Diminished Value Appraisal in
Maine
Recover the lost value of your car after an accident with a certified Maine diminished value appraisal.
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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Maine: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Maine law allows recovery of diminished value (DV) in third-party liability claims when another driver is at fault. However, first-party insurance policies in Maine typically exclude DV, meaning your own insurer is not required to pay for the lost market value of your vehicle. This guide explains when DV is recoverable in Maine, the legal framework, what you need to document, and how a certified SnapClaim appraisal can strengthen your claim.
Does Maine Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes. Maine recognizes recovery for DV under general negligence law. If another driver’s negligence reduces the value of your repaired vehicle, you may include DV in your property damage claim.
First-party (your own insurer)
No. Standard Maine auto policies exclude diminished value. Your carrier is only obligated to repair the damage or declare the vehicle a total loss.
Key Maine Law & Authority
- Negligence recovery: DV recognized under general tort/property damage principles (14 M.R.S. § 752).
- Statute of limitations: 6 years for property damage in Maine — one of the longest in the U.S.
- Small claims court: Up to $6,000 in Maine District Court.
- Regulator: Maine Bureau of Insurance.
Types of Diminished Value in Maine
- Immediate DV: Loss of value immediately after an accident before repairs are completed.
- Repair-related DV: Reduction due to poor workmanship or visible defects.
- Inherent DV: The most common — even with perfect repairs, buyers pay less for a vehicle with an accident history.
What You Need to Document
- Accident report: Request through the Maine State Police Crash Report system or local law enforcement.
- Repair records: Keep invoices and itemized receipts of completed repairs.
- Before-and-after photos: Document damage and repair quality.
- Comparable sales data: Evidence showing reduced market value compared to similar undamaged vehicles.
- Certified DV appraisal: A professional SnapClaim appraisal provides market-supported valuation.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Maine
- Check eligibility. Confirm that another driver was at fault — DV is not recoverable under your own policy.
- Repair your vehicle. Proof of completed repairs is required before most insurers consider DV.
- Get a DV appraisal. Order a SnapClaim certified appraisal to calculate your loss.
- Send a demand letter. Include the appraisal, police report, and repair invoices when submitting to the insurer.
- Negotiate. Be prepared for pushback — insurers often undervalue DV without expert reports.
- Escalate if necessary. File in small claims court (up to $6,000) or higher court for larger losses.
Why a Maine DV Appraisal Matters
Insurers in Maine rarely pay DV unless forced by evidence. A SnapClaim certified appraisal strengthens your position and ensures fair compensation. For total loss cases, see our Fair Market Value Reports. All SnapClaim reports include a Money-Back Guarantee. For more details, visit our State DV Law Guide.
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Maine
Maine drivers can pursue diminished value claims after an accident caused by another driver. Even with quality repairs, a vehicle’s market value often drops due to its accident record. A certified Maine diminished value appraisal helps you prove this loss and recover fair compensation.
At SnapClaim, we deliver fast, accurate reports that reflect real market data. Our appraisals are trusted by attorneys and designed to make your negotiations with insurers smoother and more effective.
"After a rear-end accident in Portland, my SUV’s Carfax report showed the damage, and buyers were offering less. SnapClaim gave me a detailed appraisal that helped me recover the lost value from the other driver’s insurance. The process was simple and saved me a lot of stress."
Hannah R.,
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions - Maine:
- Does Maine allow diminished value claims?
Yes. Maine law allows diminished value claims when another driver is at fault. Even after professional repairs, you can recover compensation for your vehicle’s reduced market value. See how Maine compares in our State Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- aWhy do I need a diminished value appraisal in Maine? I need to know about how to code?
Insurance companies in Maine often downplay diminished value. A certified auto appraisal provides market-based evidence of your vehicle’s lost value, making your claim stronger in negotiations or court. Start with our free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a Maine diminished value appraisal cost?
Pricing details are on our Pricing page. Every report includes a ready-to-send demand letter and is protected by our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in Maine?
Yes. SnapClaim appraisals are designed for both negotiations and legal proceedings. Many drivers and attorneys in Maine use our certified reports to secure fair settlements. Learn the process step-by-step in our guide: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How fast can I get my Maine diminished value report?
Most reports are completed the same day, often within an hour. Your package will include a certified appraisal plus a demand letter you can immediately send to the insurer. Explore details in our Certified Appraisal Guide.
- Can I claim diminished value in Maine if I caused the accident?
No. In Maine, diminished value is typically only recoverable in third-party claims where another driver is at fault. If your car is a total loss, you may need a Fair Market Value Appraisal instead.
- What is the deadline to file a diminished value claim in Maine?
Maine’s statute of limitations for property damage claims, including diminished value, is generally six years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait, as insurers may delay negotiations. See how deadlines vary in our State Laws Guide.
- Where can I order a Maine diminished value appraisal?
Order online in minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total loss claims, request our Fair Market Value Appraisal.
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