.
Small Claims Court limit: Oregon Judicial Department — up to $10,000.
Fee leverage for claims ≤ $10,000: ORS 20.080 — a 30-day pre-suit demand with DV proof can trigger attorney-fee exposure for insurers.

Types of Diminished Value in Oregon

Immediate DV: Value loss immediately after the crash.
Repair-related DV: Loss tied to incomplete or poor repairs (frame damage, paint mismatch, aftermarket parts).
Inherent DV: Residual market stigma that lowers resale value even after quality repairs.

What You Need to Document

DMV & Police Reports:
- File an Oregon Traffic Accident & Insurance Report (Form 735-32) within 72 hours if thresholds met.
- Request police crash report from the investigating agency or Oregon State Police Records.
Photos: Pre-loss, accident scene, and post-repair.
Repair Records: Estimates, invoices, OEM vs aftermarket parts list, frame specs.
Market Data: Oregon comps, VIN details, mileage, ownership history.
Professional appraisal: Order a certified SnapClaim diminished value appraisal.

If your vehicle is a total loss, see our Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal.

How to Obtain Oregon Crash Reports

Drivers must file the DMV crash report within 72 hours (Form 735-32). Police reports can be requested via local agencies or the Oregon State Police portal.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Oregon

Confirm claim type: Third-party (typical DV), first-party under collision/comprehensive, or UMPD if purchased.
Complete repairs: DV measured post-repair vs pre-loss value.
Collect evidence: DMV/police reports, photos, repair records, comps.
Order appraisal: Use SnapClaim Oregon DV report for defensible valuation.
Send demand letter: Attach appraisal, repair invoices, photos, comps.
Negotiate with data: Push back on formulas with real Oregon comps.
Escalate if needed: Regulator, small claims (≤ $10,000), or court.
Preserve deadlines: 6 years under ORS 12.080.

Tips to Strengthen Your Oregon DV Claim

Use Oregon-market comps (dealer listings, auctions).
Document repair quality with frame specs and paint meter readings.
Be specific—state whether you claim inherent, repair-related, or both.
Leverage ORS 20.080 for claims ≤ $10,000.

Why a Professional Oregon Appraisal Is Crucial

Insurers often undervalue claims with generic formulas. A SnapClaim Oregon diminished value report uses real comps, expert analysis, and transparent methodology—built to stand in negotiation, small claims, or trial.

If your car is totaled, see our Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal. Protected by our Money-Back Guarantee.

References & Resources

Key cases: Gonzales (2008), Dunmire (1941), Rossier (1930).
Statutes: ORS 12.080, ORS 31.600, ORS 20.080.
Crash reporting: DMV Form 735-32.
Consumer help: Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
SnapClaim resources: Order DV Report | Overview | Total Loss Appraisal.

Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Oregon

If your car was damaged in an Oregon crash, it may have lost market value even after repairs. That loss is called diminished value, and under Oregon law you may be entitled to recover it from the at-fault driver’s insurance. SnapClaim makes the process simple: get a free diminished value estimate, a certified Oregon diminished value appraisal report, and a ready-to-send demand letter — all within minutes. No guesswork. No delays.

"I was in a crash in Eugene, and even though the repairs looked fine, the car’s value dropped. SnapClaim gave me an Oregon diminished value report and demand package the same day. My insurance company accepted it, and I got paid without hassle.""

Jessica

Vehicle Owner, Oregon

Frequently asked questions:

Can I file a diminished value claim in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon allows third-party diminished value claims. If another driver was at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to recover the loss in your car’s market value after repairs. Learn more in our Diminished Value Guide.
How is diminished value calculated in Oregon?

Insurers typically measure diminished value as the difference between your vehicle’s fair market value before the crash and after repairs. A certified Diminished Value Appraisal Report strengthens your case with documented market evidence.
Is there a time limit to file a diminished value claim in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon generally applies the statute of limitations for property damage claims, which is six years from the date of the accident. However, starting sooner helps ensure better results. For a free estimate, visit our Eligibility Check.
Do I need an attorney to file a diminished value claim in Oregon?

You don’t need an attorney, but many car owners and law firms use professional appraisal reports to negotiate with insurers. Having a certified appraisal makes it harder for the insurance company to undervalue your claim. See our page on Attorney & Law Firm Partnerships for details.
How long does the diminished value claim process take in Oregon?

With SnapClaim, you can get a certified appraisal report in under an hour. The overall claim process varies depending on insurer cooperation but is usually resolved faster with documented evidence. Get started with our Free Estimate Tool.