Category: Vehicles and Equipment

The Weather and Its Side Effects

Posted on by Jill Moore

The holiday season is in full swing and everyone is making travel plans to visit family and friends. Some may even be planning a quick vacation during the holiday break. All this talk of holiday season is a quick reminder that winter is here. It’s that time of year to not only winterize your home, but also to be more mindful of traveling on the wet and slick roads.

According to WunderBlog, there are more weather related fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents than tornadoes, hurricanes, or flood. The WunderBlog link attached expresses in detail just what those numbers entail

“Drizzle in subfreezing temperatures may not seem like a big deal, but to unsuspecting motorists, it poses a major threat. Even a light glazing of ice on bridges and roads can cause treacherous driving conditions.”

So, while some are in the warmth and comfort of home, others are braving the howling winds, driving rain, and icy drafts to reach their destinations. So stay snug and avoid the exposed hands and faces. Be prepared and safe travels.

https://www.wunderground.com/news/weather-fatalities-car-crashes-accidents-united-states?__prclt=keFON84X

Diminished Value After an Accident

Posted on by Jill Moore

When it comes to car accidents, people may react one of two ways – “my poor baby” or “oh great, I’m getting a new car.” Regardless of which one you are, you will more than likely suffer a financial loss when it is time to sell or trade-in the vehicle. No matter how expertly repaired, a vehicle will most likely be worth less than before. If is determined that your car can be repaired, make sure that you are fully compensated for the loss in value. Even if it looks as good as new and runs better than ever, it has still been in a wreck. This is referred to as “diminished value” and the same applies to boats, planes, and other specialized vehicles and equipment.

What is diminished value? Diminished value means that “even after a quality repair has been completed, the resale value of the repaired property has been reduced simply because it has a history of damage.”

There are three basic types of diminished value:

1. Immediate Diminished Value, the difference in resale value of a vehicle immediately before damage has occurred and immediately after damage has occurred (prior to repair);

2. Inherent Diminished Value, assumes competent repair has been completed and is defined as the amount in which the resale value of a repaired vehicle has been reduced because the vehicle now has a damage history; and

3. Repair Related Diminished Value, which includes any additional amounts for which the resale value of a damaged vehicle may be further reduced because of less than optimal repairs.

The purpose of insurance is to make you whole again after an incident.  If someone hits your car, nearly every state allows for a diminished value claim against the party at fault’s insurance company. If the person who hit you is uninsured, about half of states allow for diminished value collection under your own UIM coverage. However, it is the responsibility of the insured to prove that the vehicle is worth less after an accident.

When it comes down to determining the actual amount of diminished value, it is smart to hire a qualified claim professional who specializes in that area who can negotiate for you and get the settlement you deserve.