After a Texas auto accident, even a perfectly repaired vehicle is worth less than it was before the loss. That's diminished value, and Texas recognizes it as a real, recoverable element of property damage.
Texas Diminished Value Law — The Short Version
- Statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of loss (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003).
- Third-party claims: Allowed against the at-fault driver's liability carrier.
- First-party / UM-UIM: Often recoverable through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Small claims max: $20,000 in Texas Justice Court.
What an ASCAA Diminished Value Report Includes
- Pre-loss value (J.D. Power / NADA / Hagerty for classics).
- Texas-specific 17c analysis with adjusted multipliers (we don't use the National 17c that insurers prefer because it understates real losses).
- Dealer-trade and market-comparable analysis from the Austin/Central Texas market.
- Reconciliation of methods with a documented final number.
- ASCAA certificate page with verifiable certification number.
How to Start a DV Claim
Call (877) 868-9123 or email certifiedautoappraisers@gmail.com with the loss date, repair estimate, and vehicle photos. Most DV reports go out within 48–72 hours of intake.