Hi,
I had a minor accident where someone backed into my bumper/rear quarter panel in the parking lot. Damage is about 1800 worth new bumper because some tabs broke and refinishing the quarter panel. I know my car wont be the same because thats a welded piece and doesn't warrant replacing but do I have a diminished value claim in MA. Other driver is at fault and insurance is taking care of all of claim no deductible. Thanks

 

A lot of it really depends on which state you live in and how the diminished value system works within that state. My car sustained $7,000 in front end damage when a PT Cruiser backed into me. I fought and fought with the insurance company and they would do nothing. I even went to my own insurance company and they said there was nothing they could do. With 1800 in damage, you probably don't have a chance in getting anything for diminished value. Sucks big time- I know.

 

Yeah it really was a "fender" bender nothing major but I thought I would ask b/c people told me it didn't matter how big an accident, just an accident that happened where I wasn't at fault. Thanks

PS only reason Im mad is because its the rear quarter panel. A welded piece which isn't getting replaced just smoothed out. I'm sure I won't notice but I don't want 5k less on my trade in down the line b/c of this

 

Sorry bro, I don't live in MA. I do know it varies from state-to-state but you probably already knew that....

 

A $1800 accident on a G37 is considered really minor. When my uncle traded in his 3-Series that had a similar fender-bender, none of the dealers really cared. They asked if there was any accidents, he said the kind & cost of the incident, they all said, "that's nothing".

 

you must PROVE that you car's value has diminished before you can make a claim.

In other words, you have to sell your car, and then prove that you got LESS for the car than you would have because you were in an accident.