Diminished Value Appraisals in North Carolina

At Auto Appraisal Network of Charlotte, we receive dozens of calls each month from people who’ve been offered far less than expected for their vehicle after a collision that wasn’t their fault. More often than not, the offers they receive don’t reflect the true diminished value of their car—and in many cases, the comps used to justify these low offers are outright fabricated.

Recently, we’ve noticed a troubling trend: clients are telling us that the comparison vehicles used in their insurance claims don’t seem legitimate. After digging a little deeper, it turns out they’re right. In many cases, insurance companies are relying on AI-generated data to source comps—and some of those comps aren’t even real.

Worse, no one at the insurance company is verifying the data. It’s simply pulled into their system, plugged into a formula, and used to calculate a payout. The result? Inaccurate valuations and unfair settlements.

What Is Diminished Value?

Diminished value is the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after it’s been in an accident—even if it’s been fully repaired. Buyers are typically hesitant to pay full price for a car with an accident history, and that drop in value is something the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating.

Unfortunately, most drivers don’t even know diminished value exists until years later—when they try to trade in or sell their car and are offered thousands less than expected. By then, it’s often too late to do anything about it.

North Carolina’s Diminished Value Rules

To file a diminished value claim in North Carolina, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You were not at fault in the accident
2. The claim must be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance, not your own
3. The vehicle has been fully repaired
4. The accident happened within the last three years
5. No previous diminished value claim has been filed
6. You must obtain an appraisal from an independent, certified appraiser

What To Do If You Suspect an Inaccurate Settlement

If you believe your diminished value wasn’t fairly calculated—or worse, if AI-generated comps were used to undervalue your vehicle—it’s critical to take action. The quality of your appraisal can directly impact the compensation you receive.

Choosing the Right Auto Appraiser

Not all appraisers are created equal. When selecting an auto appraiser, look for:

• Experience – Especially with rare, classic, or custom vehicles
• Certification – Ensures adherence to recognized industry standards
• Reputation – Consistently positive, recent client reviews
• Independence – A true third-party appraiser who doesn’t work for insurance companies
• Verifiable Comps – Ask to see a sample report to ensure transparency and legitimacy
• Communication – Prompt, professional, and responsive throughout the process

At Auto Appraisal Network of Charlotte, we don’t just meet these expectations—we exceed them. Our certified appraisers provide accurate, well-documented reports based on real, verifiable data. If you’ve been short-changed by the insurance company, let us help you fight for the full value you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your diminished value appraisal and take the first step toward getting properly compensated.

Auto Appraisal Network - Charlotte specializes in appraisals for classic, custom and collector vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUV's, motorcycles, boats and personal watercraft.  We do appraisals for insurance policies and claims, such as diminished value and total loss, probate, bankruptcy, divorce, financing, fair market value and pre-purchase inspections. 

Our appraisals are certified and accepted by the legal system, insurance companies and financial institutions. When you need an accurate, fair assessment of the value of your ride, you need Auto Appraisal Network - Charlotte. Call (704) 703-4801 to schedule your appraisal today.