Diminished Value Appraisal in
New Hampshire
Recover the lost value of your car after an accident with a certified New Hampshire diminished value appraisal.
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Filing a Diminished Value Claim in New Hampshire: What You Need to Know
Last updated: August 18, 2025
New Hampshire law allows recovery of diminished value (DV) in third-party liability claims. If your car is repaired but still worth less due to its accident history, the at-fault driver’s insurer may owe you the difference in market value. However, first-party claims under your own policy usually do not cover DV unless explicitly included. This guide explains when DV is recoverable in New Hampshire, key statutes, documentation you’ll need, and why a professional SnapClaim appraisal provides the strongest evidence.
Does New Hampshire Allow Diminished Value Claims?
Third-party (at-fault driver’s insurer)
Yes. Under New Hampshire law, property damage compensation includes both repair costs and loss in fair market value when proven. Courts recognize DV as a compensable element if properly documented.
First-party (your own insurer)
No, unless policy language allows it. Standard NH auto policies exclude DV in collision or comprehensive claims. You must pursue DV through the at-fault party’s insurer.
Key New Hampshire Law & Authority
- Statute of limitations: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4 — 3 years for property damage claims, including DV.
- At-fault state: New Hampshire follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover DV if you are less than 50% at fault; recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Small claims court: Limit is $10,000.
- Insurance oversight: Complaints can be filed with the NH Insurance Department.
Types of Diminished Value in New Hampshire
- Immediate DV: Drop in value immediately after an accident, before repairs.
- Repair-related DV: Loss due to poor-quality or incomplete repairs.
- Inherent DV: The most common form — even with quality repairs, an accident history lowers resale value.
What You Need to Document
- Accident report: Available from the NH DMV Crash Report Request (Form DSMV 505).
- Repair records: Invoices and receipts for all repairs performed.
- Photos: Before-and-after pictures of vehicle condition and repair work.
- Market data: Comparable vehicle listings, trade-in quotes, and Carfax/AutoCheck reports.
- Independent appraisal: A certified SnapClaim DV appraisal with New Hampshire market comparables.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Diminished Value Claim in New Hampshire
- Determine fault. DV is only recoverable from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Repair your vehicle. DV is calculated after repairs are completed.
- Get a certified appraisal. Order a SnapClaim report to establish the loss.
- Submit a demand package. Include your appraisal, repair invoices, and accident report when filing with the insurer.
- Negotiate with evidence. Insurers may undervalue DV — rely on professional appraisals to strengthen your position.
- Pursue further remedies. File with the NH Insurance Department or take action in small claims court (up to $10,000).
Why a Professional New Hampshire DV Appraisal Matters
Insurance companies often downplay DV claims in New Hampshire. A certified SnapClaim appraisal provides the unbiased proof needed to secure a fair settlement. For total loss cases, see our Fair Market Value Reports. All SnapClaim reports come with a Money-Back Guarantee. To see how NH compares with other states, visit our State DV Law Guide.
Recover Diminished Value After an Accident in New Hampshire
Even after professional repairs, a vehicle damaged in a New Hampshire crash can lose resale value. This loss, called diminished value, is often hidden but significant. With a certified New Hampshire diminished value appraisal, you can prove the reduction in value and demand compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
SnapClaim provides a free diminished value estimate, a certified New Hampshire appraisal report, and an insurer-ready demand letter you can submit right away. No delays. No confusion. Just accurate, attorney-trusted documentation built for successful negotiations.
"After a winter fender-bender in Concord, my truck looked fine once it was repaired, but buyers kept offering me less because of the accident record. SnapClaim’s New Hampshire diminished value appraisal broke down the numbers with local comps. The insurer finally acknowledged the loss and sent me a fair check. It felt like someone was finally on my side."
Tom H.
Concord, NH
Frequently Asked Questions - New Hampshire:
- Does New Hampshire allow diminished value claims?
Yes. New Hampshire recognizes diminished value claims in third-party accidents. If another driver caused the collision, you may be entitled to recover the reduced market value of your vehicle even after quality repairs. Compare how New Hampshire’s rules align with other states in our State Diminished Value Laws Guide.
- Why do I need a diminished value appraisal in New Hampshire?
Insurance carriers in New Hampshire often undervalue or reject diminished value. A certified auto appraisal documents your car’s loss using market comparables and accepted methods, giving you leverage with adjusters and attorneys. Get started with our free diminished value estimate.
- How much does a New Hampshire diminished value appraisal cost?
Prices are listed on our Pricing page. Each appraisal includes a certified report, a demand letter tailored for insurers, and is backed by our Money-Back Guarantee.
- Will insurance companies accept a SnapClaim appraisal in New Hampshire?
Yes. SnapClaim appraisals are designed to hold up in both negotiations and court. Many New Hampshire drivers and attorneys rely on them to secure stronger settlements. Learn the process in our guide: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- How fast can I get my New Hampshire diminished value report?
Most reports are delivered the same day—often within an hour. Your package includes a certified appraisal plus a ready-to-use demand letter. See what’s included in our Certified Appraisal Guide.
- Can I file a diminished value claim in New Hampshire if I was at fault?
No. Diminished value is typically available only in third-party claims, where another driver is responsible. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, you may instead need a Fair Market Value Appraisal.
- What documents should I collect for a New Hampshire diminished value claim?
Gather your police report, repair estimates, invoices, pre- and post-repair photos, and any calibration or diagnostic scans. For a step-by-step guide, see our blog: How to File a Diminished Value Claim.
- What is the deadline for filing a New Hampshire diminished value claim?
New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for property damage (including diminished value) is three years from the date of the accident. Filing quickly helps avoid insurer delays. See our State Laws Guide for comparisons.
- Where can I order a New Hampshire diminished value appraisal?
Order your appraisal online in minutes: Start My Appraisal. For total loss cases, request a Fair Market Value Appraisal instead.
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