Diminished Value Demand Letter Generator

Generate a diminished value demand letter — pairs perfectly with the 17c diminished value calculator.

Letter type Appraisal applies to claims under your own policy, when you and the insurer agree the loss is covered but disagree on the amount. Most insurance departments also take complaints through an online form; the letter text works there too.

Your information

Your full name

Your phone and/or email

Your mailing address

Claim details

Insurance company's name and address

Claim number

Adjuster name (optional)

At-fault driver name

Date of accident

Location of accident

Briefly describe what happened and the damage (2-4 sentences)

Amount you are demanding (USD)

Response deadline (days)

Not legal, financial, or insurance advice. This tool gives a general, educational estimate only. Insurance laws, deadlines, and formulas vary by state, by policy, and by insurer, and they change over time. Verify anything important with your insurance policy, your state department of insurance, or a licensed attorney before relying on it. This generator produces a first draft based on what you enter. Review it carefully, attach your supporting documents, and consider legal review before sending a large or disputed claim.

Pair this with the Diminished Value Calculator to back your number with the standard 17c formula.

What makes a diminished value claim stronger

The car's value before the accident and an estimate of what it is worth now, repaired, with an accident on its history report.
An independent diminished value appraisal, if the amount is large enough to justify the fee.
Proof that the other driver was at fault: most states allow diminished value only against the at-fault driver's insurer.

Example: how this letter could read

My car was worth about $31,000 before the crash. Even after a proper repair, the accident on its history report lowers its resale value. The 17c method gives at least $1,240 ($3,100 cap × 0.50 for moderate damage to structure and panels × 0.80 for 20,000 to 39,999 miles), and the enclosed independent appraisal puts the loss at $2,900. I am requesting $2,900.

Made-up numbers; the generator fills in your own.

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What to do next

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim diminished value from my own insurer?

Usually not. Most states allow it only as a third-party claim against the at-fault driver; Georgia is a well-known exception that also allows it under your own policy in some cases.

How is diminished value calculated?

Insurers often start with the 17c formula, which caps the loss at 10% of the car's value. Use our calculator for a first estimate and an appraisal to argue for more.

How should I send my demand letter?

Send it by email and by certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof of delivery and a timestamp for your deadline.