They made you an offer for your car's lost value. Is it fair?
Most first offers for diminished value come in under the insurer's own formula. Put in the numbers from their letter and see where it lands. Then send me the letter and your repair bill, and I'll give you a straight answer within one business day. Free.
Why first offers come in low
Most insurers run a formula called 17c. It starts at 10% of the car's value, then cuts that down for damage level and mileage. It doesn't look at a single real sale. Even so, many first offers land below what 17c itself would give, which is why the calculator above shows it.
An appraisal does what the formula doesn't: it measures what cars like yours, with an accident on the record, actually sell for next to clean ones. That number, signed and documented, is what moves an adjuster. If it comes in under the fee, you get a full refund.
Got it. I'll take a look.
You'll get my answer by email within one business day. A confirmation is on its way to now (check spam if you don't see it).
Until then, don't accept the offer or sign anything.