A properly repaired vehicle may still face reduced marketability because of collision history, damage severity, repair documentation or buyer perception. IA Reports analyses the vehicle and market evidence to estimate whether a measurable loss in value is supportable.
What matters: A diminished-value appraisal measures market impact; it does not guarantee that a claim is legally recoverable. Coverage and recovery rights vary by province, policy and claim circumstances.
Factors reviewed
The analysis considers the pre-loss vehicle and the effect of the documented collision and repair history.
Pre-loss market value
Damage severity and affected structure
Repair quality and documentation
Vehicle age, mileage and segment
Accident-history disclosure
Comparable clean-history and accident-history evidence
Vehicles most affected
Market impact tends to be more measurable where buyers are highly sensitive to history and condition.
Late-model vehicles
Luxury and exotic vehicles
Low-mileage vehicles
Collector or specialty vehicles
Vehicles with significant structural repairs
Vehicles with documented history-report changes
What the report does
The report explains the analysis and limitations without presenting a generic formula as universally correct.
Establish pre-loss value
Review damage and repair evidence
Assess post-repair marketability
Research relevant market indicators
Estimate supportable value difference
State legal and evidence limitations
Diminished-value analysis
01Establish pre-loss value
Value the vehicle immediately before the collision.
02Review damage and repairs
Understand severity, components and repair documentation.
03Test the market effect
Compare buyer behaviour and relevant market evidence.
04Report the analysis
Explain the estimated loss and limitations.
Frequently asked questions
Can diminished value be claimed everywhere in Canada?
Recovery depends on provincial law, policy terms, liability and claim facts. The appraisal addresses valuation, not legal entitlement.
Is there one standard diminished-value formula?
No single formula reliably captures every Canadian vehicle and market. Vehicle-specific evidence is preferable.
Should the vehicle be repaired before appraisal?
The appropriate timing depends on the assignment. Post-repair inspection and records may be important when the claim concerns the value after repairs.
Send the repair estimate, final invoice and vehicle history. We will confirm whether sufficient evidence exists for a meaningful appraisal.
Assignment availability, inspection requirements and report scope are confirmed after file review. IA Reports does not guarantee acceptance by a third party or a particular financial, legal or insurance outcome.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Request a complimentary review or submit an assignment today.