Frequently Asked Question: How do I get a diminished value quote in Hawaii?

Short answer: Gather vehicle and accident documentation, choose the right type of diminished value appraisal (inspection-based or desktop), hire a qualified appraiser or use an insurer-accepted provider, and submit the report to the at-fault insurer or your insurer. Then negotiate or pursue a claim using the appraisal evidence. You may contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division if you need regulatory help.

Detailed answer — step-by-step process

This section explains the practical steps you should take in Hawaii to get an accurate diminished value quote. It assumes you start with no legal or insurance knowledge.

1. Understand what “diminished value” means

Diminished value is the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after it has been damaged and repaired following a crash. Even after repairs, many buyers pay less for a vehicle with a collision history. There are three common concepts you may hear:

Inherent diminished value — the stigma attached to a vehicle that has been in an accident, even if it was well repaired.
Repair-related diminished value — value lost because repairs were imperfect or non-original parts were used.
Immediate diminished value — difference in value immediately after the crash and before repairs.

2. Decide who should pay the appraisal

If another driver caused the crash, you typically present the diminished value claim to the at-fault driver’s insurer as a third-party claim. If your insurer handled repairs and you expect your insurer to pursue subrogation, you can coordinate with them. Contact the insurer that will receive the claim and ask about their documentation requirements and whether they accept independent appraisals.

3. Collect documentation you will need

Before requesting a quote, assemble the following items. Strong documentation produces a stronger appraisal.

Vehicle make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
Clear photos of the vehicle before the crash (if available), damage photos, and photos after repairs.
Repair invoices showing repairs performed and parts used.
Police report or incident report, if available.
Any prior appraisals, pre-accident value estimates, or listings for comparable vehicles.

4. Choose the type of appraisal or quote

Appraisals typically come in two formats:

Inspection-based appraisal (preferred) — an appraiser inspects the vehicle in person, verifies repairs, and produces a detailed report with a market-based valuation.
Desktop or remote appraisal — based on documents and photos you provide; cheaper and faster but sometimes less persuasive.

Ask the insurer whether they accept desktop appraisals. For higher-value vehicles, collectors, or cases where you expect significant diminished value, an in-person appraisal carries more weight.

5. Find and hire a qualified appraiser

Look for appraisers who have experience with diminished value claims, vehicle valuation credentials, or recognized appraisal organizations. Ask prospective appraisers:

Do you do diminished value reports for insurance claims?
Can you provide sample reports?
What methodology do you use (comparable-market analysis, market adjustment factors)?
How long until I get the report and what will it cost?

Costs vary by vehicle value and report type. Expect higher fees for detailed, inspection-based reports on late-model or specialty cars.

6. Get the appraisal report and a formal quote

The appraiser will calculate the pre-accident market value and the post-repair market value, then report the difference as the diminished value. A credible report contains:

Appraiser qualifications and contact details.
Methodology used and sources (sold comparables, market data).
Photos, VIN, mileage, and repair documentation review.
Clear statement of the diminished value amount and reasoning.

7. Submit the quote to the insurer and negotiate

Submit the appraisal package to the at-fault insurer (or your insurer if applicable). Keep copies of everything and request written acknowledgment of receipt. The insurer may:

Accept the appraisal and pay the diminished value amount.
Make a lower counteroffer based on their valuation method.
Request a second opinion or another appraisal.

Negotiate using the appraisal’s market data and documentation. If negotiations stall, you can consider mediation, filing a complaint with the Hawaii DCCA Insurance Division, or consulting an attorney experienced in automobile insurance claims.

8. Timing and deadlines

Start the process as soon as repairs finish so you preserve evidence. Hawaii law does not create a specific universal “diminished value” claim deadline separate from standard tort/contract statutes, so act promptly — insurance companies and vehicle markets change over time. If you file a claim against the at-fault driver, be mindful of Hawaii’s statutes of limitation for personal property or tort claims; consult an attorney about specific deadlines.

9. When to consult an attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if:

The insurer refuses to pay a reasonable diminished value amount.
Your vehicle is high-value, collectible, or a specialty vehicle.
There are disputed facts about fault, repairs, or fraud.

Hawaii-specific resources and legal context

Hawaii regulates insurance and claims through the state insurance code and the DCCA Insurance Division. If you believe an insurer engaged in unfair claim practices, or the company will not respond to a legitimate diminished value claim, you can contact the DCCA Insurance Division for consumer guidance or to file a complaint: https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/.

For background on Hawaii insurance law and regulatory authority, see the Hawaii Revised Statutes (insurance-related chapters) at the Hawaii State Legislature: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/. These pages contain the state insurance statutes and relevant consumer protections administered by the DCCA.

Helpful Hints

Keep a digital folder with all photos, repair invoices, appraisal reports, and communications with insurers.
Get an in-person appraisal for newer, high-mileage, or specialty cars; desktop reports are best for low-value, straightforward cases.
Ask the at-fault insurer early whether they accept independent appraisals and what documentation they require.
Use multiple comparable sales in the appraisal to show a market-based valuation, not just a formula output.
Keep timelines tight — the longer you wait, the harder it is to prove pre-accident condition and market value.
If negotiations stall, ask the DCCA Insurance Division for consumer guidance before hiring counsel.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the diminished value process under Hawaii practice and consumer guidance. It is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs Insurance Division at https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/.