Auto Insurance Claims: Third Party Diminished Value, diminished value claim, professional appraiser

Question
I was involved in an accident where the other driver was 100% at fault (he actually drove away from the scene).  Anyway, there was over $8000 in damage on my Ford Focus which was worth about $12000 prior to the accident.  I was told by my insurance agent that I could file a diminished value claim against the other driver's insurance company and in trying to do so have been told that they never pay diminished value.  Do I have any course of action to force the other insurance company to take my claim?

Answer
Hi Joe,

Most insurance companies will initially say this. If you were not at fault you are entitled to be paid for diminished value.  Even if they will discuss it with you, it is generally considered that it is your responsibility to prove your loss. The only way to do that is to hire a professional appraiser to write an appraisal report that will show an appropriate amount of diminished value. A professional diminished value appraiser will typically cost between $300.00 and $400.00. To learn more about diminished value visit www.collisionclaims.com .

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh