I write this in great pain but what do you guys feel the actual diminished value is after a 2012 C300 4Matic has been in an accident?

I was rear ended on the highway, the damage seems to be the rear bumper, diffuser, head rests both popped out, and a smell of gas. (not mentioning the damage to me)

those are the only things i noticed, ill know more in the coming week but I had the car for sale now this happens......

I mean the Canadian back book value was about $26,500( average asking price for a 2012 c 300 4 matic 86000KM)

I feel like I just lost at least $4000

 

I've been rear ended hard enough to almost total my car, but the body shop I took it to wanted money from repairing it so they didn't want to total the vehicle. Having an accident on record, even if it isnt our fault will inevitably end in money out of our pockets. If anyone looks at the carfax, they'll know, and most would rather choose from the thousands of other w204's on the market that haven't been in accidents.

Unfortunately, this is a reality we will have to deal with.

One thing you can do is attempt to convince the insurance company that the value of the vehicle has been reduced due to having an accident on record. I was going to attempt this but it required too much time and energy in my already tight schedule. You will likely have to provide evidence by comparing prices of similar vehicles with an accident on record vs without an accident.

My car has been extensively modified, and I have had all the maintenance done on time and recorded, so I'll use what I can to offset the accident. I'll probably have to lower my asking price by a couple thousand but I'm not going to let it bother me. Not much we can do about it now.

Good luck!

 

Use the car for 10 to 15 years & you will not notice the devaluation or depreciation.

 

Carsy is correct but with regard to diminished value you are owed based on the value before and directly after the accident. Here's a guideline: If no structural damage or air bag deployment figure appx. 10% of the trade-in value lost. If any of the above occurred that percentage jumps as high as 40%. You will need both a good appraisal and persistence because insurers absolutely hate paying diminished value claims.