Filing a Diminished Value Claim With Progressive Insurance - Complete Guide

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but the financial consequences often continue long after the repairs are done. Even if your car is restored to industry standards, its resale or trade-in value usually drops.

This reduction in market worth is called diminished value, and it directly impacts how much money you will get when selling or trading your vehicle.

The good news is that you may not have to absorb this financial hit. If another driver was at fault, you can often file a diminished value claim with their insurance company, including when that company is Progressive.

In this detailed guide, we will explain what diminished value is, how Progressive handles these claims, and the steps you can take to maximize your payout.

What Is Diminished Value?

Diminished value refers to the loss in market value a vehicle suffers after an accident, even if it has been fully repaired. While repairs may restore safety and functionality, most buyers will not pay the same amount for a car with an accident history as they would for one with a clean record.

There are three main types of diminished value. Immediate diminished value refers to the reduction in value right after the accident, before any repairs. Repair-related diminished value results from substandard repairs, mismatched paint, or aftermarket parts.

Inherent diminished value is the most common type, which comes from the stigma attached to a previously damaged car, even if repairs are flawless.

If the accident was not your fault, you should not have to carry this financial loss. That is why diminished value claims exist.

Does Progressive Pay for Diminished Value Claims?

Progressive does consider diminished value claims. However, like most major insurers, they do not make it easy. Progressive’s official stance is that a properly repaired car can be restored to pre-loss condition. This language often leads to denied or underpaid claims, because while the car may be physically restored, its market value is not.

In many states, the law is clear. If your vehicle’s resale value drops after an accident caused by someone else, you are entitled to compensation for that loss.

State Laws and Diminished Value Claims

Your ability to file a diminished value claim with Progressive often depends on your state.

Some states, like Georgia and North Carolina, have strong laws supporting diminished value recovery. Others, such as North Dakota and Michigan, restrict or limit diminished value claims.

If you are not sure whether your state allows these claims, My Fair Claim offers a free review to check your eligibility.

How to File a Diminished Value Claim With Progressive

Filing a successful claim requires strategy and strong documentation. Here is a step-by-step process.

Check Eligibility

Not every accident qualifies for a Progressive diminished value claim. Eligibility often depends on fault, severity, and type of damage, vehicle age and mileage, prior accident history, and ownership status. Leased cars usually do not qualify.

Gather Documentation

The strength of your claim depends on the quality of your evidence. Collect repair invoices and estimates, photos of pre- and post-repair condition, a professional diminished value appraisal report, and market data on comparable vehicles.

Submit a Demand Letter

Write a detailed demand letter to Progressive’s claims department or your assigned adjuster. Include proof of the accident and repairs, evidence of diminished value through an independent appraisal, and the compensation amount you are requesting.

Progressive can be contacted through their website, mobile app, or by phone at 1-800-776-4737.

Respond to Progressive’s Offer

Progressive will review your claim and either approve it and make an offer, deny it by citing restored to pre-loss condition, or offer a settlement lower than requested.

If their offer is too low, negotiate. Persistence often improves results, though sometimes you will need expert support to back up your appraisal.

Common Challenges With Progressive Diminished Value Claims

Low settlement offers are common because insurers try to minimize payouts. Delays can stretch the process out for weeks or months.

Denials often cite that the car was fully repaired. Some states also restrict diminished value claims, making it harder to succeed without professional help.

How My Fair Claim Can Help

Handling a Progressive diminished value claim on your own can feel overwhelming. That is where My Fair Claim comes in.

With over 40 years of experience, we specialize in independent diminished value and total loss appraisals. Our expert reports are data-driven, unbiased, and designed to strengthen your claim against Progressive or any other insurer.

We provide independent appraisals starting at just $29.95, offer proven negotiation support to help you fight lowball offers, and understand state-specific claim rules nationwide.

Whether you need a professional diminished value report or full claims assistance, our team ensures you do not leave money on the table.

Contact My Fair Claim today to get started on your Progressive diminished value claim.

Key Takeaways

Diminished value is the loss in resale value after an accident, even with proper repairs. Progressive does allow diminished value claims, but expects challenges, low offers, or denials.

Your success depends on state laws, strong documentation, and professional appraisal reports. My Fair Claim helps car owners maximize compensation with affordable, expert appraisal services.