Diminished Value Claims in Florida

Florida DV Law and the No-Fault System

Florida's no-fault insurance system creates confusion about diminished value claims, but the key distinction is this: Florida's no-fault system applies to bodily injury, not property damage. For vehicle damage — including diminished value — Florida operates as a tort state. If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance is responsible for your property damage, including DV.

Florida does not clearly allow first-party DV claims against your own collision coverage. Third-party DV claims against the at-fault driver are the standard approach in Florida.

How to File a DV Claim in Florida

1. Complete all vehicle repairs
2. Get a certified DV appraisal from an ASCAA-certified Florida appraiser
3. File your claim against the at-fault driver's BI/PD liability coverage
4. Negotiate using your certified appraisal as evidence
5. Escalate through Florida's dispute resolution options if needed

Florida DV Claim Details

• Claim Type: Third-party against at-fault driver's liability insurance
• Statute of Limitations: 4 years for property damage
• Comparative Fault: Florida uses modified comparative negligence (51% bar as of 2023 tort reform)
• Weather Factor: Florida's frequent hurricanes and severe weather create high accident volumes and corresponding DV claim opportunities

Florida's large vehicle market, high accident frequency, and valuable vehicle population make it a significant state for DV claims. ASCAA-certified appraisers serve Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and all of Florida.