Auto Valuation

Diminished Value Calculator

Calculate the reduction in your car’s market value after an accident.

Baseline equals 10% of pre-accident value (17c).

Apply damage multiplier: Minor 0.25, Moderate 0.50, Major 0.75, Severe 1.00.

Apply mileage factor: 0–10k 1.00; 10–20k 0.95; 20–30k 0.90; 30–50k 0.80; 50–100k 0.70; >100k 0.50.

17c baseline (10% of value)
$2,500.00
Damage factor
0.75
Mileage factor
0.80
Diminished value
$1,500.00
Percent of pre-accident value: 6.00%

How it’s calculated

  • Baseline equals 10% of pre-accident value (17c).
  • Apply damage multiplier: Minor 0.25, Moderate 0.50, Major 0.75, Severe 1.00.
  • Apply mileage factor: 0–10k 1.00; 10–20k 0.95; 20–30k 0.90; 30–50k 0.80; 50–100k 0.70; >100k 0.50.

How to use

Enter value, damage, and mileage to estimate diminished value.

  1. Enter vehicle value

    Use current market value before the accident.

  2. Choose damage level

    Select the severity that best matches repairs and frame impact.

  3. Set mileage

    Provide current odometer reading to adjust the factor.

  4. Review results

    Copy the diminished value and percentage for your records.

Example

A sample 17c calculation using damage and mileage factors.

Vehicle value
$25,000
Damage level
Major
Mileage
45,000 miles
Baseline
$2,500
Damage factor
0.75
Mileage factor
0.80
  1. Compute baseline

    10% of $25,000 equals $2,500.

  2. Apply damage factor

    $2,500 × 0.75 equals $1,875.

  3. Apply mileage factor

    $1,875 × 0.80 equals $1,500.

Result

Diminished value $1,500 (6%).

FAQ

What is 17c?

A common method that caps diminished value baseline at 10% of the vehicle’s pre-accident value.

Is this legally binding?

No. This is an estimate for guidance; your insurer or appraiser may use different models.

Can I change the multipliers?

Currently fixed per template; models vary by state and insurer.

Why use pre-accident market value?

Because diminished value is measured as a reduction from the vehicle’s value immediately before the loss.

Do frame repairs impact DV more?

Yes. Structural or frame damage typically increases diminished value versus cosmetic repairs.

How is the mileage factor chosen?

It scales DV down for higher mileage; newer, low‑mileage cars tend to suffer more DV.

Can DV exceed repair costs?

It can, especially for premium or new vehicles; DV reflects post‑repair market perception.

Is DV relevant for leased cars?

Often yes. Check your lease agreement—lessor may address DV or residual value impacts.

Which currency is used?

USD by default in the calculator UI; adapt if needed.

How do I present DV to my insurer?

Provide a clear calculation, photos, repair invoices, and a statement explaining market impact.

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