Can I file a diminished value claim in Michigan?

Generally yes — if another driver was at fault, Michigan typically lets you pursue diminished value (the resale value your car lost just from having an accident on its record) against that driver's insurer. Diminished value applies to a repaired car, not a totaled one.

Can I recover diminished value from my own insurer in Michigan?

Usually not. In Michigan, as in most states, your own auto policy generally doesn't cover diminished value — it's typically pursued against the at-fault driver's insurer instead.

How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in Michigan?

In Michigan the statute of limitations is generally 3 years, and the clock usually starts on the accident date — not when the car was repaired. Waiting too long can permanently bar the claim.

Michigan · Diminished value

Diminished value claims in Michigan

If your car was repaired after a crash someone else caused, it's now worth less on paper simply because it has an accident on its record. In Michigan, that lost value — “diminished value” — can generally be pursued. Here's how Michigan treats it.

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Michigan at a glance

Third-party DV (at-fault driver's insurer): Yes
First-party DV (your own insurer): No
How DV is measured: Market comparison (before-vs-after value)
Time limit to file (statute of limitations): 3 years

Diminished value in Michigan

No published MI Supreme Court case clearly recognizing first-party DV. PPI (MCL § 500.3121) defines benefits as the lesser of reasonable repair costs or replacement costs less depreciation (+ loss of use) — no mention of DV. Third-party DV is constrained by the mini-tort $3,000 PD cap. Effectively no meaningful DV recovery channel for ordinary MI collisions. Still unverified on .gov — no MI appellate opinion squarely on point.

How Moe handles diminished value in Michigan

Knowing the rule is one thing — applying it against a carrier is another. Moe builds your case to Michigan’s rules, drafts every letter for your approval, tracks the deadlines, and only pings you when there’s a decision to make.

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Michigan diminished value — common questions

Can I file a diminished value claim in Michigan?: Generally yes — if another driver was at fault, Michigan typically lets you pursue diminished value (the resale value your car lost just from having an accident on its record) against that driver's insurer. Diminished value applies to a repaired car, not a totaled one.
Can I recover diminished value from my own insurer in Michigan?: Usually not. In Michigan, as in most states, your own auto policy generally doesn't cover diminished value — it's typically pursued against the at-fault driver's insurer instead.
How long do I have to file a diminished value claim in Michigan?: In Michigan the statute of limitations is generally 3 years, and the clock usually starts on the accident date — not when the car was repaired. Waiting too long can permanently bar the claim.

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All Michigan accident-claim rules · Other states

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This page summarizes Michigan’s car-accident claim rules for general information — it is not legal advice, and the rules can change. What applies to your claim depends on your policy and the specific facts.