You Could Be Owed Thousands Extra — But Your Insurance Company Won’t Tell You!
If you were recently in a car crash in Missouri, you may be entitled to file a special type of claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company called a Diminished Value Claim.
Here’s the catch — insurance adjusters rarely, if ever, tell you about it. Why? Because it means their company has to pay you more money. Most people don’t even know this kind of claim exists — and surprisingly, most car accident lawyers don’t either.
I know this is true because I’ve asked dozens of lawyer friends and colleagues over the years, and almost none of them had a clue.
What Is a Diminished Value Claim?
A Diminished Value Claim is simple in concept but challenging to win — unless you have an experienced team like ours handling it for you.
When your car is damaged in a crash, that accident is permanently recorded under your vehicle’s VIN number history, accessible to dealerships, repair shops, and potential buyers nationwide. Even if your car is repaired “good as new,” its market value drops simply because it has an accident on record.
That lost value — the difference between what your car was worth before the crash and after repairs — is what’s called diminished value.
Before we go further, you should know: hiring us won’t cost you a dime upfront. We only earn a percentage of what we recover for you — and you’re the only one who can accept the insurance company’s offer.
We work for you. Period. You are the boss.
Your Right to Compensation
In Missouri, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for all damages, including diminished value. You typically have up to five years from the accident date to file your claim — but starting early helps ensure the process goes smoothly.
If you settle your claim without getting paid for the Diminished Value Claim, you’re out of luck — there’s no going back.
The Diminished Value Claim often just sits in the insurance company’s pocket, waiting for someone to collect it — but getting it isn’t simple. The process involves strict legal steps and access to specialized valuation software.
Our firm is the only law firm in Missouri that focuses solely on Missouri auto accident law, which means Diminished Value Claims are right in our wheelhouse. We use proprietary software and years of experience to gather the evidence needed to make insurance companies pay what you deserve.
Know Your Rights
If you file a claim under your own auto insurance, Missouri law usually doesn’t require your insurer to pay diminished value unless your policy specifically includes it. These claims must be made against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Missouri courts recognize diminished value as a legitimate form of loss, but insurers often push back — sometimes claiming “betterment,” arguing your car was improved by repairs. That’s why having an experienced legal team matters: we know how to challenge those arguments and secure fair compensation.
Find Out What Your Claim Is Worth
If you’d like to learn more about your potential Diminished Value Claim — and the likely thousands of dollars you may be owed — call us today at (314) 207-9996. Our 24/7 new client information team is ready to help.
Tow Lot FAQ
If another driver caused my crash, am I still responsible for making my car loan payment if it is totaled or being repaired
Yes, you remain legally responsible for making your car loan payments even if another driver caused the crash. A car loan is a binding financial contract between you and your lender, independent of fault for an accident.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is obligated to compensate you for the property damage and losses caused by the accident—up to the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) at the time of the crash, or up to the limits of their policy.
What happens if I owe more to the car loan company than my car is worth?
If your car is totaled and the ACV payout doesn’t cover the full remaining balance on your loan, you are still responsible for paying the remaining amount. The insurer for the at-fault driver is only required to compensate for the market value of the vehicle—not the entire loan balance.
Check to see if you purchased Gap Insurance through your car insurance company, your car loan company or another insurance company. You may have been required to purchase Gap Insurance, as that is sometimes required by the car loan company.
This type of insurance pays the difference between your loan balance and the Actual Cash Value payment paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Why was my car towed after the accident?
If your vehicle was damaged to the point it couldn’t be safely driven, law enforcement or the responding officers likely ordered it towed to clear the roadway. The tow company will take it either to their impound lot or a designated storage facility.
Who pays for the towing charges?
The at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering towing fees. You may need to pay the cost upfront to retrieve your car, but you can request reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer later.
How can I get my personal belongings from the towed vehicle?
Contact the tow lot to schedule a time to retrieve your personal belongings. Bring identification and proof of ownership (such as your vehicle registration, insurance card or title).
You can take out personal items, but the lot may not allow you to remove parts of the vehicle itself.
Can my insurance handle the towing and storage directly?
Yes. If you have collision coverage, your insurer may pay the costs upfront and seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company later.
How do I find out where my car was towed?
If you’re unsure, call the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash. They can provide the towing company’s name, phone number, and address.
Should I notify my insurance company about towing and storage?
Yes. Notify your insurer immediately so they can communicate with the tow lot, the other driver’s insurer, and arrange next steps for your claim and vehicle.
What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurer delays payment?
You may need to pay to recover your vehicle, then seek reimbursement through the at-fault driver’s insurance. Keep all receipts for towing, storage, and related costs.
What Happens to My Damaged Vehicle? FAQ
Who pays for my car repairs after the accident?
The at-fault driver’s insurance is normally responsible for the cost of repairs. Their insurer should inspect your vehicle, approve an estimate, and pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you for covered costs.
What if my car needs repairs immediately, but their insurance is delaying the claim?
If the other driver’s insurer is taking too long, you can use your own collision coverage (if you have it) to get repairs started sooner.
Your insurance company will then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer through subrogation. Your insurance will return your deductible when they are reimbursed.
Can I choose my own repair shop?
Yes. In Missouri, you have the right to choose where your car is repaired. The other party’s insurer may recommend preferred shops, but you are not required to use them.
However, insurers are only required to pay a reasonable amount for repairs and parts, so if your chosen shop charges above the prevailing market rate, you may be responsible for the difference
What if the repair estimate seems too low?
You may request an independent estimate from your own mechanic or body shop. If there’s a dispute, your insurance adjuster can negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer or refer the issue to arbitration.
What happens if my car is declared a total loss?
If repairs exceed the car’s actual cash value (ACV), or 75% of it, the insurer may “total” it. You’ll receive a settlement based on the vehicle’s pre-crash market value. The at-fault driver’s insurer usually handles this if liability is clear.
You can negotiate if you disagree with the valuation — providing maintenance records and listing comparable local sale prices often helps.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we are the only law firm in Missouri with access to a new proprietary software which allows us to more effectively challenge the values the insurance companies assign to these ‘totaled’ vehicles, whereby putting more money in your pocket.
Can I get a rental car while mine is being fixed?
Yes. If the other driver’s insurance accepts fault, they should cover a rental vehicle for a reasonable period while your car is in repair. If they delay, your own policy may also provide rental coverage if you opted for it.
Does the other insurer have to use original manufacturer (OEM) parts for repairs?
Not necessarily. In Missouri, insurance companies are only required to use equivalent-quality parts unless OEM parts are explicitly required by the vehicle’s warranty or manufacturer. You can ask your adjuster if OEM parts can be specified for safety or warranty reasons.
If a repair will use non-OEM crash parts (those not made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer), the repair estimate must state this clearly before work begins.
You, as the vehicle owner, may request OEM parts, but if they cost more than equivalent aftermarket parts, the insurer usually only pays the reasonable market rate—you’d be responsible for the difference unless your policy or the at-fault insurer agrees otherwise
What can I do if the at-fault driver’s insurer denies my claim?
You can have your own insurer handle payment under your collision coverage (If you paid for it on your policy) and let them pursue the at-fault insurer. If your claim is still denied, you should consult an attorney specializing in auto accident cases.
