Free Accident Settlement Calculator

An accident settlement is compensation for your losses after a vehicle accident. It typically includes property damage, diminished value (the difference between your car's value before and after the accident), medical expenses, and other related costs. Our calculator focuses on the diminished value portion, using factors like vehicle age, mileage, damage severity, and repair costs to estimate your potential claim.

Diminished value is the reduction in your vehicle's market value after it has been in an accident, even after proper repairs. A vehicle with an accident history is typically worth less than an identical one without accidents. This difference represents a real financial loss that you can claim as part of your settlement, separate from repair costs.

This calculator provides a preliminary estimate based on industry-standard formulas and the information you provide. While it gives you a solid starting point, actual settlements can vary based on factors like your location, insurance company policies, repair quality, and specific accident circumstances. For the most accurate assessment, we recommend getting a certified appraisal from SnapClaim.

Several key factors influence your settlement: vehicle age and mileage (newer vehicles with lower mileage typically have higher settlements), damage severity (minor to total loss affects diminished value significantly), repair costs (higher costs often indicate more severe damage), pre-accident vehicle condition, repair quality, and documentation. Insurance company policies and your location can also play a role.

You should get a professional, certified appraisal when you're ready to file a formal claim with an insurance company, if your vehicle is high-value or luxury, when facing a disputed claim, or if you need court-ready documentation. SnapClaim provides certified appraisals that insurance companies and courts accept, giving you the strongest position in settlement negotiations.

In most states, you can only claim diminished value from the at-fault party's insurance, not your own. However, laws vary by state, and some policies may have different provisions. Generally, third-party diminished value claims are more successful than first-party claims. A certified appraisal from SnapClaim strengthens your claim regardless of which party's insurance you're dealing with.