Grand Rapids Diminished Value Attorney
Recovering the market value your vehicle lost after an accident — even after repairs. Serving Grand Rapids, Kent County, and all of Michigan.
Why Choose HOV Law
Recovering Every Dollar of Your
Vehicle's Lost Value
Insurance Companies Hide This
Insurers rarely disclose your right to a diminished value claim — because they don't want to pay it. Our Grand Rapids attorneys know how to demand it and force a fair payout.
Independent Vehicle Appraisal
We work with certified vehicle appraisers to calculate the true market value loss on your car — not the lowball figure insurance companies generate using their own biased formulas.
Maximum Value Recovery
Diminished value can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars depending on your vehicle. We fight to recover every dollar of your vehicle's lost market value.
Your Car Is Worth Less.
We Fix That.
After an accident, a vehicle's CarFax or AutoCheck report permanently records the collision history. Buyers pay less for accident-history vehicles — and you deserve to be compensated for that loss. Most people never know to ask. We do.
Your Path to Recovery
We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
Free DV Assessment
We review your accident details and vehicle information to determine whether you have a viable diminished value claim and estimate what your vehicle's value loss may be worth.
Certified Appraisal
We connect you with a certified independent vehicle appraiser who documents your vehicle's pre-accident value, repair quality, and current market value — creating the strongest possible evidence for your claim.
DV Demand Letter
We send a formal diminished value demand to the at-fault driver's insurance company backed by the appraisal report, comparable sales data, and legal authority. Insurance companies respond differently when an attorney is involved.
Settlement or Litigation
If the insurer refuses to pay a fair diminished value amount, we escalate — filing in small claims court or pursuing litigation to recover what your vehicle has genuinely lost in market value.
What Is a Diminished Value Claim in Michigan?
A diminished value claim allows you to recover the difference between your vehicle's market value before an accident and its market value after repairs are completed. Even a perfectly repaired vehicle is worth less the moment it acquires an accident history — because buyers and dealers pay less for cars with a collision record on CarFax or AutoCheck.
In Michigan, you have the right to file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company. However, Michigan does not permit first-party diminished value claims against your own insurer (with limited exceptions). This means the other driver must be at fault — and our attorneys know how to establish that.
HOV Law's Grand Rapids diminished value attorneys handle the entire claim process, from obtaining a certified appraisal to negotiating with the insurance company and, if necessary, litigating your claim in court. NO WIN, NO FEE.
The Three Types of Diminished Value
- Not all diminished value is the same. There are three recognized categories of vehicle value loss after an accident:
- Inherent Diminished Value—This is the most commonly pursued type. It represents the automatic reduction in market value a vehicle suffers simply because it has an accident history, even when repairs are flawless. A 2022 vehicle with no accident history is simply worth more than an identical 2022 vehicle with a collision report — regardless of repair quality.
- Repair-Related Diminished Value—This occurs when the actual quality of repairs is substandard. If the body shop used aftermarket parts instead of OEM, failed to properly blend paint, left visible misalignments, or didn't fully restore the vehicle's structural integrity, the vehicle suffers additional value loss beyond inherent DV.
- Instant Diminished Value—The immediate difference in a vehicle's value right after the accident, before any repairs are made. This is less commonly pursued but can be relevant in total-loss scenarios or where repair negotiations are ongoing.
Who Qualifies for a Diminished Value Claim in Grand Rapids?
- Not every vehicle owner is eligible for a diminished value claim. The strongest DV claims typically involve:
- Newer Vehicles—Vehicles under 5-7 years old lose more market value from an accident history because the pre-accident value is higher. Older vehicles with lower market values may not justify the cost of pursuing DV.
- Low Pre-Accident Mileage—Lower mileage vehicles command a premium on the used market. An accident record on a low-mileage car is a significant red flag for buyers, amplifying the diminished value.
- Good Pre-Accident Condition—Vehicles in excellent condition before the accident have more to lose. A vehicle already showing significant wear and tear may have less diminished value claim potential.
- Significant Structural or Cosmetic Damage—Fender benders with minor cosmetic repairs carry less DV than accidents involving frame damage, airbag deployment, or major body panel replacement.
- At-Fault Third Party—Since Michigan does not allow first-party DV claims (against your own insurer), you must establish that another party was at fault for the accident.
How Much Is Your Diminished Value Claim Worth in Grand Rapids?
Diminished value amounts vary widely based on vehicle year, make, model, pre-accident value, mileage, extent of damage, and repair quality. As a general benchmark, diminished value typically ranges from 10% to 25% of a vehicle's pre-accident market value — meaning a $40,000 vehicle could have a DV claim worth $4,000 to $10,000 or more.
Insurance companies frequently use their own calculation formulas — most notoriously the "17c formula" — which systematically undervalues your DV claim. This formula was designed to minimize insurance payouts, not to accurately reflect real market value loss. Our attorneys challenge these formulas with independent certified appraisals and comparable sales data from real vehicle transactions.
Luxury vehicles, sports cars, trucks, and SUVs often have the highest diminished value claims because their market segments are particularly sensitive to accident history. A buyer shopping for a $80,000 truck will heavily discount — or walk away entirely — if it has a collision record.
Diminished Value Claims in Michigan: What the Law Says
Michigan recognizes the right to recover diminished value from the at-fault driver's insurance company. The legal authority for these claims comes from the principle that you are entitled to be made "whole" after someone else's negligence — and that includes the full economic impact of the accident on your vehicle's value.
The statute of limitations for property damage claims in Michigan is 3 years for personal injury (MCL § 600.5805). This deadline applies to diminished value claims. Waiting too long to pursue your DV claim can result in you permanently losing the right to compensation.
Insurance companies in Michigan routinely deny DV claims or offer minimal amounts, hoping claimants will accept without pushback. Having an experienced Grand Rapids diminished value attorney send a formal demand backed by a certified appraisal dramatically changes the insurance company's response. Most DV claims are settled without filing a lawsuit when properly documented and presented.
Michigan Laws That Affect Your Case
Statute of Limitations
In Michigan, you have a limited time to file your claim: 3 years for personal injury (MCL § 600.5805). Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to compensation permanently.
“Time is your most valuable asset after an injury. Contact a Grand Rapids attorney immediately to ensure your claim is preserved.”
Modified Comparative Negligence
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Michigan Insurance System
Michigan operates under a No-Fault (PIP required) system. Drivers choose PIP coverage levels; unlimited PIP was historically required but reformed in 2019.
Key Michigan Legal Facts
Local Knowledge: Grand Rapids
High-Risk Roads & Highways
- US-131
- 28th Street SE
- East Beltline Avenue
- Alpine Avenue
Local Courts
- Kent County Circuit Court
- Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Areas We Serve Near Grand Rapids
- Wyoming
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Grandville
- East Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Landmarks
- Downtown Grand Rapids
- Grand River
- Frederik Meijer Gardens
What Compensation May Cover
Under Michigan law, you may be entitled to recover damages for the full impact of your injuries.
Economic Damages
- • Medical bills (past & future)
- • Lost wages & earning capacity
- • Property damage
- • Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- • Pain and suffering
- • Mental anguish
- • Loss of consortium
- • Physical impairment
Other Personal Injury Services in Grand Rapids
Also serving Grand Rapids for Criminal Defense:
Grand Rapids Diminished Value FAQs
Did Your Car Lose Value
After an Accident?
You may be entitled to thousands in diminished value compensation that the insurance company never told you about. Contact HOV Law today for a free case evaluation.