# How to Make a Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is A Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim? 2. Types Of Diminished Value Car Insurance Claims 3. What Is My Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim Worth? 4. How Do You Calculate Diminished Value? 5. What Are The Steps In A Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim? 6. Should You Hire A Lawyer To Help With Your Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim? 7. Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![How To Make A Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim In Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/How-To-Make-A-Diminished-Value-Car-Insurance-Claim-In-Texas-300x199.jpg) Most people are familiar with the process of filing a car insurance claim after getting into a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). If there are no issues, the insurance company will pay to repair the damage to your car.  However, many people forget that they have a right to file a diminished value car insurance claim. This can result in plaintiffs missing out on substantial sums of money that they are entitled to recover.  ## What Is A Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim? A diminished value car insurance claim is a claim for payment for the difference in the value of your car after an accident, even if it has been repaired After a car is involved in a crash, it tends to decrease in value even if it is repaired. This is because buyers may be hesitant to buy a car involved in an accident even if it functions properly.  That means that you may be left with a car that is worth less than it was before an accident. You may be able to ask insurance to pay the difference. Check your policy to confirm the details. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Types Of Diminished Value Car Insurance Claims There are generally three different types of diminished value.  The first is inherent diminished value. This means that the car’s inherent value decreased after it was repaired because of the accident.  The second is repair-related diminished value. This happens when the mechanic performs substandard repairs that actually decrease the car’s value.  The third is immediate diminished value, which is the decrease in a car’s value before repairs are completed.  ## What Is My Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim Worth? Many factors can affect the worth of your diminished value claim. For example: - Whether your car is new or old - The condition of your car before the accident - The type and severity of the accident - The type and quality of repairs - Who is at fault for causing the accident - Whether the car has previously been involved in any other accidents  The insurance company will investigate these factors to assess your claim’s value. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## How Do You Calculate Diminished Value? One of the most common ways to calculate diminished value is to compare the prices of a similar car on the market before and after an accident. This often includes doing a survey of available market research and multiple different sources.  Another common way to calculate diminished value is to hire a professional car appraiser. An appraiser will look at all of the factors stated above and use their experience to determine the diminished value. The final way to calculate diminished value is to apply the 17c formula. You can [do this online](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/car-insurance/diminished-value-calculator/). Insurance agencies frequently use the 17c formula. They consider several factors to decide the diminished value but usually cap it at 10% of the pre-accident value. This can be frustrating, particularly if your car has significantly diminished. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## What Are The Steps In A Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim? The steps to file a diminished value car insurance claim are similar to any other car insurance claim. First, you need to collect your evidence and file an insurance claim. Doing research or consulting an appraiser before submitting your claim is helpful.   If the [insurance adjuster](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/insurance-adjuster-in-personal-injury-cases/) offers you a lowball settlement offer, you can negotiate for a full settlement. It is helpful to have an attorney to help you through this process. If you are unable to get a full settlement, you can file a personal injury lawsuit and go to court. ## Should You Hire A Lawyer To Help With Your Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim? It is always helpful to have a lawyer help with any insurance claim, particularly a diminished value claim. These can become complicated, but you may benefit from an experienced advocate on your side. ## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Sedgwick Is Not an Insurance Company – Here’s What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sedgwick-Is-Not-an-Insurance-CompanyHeres-What-You-Need-to-Know-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/sedgwick-is-not-an-insurance-company-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) [Sedgwick Is Not an Insurance Company: Here's What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/sedgwick-is-not-an-insurance-company-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) When it comes to insurance claims, there are two main players: the insurance companies that issue policies and those [![Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Houston, TX: What Happens if There’s an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Waymo-Self-Driving-Cars-in-Houston-TX-What-Happens-if-Theres-an-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/waymo-self-driving-cars-in-houston-tx-what-happens-if-theres-an-accident/) [Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Houston, TX: What Happens if There’s an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/waymo-self-driving-cars-in-houston-tx-what-happens-if-theres-an-accident/) With Waymo Houston operations bringing more driverless vehicles to the area, there is a greater likelihood for Houston [![Driving Car Or Driving Motorcycle, Which Is Safer?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Driving-Car-Or-Driving-Motorcycle-Which-Is-Safer-300x225.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/driving-a-car-or-driving-a-motorcycle-which-is-safer/) [Driving a Car or Driving a Motorcycle: Which Is Safer?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/driving-a-car-or-driving-a-motorcycle-which-is-safer/) Motorcycles and cars are two of the most common vehicles on Texas roadways. You might be wondering which mode of [![10 Factors That Determine How Much to Expect From a Houston Car Accident Settlement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10-Factors-That-Determine-How-Much-to-Expect-From-a-Houston-Car-Accident-Settlement-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-factors-that-determine-how-much-to-expect-from-a-car-accident-settlement/) [10 Factors That Determine How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-factors-that-determine-how-much-to-expect-from-a-car-accident-settlement/) Recovering compensation for a car accident can be a frustrating process. Most individuals expect their claims to be --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-make-a-diminished-value-car-insurance-claim-in-texas/