Diminished Value

[redpoint]

I was wondering if anyone out there has tried to get a Diminished Value claim from their insurance company.

I was backed into a couple months ago by a delivery truck. I just finished getting all of the bodywork done on their insurance. I was told once the work was finished I could try to claim diminished value on my vehicle.

The people at faults insurance company Safeco said they do pay out Diminished Value even though they don't have to. They gave me a formula for figuring out my DV, called the Georgia formula, based on a court case from there.

The Georgia formula is very lame. According to it although I have had $7000 damage to my car the diminished value is only about $700. What a load of garbage. I have noticed a number of websites that say DV can be anywhere from 10-25% of a cars value. The insurance company asked me for a number and I said 10k, they have not responded.

Should I pay a shop in Washington to give me a report for $350 or is it worth it?

There must be some lawyers out there. Help.