Diminished Value Appraisal in
Michigan
Recover the lost value of your car after an accident with a certified Michigan diminished value appraisal.
Fast, accurate, and court-ready reports trusted by insurers and attorneys. No delays. No guesswork.
No credit card required.
Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Michigan: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Michigan law makes recovery of diminished value (DV) challenging because of its no-fault insurance system. In most cases, DV is not covered by your own insurer under first-party benefits. However, you may pursue DV through third-party liability claims when another driver is at fault and meets Michigan’s legal thresholds. This guide explains DV in Michigan, key statutes, evidence you’ll need, and why a certified SnapClaim appraisal strengthens your case.
Does Michigan Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes, but limited. Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. You can only pursue DV in third-party claims if you prove the at-fault driver caused property damage and your losses exceed Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold (MCL § 500.3135). DV is not automatically recoverable in all crashes.
First-party (your own insurer)
No. Standard Michigan no-fault coverage does not include DV. Insurers must restore the vehicle to a drivable condition, but they are not required to compensate for lost resale value.
Key Michigan Law & Authority
- No-fault system: See Michigan Auto Insurance Overview from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).
- Tort threshold: DV is only possible if the case qualifies under MCL § 500.3135.
- Statute of limitations: MCL § 600.5805 — 3 years for property damage claims.
- Small claims: Limit is $6,500 in Michigan District Court.
- Regulator: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
Types of Diminished Value in Michigan
- Immediate DV: Value lost immediately after the crash, before repairs.
- Repair-related DV: Loss from visible defects or poor workmanship after repairs.
- Inherent DV: Most common — even with high-quality repairs, buyers pay less for a car with accident history.
What You Need to Document
- Police accident report: Obtain from the Michigan State Police.
- Repair invoices: Full documentation from your shop.
- Photos: Pre- and post-repair photos.
- Market evidence: Comparable dealer quotes and trade-in values.
- Independent appraisal: A certified SnapClaim appraisal specific to Michigan’s auto market.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Michigan
- Confirm eligibility. DV claims are rare under Michigan’s no-fault law — verify the at-fault driver meets the tort threshold.
- Repair your vehicle. Courts require proof of post-repair value loss.
- Order a DV appraisal. Get a SnapClaim DV report for authoritative evidence.
- Submit a demand. Send appraisal, repair docs, and accident report to the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Negotiate. Be prepared for insurers to dispute DV under Michigan’s restrictive laws.
- Escalate. If denied, you may file in small claims court (limit $6,500) or higher court for larger amounts.
Why a Michigan DV Appraisal Matters
Because Michigan insurers frequently reject DV claims, having a certified SnapClaim appraisal with market-backed data gives you stronger leverage. For total loss cases, see our Fair Market Value Reports. Every report includes a Money-Back Guarantee. For rules across the U.S., visit our State DV Law Guide.
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Michigan
Michigan allows drivers to pursue a diminished value claim when their vehicle loses market value after an accident caused by another driver. Even when repairs are done correctly, buyers often discount cars with an accident history. A certified Michigan diminished value appraisal provides the proof needed to recover that loss.
With SnapClaim, you receive fast, detailed reports built from real market data. Our appraisals help Michigan drivers strengthen their insurance negotiations and secure fair compensation.
“After my hatchback was sideswiped, the repairs were flawless—but all buyers were pointing the accident on the history report and dropped their offer. SnapClaim’s Massachusetts diminished value appraisal quantified the loss with local comps, and the at-fault insurer reimbursed me for the difference.”
Elena G.
Somerville, Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions - Michigan:
- Does Michigan allow diminished value claims?
Yes, but with important limitations. Michigan follows a no-fault insurance system, which makes diminished value recovery more complex than in many states. Generally, diminished value can only be pursued in third-party claims where another driver is clearly at fault and their liability coverage applies. See how Michigan compares in our State Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- Why do I need a diminished value appraisal in Michigan?
Insurers in Michigan often minimize or reject diminished value claims. A certified auto appraisal provides expert documentation of your car’s lost value, backed by market comparables. Get started with our free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a Michigan diminished value appraisal cost?
All pricing details are available on our Pricing page. Every SnapClaim appraisal includes an insurer-ready demand letter and comes with our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in Michigan?
Yes. SnapClaim appraisals are built for negotiations and litigation. Michigan attorneys and policyholders regularly use them to push for higher settlements. For a detailed step-by-step, visit our blog: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How fast can I get my Michigan diminished value report?
Most reports are delivered the same day, often within one hour. Your package includes a certified appraisal and a ready-to-send demand letter. Learn what’s included in our Certified Appraisal Guide.
- Can I file a diminished value claim in Michigan if I was at fault?
No. Michigan’s no-fault system does not allow diminished value recovery in at-fault situations. However, if your vehicle was totaled, you may need a Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal instead.
- What documents should I gather for a Michigan diminished value claim?
Collect the accident report, repair invoices, parts list, pre- and post-repair photos, and any calibration or scan sheets. Use our checklist here: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- What is the deadline to file a diminished value claim in Michigan?
Michigan’s statute of limitations for property damage claims is three years from the date of the accident. Don’t delay—insurance companies often drag out the process. See how this compares nationwide in our State Laws Guide.
- Where can I order a Michigan diminished value appraisal?
You can order online in minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total loss claims, use our Fair Market Value Appraisal.
Michigan diminished value appraisal in minutes.
Don’t leave money on the table. Start your free estimate now and get a certified Michigan diminished value appraisal report within hours.
Free Estimate, no credit card required.
