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Auto Insurance Claims/Is it true no structural damage, no DV?

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Expert: - 9/18/2009


Question
Hello, this question is regarding to the diminished value in Georgia. About 20,000 mileages vehicle was struck on the rear bumper. The bumper needs to be replaced. The first carrier said there is no structural damage. So there is no DV. It is believable a vehicle will lose the value in the market after repair. Can you provide advice how to refute “no structural damage, no DV?” Thanks.


Answer
1. I would not waste my time on fighting this. If you did get DV it would not be over 10%, which on a bumper would be minimal.

2. You are less like to have DV on a replaced "bolton" part than than a welded and/or hammered out sheet metal part. Would you get DV for replacing wheels or a battery or an alternator?

3. I never succeeded in getting DV for my own clients, and I have been an adjuster for the insured for 15 years, Ron Cercone at UClaim.com.

4. Type "Diminished Value auto" in your search engine and you will find a few websites who say they can get the DV for you. Don't spend money without a money back guarantee or performance before payment.

There are more time/cost effective ways to maximize your claim than battling for DV.

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Ron Cercone

Expertise

How to handle automobile total loss claims. I am the president of UClaim.com, which sells 29 different eBooks I have written on how to maximize various types of auto, home and business claims and how to get coverage on denied claims. You may view their tables of contents online. Also available are very specialized eBooks such as on EUO (Examination Under Oath) for example. Also available is an assortment of policy forms used by the most popular insurers. The eBooks have a money back guarantee and currently include personal consultation with Ron Cercone.

Experience

I have been adjusting insurance claims since 1980. 1980 to 1995 adjusting for many insurers (6 years as an independent adjuster with my own company). Currently working as a public adjuster in California, since 1995. I'm one of the few public adjusters who has handled automobile damage and total loss claims.

Organizations
CAPIA (California Association of Public Adjusters).

Education/Credentials
BA 1975 in History and Industrial Arts. Full CV at UClaim.com .

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