Auto Insurance Claims: Accident depreciation, nissan altima, brand new car

Question
My car dealership wrecked my 2006 Nissan Altima.  I paid approximately $8,000.00.  Two weeks later the dealer drove the car and wrecked said vehicle approximately $5,000.00 damage.  Even if the car is cosmetically fixed, what dollar value have I incurred due to this wreck?

Answer
Assuming they repair the car properly, you probably also have a diminution of value (DV) claim as well.  This is the reduction in market value because of the accident.  Not all states recognize this but most do.  A lot of factors go into this subjective value.  If the car had any prior collision repairs, the DV claim will be very small.  Also, an older car with higher mileage has less DV than a brand new car.  If frame repairs are needed, this increases the DV.

I'd suggest calling a couple used car dealers and asking their opinion.  Assuming there were no prior collision repairs, my subjective guess is the DV claim is worth between $500-$1000 for your car.