Diminished Value Appraisal in
Utah
Recover the lost value of your car after an accident with a certified Utah diminished value appraisal.
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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Utah: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Utah law allows recovery of diminished value (DV) in third-party liability claims when another driver is at fault. By contrast, most first-party policies in Utah exclude DV unless the policy language specifically covers it. This guide explains when DV is recoverable in Utah, the controlling statutes, what evidence you need, the step-by-step claim process, deadlines, and why a professional SnapClaim appraisal gives you the strongest negotiating position.
Does Utah Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes. Utah recognizes that property damage recovery includes the diminished fair market value of your vehicle, even after proper repairs. If another driver is liable, you may recover DV with proper proof.
First-party (your own insurer)
Generally no. Most Utah auto policies do not cover inherent diminished value under collision/comprehensive coverage unless expressly stated. Your insurer usually owes to repair or pay actual cash value (ACV).
Key Utah Law & Resources
- Statute of limitations (property damage): Utah Code § 78B-2-305 — 3 years.
- Comparative negligence: Utah Code § 78B-5-818 — recovery allowed if you are less than 50% at fault.
- Small claims court: Claims up to $15,000.
- Crash reports: Request through the Utah Department of Public Safety: Crash Report Info.
- Insurance complaints/help: Utah Insurance Department consumer services.
Types of Diminished Value in Utah
- Immediate DV: Value loss right after the crash, before repairs.
- Repair-related DV: Loss due to poor-quality or visible repairs, non-OEM parts, or frame damage.
- Inherent DV: The most common — even if fully repaired, accident history lowers resale value.
What to Document
- Accident report: Obtain from Utah DPS (link).
- Repair documentation: Estimates, invoices, parts receipts, and body shop notes.
- Photos: Pre-repair damage and post-repair condition (VIN and odometer included).
- Market comps: Dealer trade-in offers, Carfax/AutoCheck history reports, and comparable vehicle listings.
- Independent appraisal: A certified SnapClaim appraisal with Utah market comps.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Utah DV Claim
- Verify eligibility. DV is recoverable only against the at-fault driver’s insurer, not usually your own.
- Repair the vehicle. DV is measured on the repaired car’s resale value.
- Order a professional appraisal. Get a SnapClaim DV report to establish loss.
- Submit a demand letter. Include crash report, repair invoices, photos, and appraisal; request a specific DV amount.
- Negotiate with evidence. Utah has no set formula; insurers weigh credible market-based appraisals.
- Escalate if necessary. File a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department or sue in small claims court (≤$15,000).
Utah-Specific Tips
- Use Utah comps. Local listings and dealer trade quotes carry more weight than generic online calculators.
- Be clear in your claim. State whether you seek inherent DV, repair-related DV, or both.
- Track the 3-year deadline. File before the statute expires (Utah Code § 78B-2-305).
Why a Professional Utah DV Appraisal Matters
Utah insurers often undervalue DV unless presented with professional evidence. A SnapClaim appraisal documents pre- vs. post-repair value using Utah market comps and accepted methodology — essential for negotiation or court. If your vehicle is a total loss, see our Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisals. Every report is backed by our Money-Back Guarantee. Compare Utah to other states in our State DV Law Guide.
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in Utah
If your vehicle was damaged in an Alaska car accident, it may lose resale value even after professional repairs. This is called diminished value. With a certified Alaska diminished value appraisal, you can prove your vehicle’s loss in value and recover it under Alaska law. Courts recognize the right of drivers to be compensated for the difference in pre- and post-accident value when another driver is at fault.
SnapClaim makes filing an Alaska diminished value claim simple and stress-free. We provide a free diminished value estimate, a certified Alaska diminished value appraisal report, and an insurer-ready demand letter you can submit immediately. No waiting. No confusion. Just accurate, court-ready documentation trusted by attorneys and insurance adjusters across Alaska.
"After a side-impact accident in Fairbanks, my car looked repaired, but the trade-in offers were way lower than before. SnapClaim’s Alaska diminished value appraisal gave me the proof I needed to show the loss. The report was detailed and professional, and once my lawyer submitted it, the insurance company quickly agreed to cover the difference. Instead of being stuck with the loss, I was able to move forward with a fair payout."
Fairbanks, AK
Anchorage, AK
Frequently Asked Questions - Utah:
- Does Utah allow diminished value claims?
Yes. Utah recognizes diminished value in third-party claims. If another driver caused the accident, you can pursue compensation for the loss in your vehicle’s market value even after repairs are complete. See how Utah compares in our State Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- Why do I need a diminished value appraisal in Utah?
Insurance companies in Utah may attempt to minimize or deny diminished value. A certified auto appraisal provides evidence using comparable sales and expert methodology that insurers and courts accept. Start with our free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a Utah diminished value appraisal cost?
Our appraisal costs are listed on the Pricing page. Every report includes a demand letter formatted for insurers and is covered by our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in Utah?
Yes. Our reports are crafted to meet negotiation and litigation standards. Many Utah drivers and attorneys rely on SnapClaim to recover fair settlements. See our Diminished Value Overview and blog: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How quickly can I get my Utah diminished value report?
Most Utah clients receive their appraisal the same day, often within hours. Each package includes a certified appraisal and a ready-to-use demand letter. Review details in our Certified Appraisal Guide.
- Can I file a diminished value claim in Utah if I was at fault?
No. Utah only allows diminished value recovery in third-party claims. If your own insurance is paying, you generally cannot recover diminished value. For total loss vehicles, order a Fair Market Value Appraisal instead.
- What documents should I prepare for a Utah diminished value claim?
Collect your crash report, repair estimates, invoices, photos (before and after repair), parts lists, and calibration/scan sheets. Use our checklist from the blog: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- What is the deadline for a Utah diminished value claim?
Utah’s statute of limitations for property damage, including diminished value, is generally three years from the accident date. Don’t wait—insurance companies may delay processing. See our State Laws Guide for details.
- Where do I order a Utah diminished value appraisal?
Order online in just minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total loss vehicles, use our Fair Market Value Appraisal.
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