Diminished Value (Loss In Value After An Accident)
Diminished value is the drop in a car's market value because it has an accident history, even after full repair.
What is Diminished Value (Loss In Value After An Accident)?
Buyers often pay less for cars with recorded accident damage. Vehicle history reports make past repairs visible. In some countries it can be claimed from the at-fault party's insurer.
How it works
The market prices accident history as a risk, so value falls compared with an identical accident-free car.
Why it matters for your car
An independent valuation helps support a claim. Keep all repair invoices and photos.
Other terms
- Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)
- Approach Angle
- Closed Loop (Fuel Control)
- Door Seal (Weatherstrip)
- Flex-Fuel Vehicle (E85)
- Fuel Filler Neck
- Gas Strut (Gas Spring)
- Gross Train Weight
- Hail Damage
- Hydraulic Lifter (Hydraulic Tappet)
- Jockey Wheel
- MAP Sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure)
- Radiator Stop Leak
- Series Hybrid
- Short Circuit
- Smart Repair (Small Area Repair)
- Tail Light (Rear Light Cluster)
- Tyre Puncture Repair (Plug And Patch)
- Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
- Wheel Cleaner