Diminished Value Appraisal in
Florida
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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Florida: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
After a Florida crash, your vehicle may lose market value even after high-quality repairs. This loss is known as diminished value (DV). Florida courts recognize recovery for inherent diminished value in third-party liability claims, but coverage under your own collision/comprehensive policy usually depends on the specific policy language. This guide explains when Florida diminished value is recoverable, the legal standards, documentation you need, filing deadlines, and how a professional SnapClaim appraisal strengthens your claim.
Does Florida Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes. Florida courts recognize that an accident reduces a vehicle’s market value even after proper repairs. In Siegle v. Progressive Consumers Ins. Co., 819 So.2d 732 (Fla. 2002), the Florida Supreme Court confirmed that inherent diminished value is compensable in third-party claims.
First-party (your own collision/comprehensive)
Generally excluded. In Siegle, the Court also held that insurers are not obligated to pay inherent DV under standard first-party collision/comprehensive coverage unless expressly included in the policy.
UM/UIM and UMPD
Florida requires UM/UIM options for bodily injury; property damage under UM/UIM is optional. Whether DV is covered depends on policy wording. See Fla. Stat. § 627.727.
Key Florida Law & Authority
- Recognition of DV:Siegle v. Progressive — inherent DV recoverable in third-party claims; not owed under standard first-party policies.
- Measure of damages: Cost of repair or diminution in value; both may apply if repairs do not restore pre-loss value.
- Statute of limitations:Fla. Stat. § 95.11 — generally 4 years for property-damage claims.
- Comparative negligence:Fla. Stat. § 768.81 — modified comparative negligence; recovery barred if plaintiff is more than 50% at fault.
- Small claims: Florida small claims court covers disputes up to $8,000 (exclusive of costs/fees). See Florida Courts – Small Claims.
- Insurance complaints: Start at Florida DFS Consumer Services or file online via the DFS eService complaint form.
Types of Diminished Value in Florida
- Immediate DV: Value lost right after the crash, before repairs.
- Repair-related DV: Loss caused by poor-quality or incomplete repairs (structural issues, paint mismatch, non-OEM parts).
- Inherent (stigma) DV: Residual loss in resale value even after proper repairs — the most common type of Florida diminished value claim.
What You Need to Document
- Crash report: Request through the Florida Crash Portal (FLHSMV) (purchase link provided on that page).
- Repair records: Initial estimates, supplements, invoices, and calibration/frame documentation.
- Photos: Pre- and post-repair photos, with VIN and odometer visible.
- Market data: Vehicle history report and comparable sales/listings in Florida.
- Professional DV appraisal with Florida-market comps.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Florida Diminished Value Claim
- Confirm the claim path. Third-party DV claims are recognized. First-party DV is usually excluded unless your policy explicitly provides it.
- Complete repairs. DV is measured after repairs are completed.
- Order a professional DV appraisal.SnapClaim’s report provides Florida comps and recognized methodology.
- Send a written demand. Include crash report, repair docs, photos, and appraisal. Cite Siegle v. Progressive to support recoverability in third-party claims.
- Negotiate with evidence. Florida has no fixed DV formula; credible appraisals and comparables carry weight.
- Escalate if needed: File a complaint with Florida DFS Consumer Services or in small claims court (≤ $8,000), or file in Circuit Court for larger disputes.
Why a Professional Florida DV Appraisal Helps
Insurers often undervalue DV using generic formulas. A SnapClaim Diminished Value Report uses Florida-market comparables, transparent adjustments, and expert analysis — designed for negotiation, regulator complaints, or court. If your vehicle was a total loss, request a Fair Market Value Appraisal. You’re covered by our Money-Back Guarantee. Compare other state rules at
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Florida
If your vehicle was damaged in a Florida accident, it may lose resale value even after quality repairs. This is called diminished value. With a certified Florida diminished value appraisal, you can document the loss and recover compensation under Florida law when another driver is at fault.
SnapClaim makes filing a Florida diminished value claim easy. We provide a free estimate, a certified appraisal report, and an insurer-ready demand letter you can submit right away—accurate, fast, and trusted by attorneys and adjusters across the state.
"When my SUV was rear-ended in Miami, the repairs were covered by the other driver’s insurance. But when I went to trade it in, every dealer offered thousands less because of the accident history. SnapClaim gave me a detailed appraisal that clearly showed the drop in market value. With their report, I was able to recover the difference from the insurer. Without it, I would have taken a big loss."
Carlos M.
Tampa, FL
Frequently Asked Questions - Florida:
- Does Florida allow diminished value claims?
Yes. Florida allows diminished value claims, but only in certain situations. Generally, you can pursue diminished value when filing against another driver’s insurance (third-party claim). First-party diminished value (against your own insurer) is rarely recognized. See where Florida stands compared to other states in our State Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- Why do I need a diminished value appraisal in Florida?
Insurance companies in Florida often dispute or minimize diminished value claims. A certified auto appraisal gives you documented proof of your car’s post-repair loss, backed by market data and accepted valuation methods. Strengthen your claim by starting with our free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a Florida diminished value appraisal cost?
Our pricing is clearly listed on the Pricing Page. Every Florida appraisal includes a certified valuation report, an insurer-ready demand letter, and our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in Florida?
Yes. SnapClaim appraisals are designed for both negotiation and court use. Many Florida drivers and attorneys have successfully used our reports to secure higher settlements. Review our Diminished Value Overview and follow our guide: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How fast can I get my Florida diminished value report?
Most Florida reports are delivered the same day—often within an hour. Your package includes both the certified appraisal and a ready-to-send demand letter. See details in our Certified Appraisal Guide.
- Can I file a diminished value claim in Florida if I was at fault?
No. Florida diminished value claims are typically available only in third-party liability cases, when the other driver is at fault. If your car was declared a total loss, consider a Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal instead.
- What documents should I gather for a Florida diminished value claim?
Prepare the accident/police report, repair invoices and estimates, parts list, before-and-after photos, and any calibration or diagnostic scans. Follow our checklist in How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- What are the deadlines for a Florida diminished value claim?
Florida’s statute of limitations for property damage (including diminished value) is generally four years from the accident date. Filing early helps avoid insurer delays. See comparisons in our State Laws Guide.
- Where do I order a Florida diminished value appraisal?
Order online in minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total losses, choose our Fair Market Value Appraisal.
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