Diminished Value Appraisal in
Idaho

Last updated: August 18, 2025

In Idaho, your vehicle may lose market value even after professional repairs. That loss is called diminished value (DV). Idaho law follows the general tort rule: damages for injury to property are measured by the reasonable cost of repair or the difference in fair market value before and after the accident, whichever is less. If repairs do not restore full value, both may be considered. This guide explains when Idaho diminished value is recoverable, the governing legal standards, what to document, claim deadlines, and how a professional SnapClaim appraisal strengthens your claim.

Does Idaho Allow Diminished Value Claims?

Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)

Yes. Under Idaho law, a property owner may recover either repair costs or the reduction in fair market value. Where repairs leave residual loss, both repair costs and diminished value may be recoverable. See Boise Dodge v. Clark, 92 Idaho 902 (1969) (recognizing diminution in value as a measure of damages).

First-party (your own collision/comprehensive)

Generally excluded. Standard Idaho auto policies limit coverage to repair or actual cash value (ACV). No Idaho appellate case requires insurers to pay inherent DV under collision/comprehensive coverage unless the policy explicitly provides for it.

Key Idaho Law & Authority

• Measure of damages: Cost of repair or diminution in market value; both may apply if repairs do not restore pre-loss value (Boise Dodge).
• Statute of limitations: Idaho Code § 5-218 — 3 years for injury to personal property, including DV claims.
• Comparative negligence: Idaho Code § 6-801 — modified comparative negligence; recovery barred if plaintiff is 50% or more at fault.
• Small claims: Idaho small claims court jurisdiction is up to $5,000 (see Idaho Courts – Small Claims).
• Insurance complaints: File with the Idaho Department of Insurance.

Types of Diminished Value in Idaho

• Immediate DV: Value lost right after the crash, before repairs.
• Repair-related DV: Additional loss due to poor-quality or incomplete repairs.
• Inherent (stigma) DV: The most common form — market stigma that remains even after proper repairs, reducing resale value.

What You Need to Document

• Crash report: Required if there is injury, death, or property damage ≥ $1,500. Request through the Idaho State Police crash report portal.
• Repair records: Initial estimates, supplements, invoices, and calibration/frame specs.
• Photos: Pre- and post-repair damage photos with VIN and odometer included.
• Market data: Vehicle history report and comparable Idaho sales/auction data.
• Professional DV appraisal with Idaho-market comps.

Step-by-Step: Filing an Idaho Diminished Value Claim

1. Confirm the claim path. Third-party DV is the standard route; first-party DV usually excluded unless policy expressly covers it.
2. Complete repairs. DV is measured post-repair.
3. Order a professional DV appraisal. SnapClaim’s report provides Idaho-market comps and expert analysis.
4. Send a written demand. Include the appraisal, crash report, repair records, and photos. Cite Boise Dodge v. Clark to support recoverability.
5. Negotiate with evidence. Idaho has no fixed DV formula; market-based appraisals carry the most weight.
6. Escalate if needed: File a complaint with the Idaho Department of Insurance, pursue small claims court (≤ $5,000), or file in District Court for higher amounts.

Why a Professional Idaho DV Appraisal Helps

Insurers often undervalue diminished value using generic formulas. A SnapClaim Diminished Value Report uses Idaho-market comps, transparent adjustments, and expert methodology — persuasive in settlement talks, regulator complaints, or small claims. If your vehicle was a total loss, request a Fair Market Value Appraisal. You’re covered by our Money-Back Guarantee. Compare state rules at Diminished Value State Laws.