
Understanding Diminished Value in Alabama
If your vehicle has been in an accident in Alabama caused by another driver, you are legally entitled to recover the loss in its resale value. This loss is called “diminished value.” Even with flawless repairs, a vehicle’s accident history reduces its market price. You can learn more about this topic by reading our Complete Guide. The process of recovering that lost value starts with understanding how much you are owed.
You can get a free, no-obligation review of your diminished value by completing the form below.
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Alabama Diminished Value Claims
Alabama is a diminished value state, which means you may be entitled to the diminished value of your vehicle after an auto accident through a diminished value claim. To determine the amount of compensation you may receive, it’s essential to have a professional appraisal value claim, which helps assess the loss in your vehicle’s value due to the accident. The statute of limitations on diminished value claims in Alabama is 6 years, and Alabama does not have uninsured motorist coverage for diminished value. You can’t submit an Alabama diminished value claim if you were the at-fault party in an accident, or if the damage was caused by something other than a collision. You can see if you qualify for a diminished value claim by filling in the claim review form above.
Diminished Value Occurs in One of Three Ways
Following an accident, the loss in your vehicle’s value can be categorized in three ways. The most common and important for your claim is Inherent Diminished Value.
- Inherent Alabama Diminished Value: This is the most widely recognized form of diminished value. It represents the automatic loss in market value that a vehicle suffers simply because it now has a documented accident history. Even with perfect, high-quality repairs, a reasonable buyer will not pay the same price for a previously damaged vehicle as they would for one with a clean record.
- Repair-Related Alabama Diminished Value: This is the loss of value resulting from poor-quality or imperfect repairs. Examples include mismatched paint colors, the use of non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, or lingering structural issues. This type of diminished value means the vehicle is worth less than it should be, even after being “fixed.”
- Immediate Alabama Diminished Value: This refers to the loss in a vehicle’s value immediately after the accident but before any repairs have been made. While it’s a valid concept, most claims focus on recovering the Inherent Diminished Value that remains after the vehicle has been professionally repaired.
Alabama Diminished Value Claim Info
Alabama Statute Of Limitations: 6 Years
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: NO
Diminished Value For At Fault Party: NO
Frequently Asked Questions for Alabama Diminished Value Claim
How is the amount of diminished value calculated?
Insurance companies often use a generic formula that results in a low offer. A professional appraiser, like the experts at CollisionClaims.com, calculates the true loss by performing a detailed market analysis. We compare your vehicle to similar ones for sale, factor in the severity of the damage, and use our industry expertise to determine an accurate and defensible figure.
How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in Alabama?
The statute of limitations for property damage in Alabama is 6 years from the date of the accident. While that seems like a long time, it is critical to start the process as soon as possible after repairs are completed, while the evidence and details are still fresh.
Can I claim diminished value if an uninsured driver hit me in Alabama?
No. Unfortunately, Alabama law does not provide for diminished value recovery under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy. You can only file a claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance.
Will filing a diminished value claim raise my own insurance rates?
No. You are making a third-party claim against the insurance company of the driver who was at fault for the accident. Since it is not a claim against your own policy, it should not impact your rates.
What if the other driver’s insurance company already gave me a check?
Do not cash a check that is marked “final payment” or “full settlement” for property damage until you are sure it includes fair compensation for your vehicle’s diminished value. Cashing it could prevent you from making any further claims. Always seek an independent appraisal first.
Why Choose the Experts?
With over 21 years of service, the diminished value experts at CollisionClaims.com have the experience needed to maximize your recovery. We created this free, no-obligation claim review to help Alabama drivers like you understand their rights and start the process of getting compensated fairly.


