Diminished Value Appraisal in
Texas
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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Texas: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Texas allows recovery of diminished value (DV) in third-party liability claims when another driver is at fault. By contrast, most first-party policies in Texas exclude DV unless your contract expressly includes it. This guide explains when DV is recoverable in Texas, the governing statutes and case law, what to document, step-by-step filing, deadlines, and why a professional SnapClaim appraisal gives you leverage.
Does Texas Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes. Texas tort law permits recovery of the difference in fair market value before vs. after the crash when repairs don’t fully restore value. If another driver is liable, you may claim DV with proper proof.
First-party (your own insurer)
Generally no. The Texas Supreme Court has held that standard first-party auto policies do not require payment of inherent DV unless the policy says otherwise. Your carrier typically owes to repair the car or pay ACV, not the stigma loss.
Key Texas Law & Authority
- Statute of limitations (property damage): Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 — 2 years.
- Comparative negligence (51% bar): Chapter 33, Proportionate Responsibility — recovery reduced by your fault; barred at >50% fault.
- Small claims (Justice Court) limit: Up to $20,000.
- Crash reports: Order via TxDOT’s CRIS portal: Crash Report Search.
- Insurance complaints/help: Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) consumer resources.
Types of Diminished Value in Texas
- Immediate DV: Value drop right after the crash, before repairs.
- Repair-related DV: Loss due to visible/substandard repairs or non-OEM parts.
- Inherent (stigma) DV: The most common — even with quality repairs, accident history reduces resale value.
What You Need to Document
- Accident report: Download from TxDOT’s CRIS system (link).
- Repair records: Estimates, final invoices, parts lists, scans/calibration sheets.
- Photos: Pre-repair damage and post-repair condition (multiple angles, VIN/odometer).
- Market evidence: Comparable listings, dealer trade offers, history reports (Carfax/AutoCheck).
- Independent appraisal: A certified SnapClaim DV appraisal built on Texas market comps.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Texas Diminished Value Claim
- Confirm liability & eligibility. DV is typically recoverable only from the at-fault driver’s insurer; your own policy usually excludes it.
- Complete repairs. DV is measured on the repaired vehicle’s market value.
- Order a professional appraisal. Get a SnapClaim report with VIN-specific comps and methodology.
- Send a written demand. Include the crash report, repair file, photos, and appraisal; state a clear amount and deadline.
- Negotiate with evidence. Texas has no mandatory DV “formula”; credible market proof controls. Document all communications.
- Escalate if needed. File a complaint with TDI or sue in Justice Court (≤$20,000) or a higher court for larger claims.
Texas-Specific Tips
- Use Texas comps. Local private-party/dealer listings and recent auctions carry more weight than generic calculators.
- Be explicit on theory. Identify whether you claim inherent DV, repair-related DV, or bot
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Texas
Texas drivers can pursue a diminished value claim if their vehicle loses resale value after an accident caused by another driver. Even after proper repairs, buyers often pay less for a car with an accident history. A certified Texas diminished value appraisal gives you the evidence needed to recover that loss.
SnapClaim provides fast, accurate reports built from real market data. Our appraisals help Texas drivers negotiate with insurers and secure fair compensation without delay.
"I was rear-ended in Dallas, and although the body shop fixed my truck, Carfax showed the accident and dealers knocked thousands off the trade-in value. With SnapClaim’s Texas appraisal, I had solid documentation. My attorney used it, and the insurer finally agreed to cover the diminished value. It made all the difference."
Mona R.
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions - Texas:
- Does Texas allow diminished value claims?
Yes. Texas law allows you to pursue diminished value claims in third-party accidents. If another driver is responsible, you can recover the lost resale value of your car even after it has been repaired. For state-by-state comparisons, see our Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- Why do I need a diminished value appraisal in Texas?
Insurance companies in Texas often undervalue diminished value or deny it entirely. A certified auto appraisal provides objective evidence that adjusters and attorneys recognize. To get started, request a free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a Texas diminished value appraisal cost?
All pricing is detailed on our Pricing page. Every appraisal includes an insurer-ready demand letter and comes with our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in Texas?
Yes. Our appraisals are designed for insurance negotiations and courtroom use. Many Texas policyholders and attorneys rely on them to increase settlement payouts. See our Diminished Value Overview and blog: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How fast can I get my Texas diminished value report?
Most reports are delivered within hours, often the same day. You’ll receive 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 Texas if I was at fault?
No. In Texas, diminished value recovery is limited to third-party claims where another driver is at fault. If your vehicle was totaled, you may need a Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal instead.
- What documents should I collect for a Texas diminished value claim?
Gather your police crash report, repair estimates, invoices, photos before and after repairs, parts lists, and any calibration or scan results. Follow the checklist in our guide: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- What is the deadline for a diminished value claim in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for property damage claims, including diminished value. Act quickly to protect your rights. See our State Laws Guide for more details.
- Where do I order a Texas diminished value appraisal?
You can order online in minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total loss vehicles, request a Fair Market Value Appraisal.
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