Diminished Value Appraisal in
Montana
Recover the lost value of your car after an accident with a certified Montana diminished value appraisal.
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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Montana: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Montana law allows recovery of diminished value (DV) in third-party liability claims. If another driver is at fault, you may seek compensation for the difference between your vehicle’s pre-accident fair market value and its value after repairs. However, first-party DV claims under your own policy are generally excluded unless expressly included in your contract. This guide explains when DV is recoverable in Montana, the governing statutes, what to document, and how a certified SnapClaim appraisal strengthens your claim.
Does Montana Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes. Montana tort law requires the negligent driver to restore the injured party to their pre-loss position. Courts recognize that repair alone may not fully restore value, and insurers can be held liable for DV when properly supported by evidence.
First-party (your own insurer)
No, unless specifically provided. Standard Montana auto policies exclude DV under collision or comprehensive coverage. Unless your policy contains explicit DV coverage, your claim will be limited to repair costs.
Key Montana Law & Authority
- Statute of limitations: Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-203 — 3 years for property damage, including DV claims.
- Comparative negligence: Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover DV if you are less than 51% at fault; damages are reduced in proportion to fault.
- Small claims court: Limit is $7,000.
- Insurance oversight: Complaints can be filed with the Montana Commissioner of Securities & Insurance.
Types of Diminished Value in Montana
- Immediate DV: Loss in market value right after the crash, before repairs.
- Repair-related DV: Loss caused by poor-quality or incomplete repairs.
- Inherent DV: The most common form — even after professional repairs, the stigma of an accident lowers resale or trade-in value.
What You Need to Document
- Accident report: Obtain from the Montana Highway Patrol Crash Records.
- Repair documentation: Keep invoices and shop estimates.
- Photos: Before and after repair photos showing damage and condition.
- Market comparables: Dealer trade-in quotes, auto listings, and vehicle history reports.
- Independent appraisal: A certified SnapClaim DV appraisal using Montana market data.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Montana
- Establish liability. DV applies when another driver is legally at fault.
- Repair your car. Appraisals depend on post-repair condition.
- Get a certified DV appraisal. Order a SnapClaim report tailored to Montana’s resale market.
- Submit a demand package. Include the appraisal, repair invoices, and crash report to the insurer.
- Negotiate with evidence. Insurers may undervalue DV; professional reports improve outcomes.
- Escalate if needed. File with the Montana Commissioner of Securities & Insurance or take your claim to small claims court (up to $7,000).
Why a Professional Montana DV Appraisal Matters
Montana insurers often dispute or minimize diminished value. A certified SnapClaim appraisal provides independent, market-based proof that strengthens your claim. For total losses, see our Fair Market Value Reports. Every report comes with our Money-Back Guarantee. For other states, explore our State DV Law Guide.
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Montana
If your car was in a Montana accident, it may lose resale value even after quality repairs. This loss is called diminished value. A certified Montana diminished value appraisal helps prove your vehicle’s reduced market value so you can recover it from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
SnapClaim provides a free estimate, a certified Montana appraisal report, and an insurer-ready demand letter — fast, accurate, and trusted by attorneys and adjusters statewide.
"After my SUV was repaired in Missoula, its value still dropped. SnapClaim’s Montana diminished value appraisal gave my attorney the proof needed, and the insurer paid quickly. It made the process stress-free."
Tyler H.
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions - Montana:
- Does Montana allow diminished value claims?
Yes. Montana allows drivers to pursue diminished value claims when another party is at fault. Even if your car is fully repaired, you can seek compensation for its reduced resale value. See how Montana compares in our State Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- Why do I need a diminished value appraisal in Montana?
Insurance companies in Montana often dispute diminished value or offer low settlements. A certified auto appraisal provides the documentation and expert valuation needed to support your claim. Begin with our free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a Montana diminished value appraisal cost?
Pricing is clearly outlined on our Pricing page. Each appraisal includes a certified report, a demand letter for your insurer, and our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in Montana?
Yes. Our appraisals are designed for both settlement negotiations and legal proceedings. Many Montana drivers and attorneys rely on SnapClaim reports to secure higher payouts. Learn more in our guide: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How quickly can I get my Montana diminished value report?
Most reports are completed the same day—often within an hour. You’ll receive a certified appraisal and a ready-to-send demand letter. Explore what’s included in our Certified Appraisal Guide.
- Can I file a diminished value claim in Montana if I was at fault?
No. Diminished value in Montana typically applies only to third-party claims when another driver is responsible. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, consider a Fair Market Value Appraisal instead.
- What documents do I need for a Montana diminished value claim?
Gather the accident report, repair estimates and invoices, before-and-after photos, parts lists, and calibration/scan records. For a full checklist, see our blog: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- What is the statute of limitations for diminished value in Montana?
Montana’s statute of limitations for property damage claims, including diminished value, is three years from the accident date. To avoid delays, begin your claim as soon as possible. Compare timelines in our State Laws Guide.
- Where can I order a Montana diminished value appraisal?
Order online in minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total loss claims, choose our Fair Market Value Appraisal.
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