Diminished Value Evaluations for Carriers
Third-party diminished value assessments for carriers and TPAs evaluating a demand. The question is whether the submitted figure is supported and what the defensible post-repair market impact actually is.
Scope
What the assignment includes
- Post-repair inspection assessing repair quality, workmanship, and residual or unrepaired damage
- Review of the repair estimate and supplements to establish damage severity and repair method
- Structural versus cosmetic damage determination
- Local market analysis of comparable units with and without reported damage history
- Written opinion of diminished value with the methodology stated and supporting data identified
- Review of a claimant submitted diminished value report when its methodology or assumptions require evaluation
Scheduling and delivery
Timing is confirmed after the requested scope is reviewed. A desk review may be possible from complete documentation; a post-repair inspection is scheduled when physical condition or repair quality must be evaluated.
Why an independent opinion matters
Diminished value demands vary widely in rigor. Some reflect a real market effect, while others are formula outputs with little connection to the inspected vehicle. An independent assessment gives the desk a documented position without selecting a target number in advance.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you review claimant-submitted diminished value reports?
Yes. The assignment may be a desk review of the submitted methodology and evidence or a broader evaluation that includes a post-repair inspection.
What methodology is used?
The opinion considers repair quality, damage severity, structural involvement, disclosure exposure, vehicle characteristics, and relevant market evidence. The methodology and supporting basis are stated in the report.
Is a post-repair inspection required?
It depends on the question being evaluated. A desk review may be appropriate for methodology issues, while repair quality or residual damage generally requires physical inspection.
Is the report written to a target number?
No. The purpose is an independent, supportable opinion based on the inspected vehicle and available market evidence.
Assignment intake
Have an assignment in western Washington?
Send the file details and Meridian will confirm coverage, scope, and scheduling. For an urgent file, call directly.