Delays in getting your car repaired after an accident happen for all sorts of reasons. But if you’ve been considering a diminished value (DV) claim, you might wonder whether that delay could hurt your chances. In this article, we’ll explain how repair timing affects DV eligibility, what kind of delays are acceptable, and how to strengthen your case even if things didn’t move quickly after your accident.
By the end, you’ll understand if you still qualify, how to prepare, and what steps to take to protect your claim—even if time wasn’t on your side.
What’s a Diminished Value Claim?
Diminished value refers to the loss in a vehicle’s market value after it’s been in an accident, even if repaired properly. A DV claim lets you recover that loss from the at-fault party’s insurance.
To qualify, you usually need:
- A recent accident that wasn’t your fault
- A repaired vehicle that still holds value
- A documented loss in market price post-repair
But timing can influence how insurers evaluate that loss—and whether they believe you acted responsibly.
Do Delays Hurt Your Claim?
They can, but not always.
Insurers may argue that long delays in getting repairs suggest negligence, which could weaken your claim. If they think you drove the damaged car for weeks or waited without a valid reason, they might say you made the damage worse or failed to “mitigate losses.”
That said, not every delay is your fault—or a dealbreaker.
Acceptable Reasons for Delayed Repairs
Some delays are understandable and common, especially when they’re out of your control. These include:
- Waiting on OEM or specialty parts
- Shop backlog or supply chain delays
- Insurance company taking weeks to approve the repair
- Scheduling issues with the body shop
If you have documentation showing these were the cause, you can usually explain the delay and proceed with your claim.
Delays That Might Undermine Your Claim
Some repair delays raise red flags for insurers—especially if they suggest you didn’t take the damage seriously. These include:
- Driving the car for weeks while visibly damaged
- Ignoring shop or insurer repair approvals
- Attempting low-cost, unrecommended fixes instead of full repairs
Insurers may argue the value drop was your fault or worsened by use after the accident.
Do State Laws Affect This?
Yes. Some states follow stricter rules around your duty to mitigate damages after a loss. Others allow more flexibility.
Also, keep in mind that each state has a statute of limitations—usually 2 to 4 years from the date of loss—to file a DV claim. Delaying your repairs too long could cut into that timeline.
Check with a local expert or DV appraiser familiar with your state’s rules.
How to Build a Strong Claim After a Delay
If your repairs were delayed, don’t panic. You can still file a strong claim with the right preparation:
- Keep documentation – repair estimates, body shop records, emails with your insurer
- Hire a DV appraiser – they’ll provide a report showing the real market loss regardless of timing
- Explain the delay – include a written statement outlining why repairs were postponed and that the damage didn’t worsen over time
Professional presentation matters here. Don’t leave it to the insurer’s assumptions.
Is It Still Worth Filing?
Absolutely—if the damage was significant and you weren’t at fault. Even with delays, many claims are still valid and winnable.
Just be clear, transparent, and prepared. Often, the insurer is looking for a reason to deny the claim. Don’t give them one by being unorganized or vague.
Final Takeaway
Delayed repairs don’t automatically disqualify you from recovering diminished value. But they do make it easier for insurers to push back. If the delay was beyond your control—and you can prove it—you still have a valid shot at compensation.
The key is preparation. With a solid paper trail and a strong appraisal, you can still claim what your car truly lost—on your terms.
