Popping up on websites all over the Internet are offers to provide free diminished value reports on cars and trucks after collision damages have been repaired. Generally speaking, a consumer inputs some basic information about their repaired car and the amount of crash damage it sustained, and receives in return an e-mail that states their diminished value claim is worth between $x and $x.
On the surface it seems a noble enough service for people to pursue who don’t have money to waste – similar to the free consultations lawyers might offer to prequalify clients who have suffered personal injury. But there is a downside to free diminished value reports on the web.
1) Free diminished value reports on the Internet are worth exactly what they cost - nothing. They can’t be used to substantiate a claim for diminished value because these sources have no specific knowledge of the consumer’s car, their accident or their insurance claim aside from information that’s been provided to them. If consumers want to be paid for diminished value, it is their responsibility to prove the amount of loss. Courts have established guidelines regarding how this should be done and the credentials of experts. It is imperative that an expert have hands-on knowledge of the car in question in order to provide a diminished value number that will withstand scrutiny.
2) The numbers on these reports are not reflective of a specific car and accident. They are generalized and artificially low in comparison to what consumers will find they are truly owed after their car has been inspected by a legitimate diminished value expert. Without seeing the car first-hand Internet companies cannot compute losses consumers are entitled to be paid for such as unrepaired damage, poor workmanship, aftermarket parts, and a host of other things that may make the car unsightly or unsafe to drive. Internet sources must assume a car is perfectly repaired and must avoid diminished value due to anything other than Inherent diminished value.
3) The report and information consumers receive from Internet diminished value companies may be used against them if and when they pursue a legitimate diminished value claim against an insurance company.
Consumers have everything to lose and nothing to gain by providing information to obtain free diminished value reports from Internet sources. Most legitimate vehicle inspection and valuation experts will honestly tell consumers upfront when the cost for pursuing a diminished value claim is outweighed by the potential recovery one might expect to receive. For help in finding a legitimate diminished value expert in your locale contact dvexpert@safecollisionrepairs.com
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