Last updated: August 13, 2025

If your vehicle was damaged in an Idaho crash and later repaired, it may still be worth less than before. That lost market value is known as diminished value (DV). This guide explains when DV is recoverable in Idaho, what proof you need, the exact steps to file (with key deadlines), and why a professional appraisal from SnapClaim helps you settle faster and for the right amount.

Does Idaho Allow Diminished Value Claims?

Third-party DV (against the at-fault driver’s insurer): Yes. Idaho recognizes the traditional property-damage measure based on diminution in fair market value. The Idaho Civil Jury Instructions state that damages to property can include repair cost plus the difference between the vehicle’s fair market value before damage and after repairs, or the difference before vs. after without repairs—i.e., diminished value. See IDJI 9.07 (Property Damage) and the Court’s index of civil instructions here.

First-party DV (under your own policy): Usually not covered unless your policy expressly provides it. Idaho’s Department of Insurance explains that your insurer pays for vehicle damage only if you purchased the applicable physical-damage coverage (collision/comprehensive), and standard policies generally do not promise payment for inherent DV. Always review your declarations and exclusions. See Idaho DOI: Auto Claims.

New to DV? Start here: Diminished Value Overview.

Key Idaho Law & Authority

• Measure of damages (diminution of value): IDJI 9.07 — authorizes repair cost plus the post-repair value reduction, or the before/after difference, as appropriate. See also the Idaho Supreme Court’s civil jury instructions portal here.
• Statute of limitations (property damage): Generally 3 years for injury to personal property (including vehicle damage) under Idaho Code § 5-218(3). See summaries at Nolo and FindLaw.
• Consumer escalation: Idaho Department of Insurance complaint portal and hotline: File a Consumer Complaint (or NAIC complaint form here).

Types of Diminished Value Recognized

• Immediate DV: Loss in value immediately after the crash and before repairs (rarely pursued by consumers).
• Repair-related DV: Loss due to sub-optimal repairs (non-OEM parts, structural/frame variance, paint mismatch, refinish quality).
• Inherent (residual) DV: Market stigma that remains after high-quality repairs because the vehicle now has an accident history—the most common form claimed.

What You Need to Document

• Crash report: Obtain from the investigating agency or the state portals:
  • Idaho Transportation Department – Crash Reports (PDF purchase portal; reports are public records).
  • Idaho State Police (records & crash report links).
• Photos: Pre-loss (if available), post-crash damage, and post-repair.
• Repair records: Initial and supplemental estimates, final invoice, parts list (OEM vs aftermarket), frame/unibody specs, paint materials sheets.
• Vehicle & market data: VIN, trim/options, mileage before/after, service history, ownership/title status (no branding), comparable sales/listings in Idaho markets.
• Professional appraisal: An independent DV report quantifying inherent and repair-related loss using transparent methodology and local comps — order a SnapClaim DV appraisal.

If your vehicle is a total loss, use a Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal instead.

How to Obtain Idaho Crash Reports

Most reports can be purchased online via the Idaho Transportation Department’s portal (ITD Crash Reports). You can also start from the Idaho State Police site for records and public records requests. Fees apply for PDF downloads; collision records are public under Idaho Code 49-202 (noted on ITD’s page).

Step-by-Step: Filing a Diminished Value Claim in Idaho

1. Confirm fault & coverage. DV is typically a third-party property-damage claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurer.
2. Gather your evidence. Crash report, damage & post-repair photos, complete repair documentation, service/ownership records, and sales comps.
3. Get a professional DV appraisal. Use SnapClaim for a fast, defensible valuation grounded in Idaho market data and aligned with IDJI 9.07’s damages framework.
4. Send a formal demand. Attach your appraisal and exhibits (photos, estimates/invoices, local comparables/auction data). State the DV amount and valuation basis (difference between pre-loss and post-repair FMV, plus any repair-related issues).
5. Negotiate with data. Be prepared to address mileage/condition adjustments, repair quality, and comparable selection. Counter any formulaic reductions with market-verified comps and the appraisal’s methodology.
6. Escalate if needed.
   • Regulator complaint: Idaho DOI Consumer Affairs — File a complaint or call (208) 334-4250 / (800) 721-3272.
   • Small Claims (Magistrate Division): For disputes up to $5,000. See Idaho Code Title 1, Ch. 23 and local clerk resources (e.g., Ada County Small Claims).
   • District Court (Magistrate/Trial track): For larger claims or when formal litigation is appropriate. Consider consulting Idaho counsel experienced in auto property damage/DV.
7. Preserve deadlines. For property-damage claims, Idaho’s general limitations period is 3 years (Idaho Code § 5-218(3)). Contract-based disputes may have policy notice/proof-of-loss requirements—review your policy and consult counsel.

Idaho-Specific Tips to Strengthen Your Claim

• Use Idaho comps. Include local dealer/private-party listings and recent auction data reflecting how Idaho buyers discount for branded accident history.
• Document repair quality. Frame specs and paint-meter readings (if available) help establish or rule out repair-related DV.
• Be precise in your theory. Identify whether you are claiming inherent DV, repair-related DV, or both—and tie each to exhibits.
• Organize your file. Label exhibits (A, B, C…) and keep email logs; this speeds regulator review or court filing if needed.

Why Using a Professional Appraisal Is Crucial

Insurers often rely on rough formulas that understate real-world market impact. A SnapClaim appraisal applies Idaho-market comparables, transparent adjustments, and expert review—built to stand up in negotiation or court. If your car is totaled, switch to our Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal. You’re also protected by our Money-Back Guarantee Policy.

• Order a Diminished Value Report
• Diminished Value Overview
• Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal
• Money-Back Guarantee Policy
• Diminished Value State Laws

References & Resources

• Idaho Civil Jury Instructions — Property Damage (Diminution in Value): IDJI 9.07 (DOCX) | Index page: Civil Jury Instructions
• Statute of Limitations — Property Damage: Nolo: Idaho Property Damage SOL (3 years; Idaho Code § 5-218) | FindLaw: Idaho Civil SOLs
• Crash Reports: ITD Crash Report Portal | Idaho State Police
• Consumer Assistance / Complaints: Idaho Department of Insurance — File a Complaint | NAIC complaint form: Submit Online
• Small Claims (≤ $5,000): Idaho Code Title 1, Ch. 23 — overview via Justia | Local example: Ada County Small Claims
• Background reading — nationwide DV/property-damage principles: MWL: Diminution-in-Value in All 50 States
• SnapClaim internal resources for Idaho claimants:
  • Order a Diminished Value Report
  • Diminished Value Overview
  • Fair Market Value (Total Loss) Appraisal
  • Money-Back Guarantee Policy
  • Diminished Value State Laws