Diminished Value Claims After Rental Car Accidents

Diminished value is:

• The difference between a car's value before and after repair
• Based on the premise that repaired cars are worth less
• Separate from repair costs
• Sometimes called "stigma damage"

Rental companies may claim thousands in diminished value.

Your liability depends on:

• The rental agreement terms
• Your state's laws
• Whether CDW/LDW covers DV
• Who was at fault

Many CDW policies do cover diminished value claims.

To challenge DV claims:

• Request documentation of the DV amount
• Get independent appraisal
• Check if coverage applies
• Negotiate the amount
• Pursue at-fault driver if applicable
• Consult attorney for large claims