Auto Insurance Claim Question

[Charles Freeborn]

So, one of our cars ('13 Subaru Outback) was hit while parked this weekend. Driver was / is a AAA flatbed tow driver. Left note, no problem with who's at fault. Not likely structural damage - front fender, driver door, maybe hood, opposite front wheel where it got shoved into the curb.
My question is: is there any compensation for the previously clean CarFax which will now show an accident? I assume my re-sale value just took a hit. Car is otherwise in excellent condition.

Anyone with any experience with this?

Thx.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by Charles Freeborn

So, one of our cars ('13 Subaru Outback) was hit while parked this weekend. Driver was / is a AAA flatbed tow driver. Left note, no problem with who's at fault. Not likely structural damage - front fender, driver door, maybe hood, opposite front wheel where it got shoved into the curb.
My question is: is there any compensation for the previously clean CarFax which will now show an accident? I assume my re-sale value just took a hit. Car is otherwise in excellent condition.

Anyone with any experience with this?

Thx.

Begin here: https://www.carinsurance.com/Articles/diminished-value-claim.aspx

Then check with the laws in your state.

[pwd72s]

I believe the legal term is "diminished value". Insurance companies hate that term...you may need a lawyer in order to collect it.

That said, I'd urge careful inspection of suspension components connected to the wheel that hit the curb.

[Tobra]

Diminished value will be a tough get on a generic car like that.

[Rick Lee]

I looked into this around 2006 when my E46 was rear ended to the tune of $7k worth of repairs, which included an entire new exhaust up to the manifold. I went to a guy who specialized in such stuff. He pulled a Carfax, which showed no accident history, even though these repairs were done by the local BMW dealer and paid for my the at-fault driver's State Farm. He said I should drop it and pray State Farm didn't come after me for appreciation due to getting an all new exhaust system on a 60k mile car.

[Charles Freeborn]

Got the quotes - going to run around 4k. Good news is it's fender and door and probably nothing serious structural. If it had hit 6" higher on the A pillar it would be a whole different ballgame.
Quote includes suspension inspection and alignment... having it done at the dealership where I'm likely to trade it in when we upgrade, so less worried about diminished value.
Thanks for the good advice all.

[cairns]

Diminution of Value. And yes you're owed. You'll need an independent appraisal.

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by Charles Freeborn

Quote includes suspension inspection and alignment... having it done at the dealership where I'm likely to trade it in when we upgrade, so less worried about diminished value.

I can almost absolutely guarantee you the dealer will reduce the trade value specifically for accident damage. It's up to you if you want to pursue it with the ins co though. I got a 4 figure settlement on $7k worth of damage to my 2011 3 series sedan about 2 years ago.

[LWJ]

Yes. It is a thing in Oregon. You will need to push for it and do some leg work. It is given regularly here.

[Steve Carlton]

As MBAtarga says, a dealer will certainly give you less on trade in than a car without the accident or damage report. Probably around $1,000-1,500 less.