Value before accident$28,500Sample vehicle
Value after repairs$24,100Accident on record
Diminished value−$4,400Owed by the at-fault insurer

Early access · Car accident claims

Hit by another driver? Their insurer may owe you more.

Even after perfect repairs, an accident on your car's history cuts its resale value. In most states you can claim that loss from the at-fault driver's insurer too, though you'll need to show it.

How it works
60 secondsFree estimate
CertifiedPartner appraisers
No win, no feeYou keep 70%

A new approach

Don't let the accident cost you twice

×The old way
  1. Step 1Accident
  2. Step 2Repairs done
  3. Step 3Insurer closes the claim
  4. Step 4Sell the car later
  5. Step 5Lose thousands at trade-in
✓The new way
  1. Step 160-second estimate
  2. Step 2Certified appraisal
  3. Step 3We file the claim
  4. Step 4The insurer pays
  5. Step 5You keep 70%

Why it matters

Repairs fix the car. They don't fix what the accident did to its value.

Who pays

In most states, if another driver caused the accident, you can claim your car's loss in value from their insurer, not just repairs. You usually have to prove the loss, and insurers often dispute it.

State insurance law · rules vary by state

How it's measured

An independent appraiser compares your car's market value before and after the accident.

Independent appraisal

Time limits

Deadlines to sue vary by state. Two or three years is common, some states allow longer and some claims have shorter limits.

State statutes of limitations

Who does the work

Partner appraisers prepare your appraisal. If your claim needs representation, a licensed attorney in your state handles it.

How Fineprint works

What we need

A few documents, we do the rest

Upload what you have. If something's missing, we can usually request it for you.

  • 01Accident reportPolice or insurer report
  • 02Repair estimateOr the final invoice
  • 03PhotosOf the damage
  • 04Claim numberFrom the other insurer
  • 05Vehicle detailsVIN and mileage
  • 06FaultProof the other driver was at fault

Your claim

From estimate to payout

Estimate$2.8k–$4.8kIn 60 seconds
A free estimate based on your car and repairs.
AppraisalCertifiedBy a partner appraiser
A report the insurer has to take seriously.
Payout70%Of what we recover
No fee unless you get paid.

Early access

No win, no fee.

You keep 70%No win, no fee

We only get paid when you do: 30% of what we recover. If the claim doesn't pay out, you owe nothing.

Questions

What is diminished value?

The drop in your car's resale value because it now has an accident on its history, even after repairs.

Who pays it?

Usually the at-fault driver's insurance company. Rules vary by state.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. Deadlines to sue vary by state. Two or three years is common, some states allow longer and some claims have shorter limits, so check early.

When can I start?

We're onboarding claims in small batches. Get your free estimate now and we'll contact you when your spot opens.

Repairs fix the car. We fix the value.