Following extensive damage to the front end of my -8 I learned I can file a claim for the diminished resale value of the car. I am in the process of getting estimates that specifically address the decrease in resale value to submit to my insurance carrier. I am told that such claims are rarely filed but very legitimate. Obviously insurance carriers don't go out of their way to make this known.........

 

Moreso, some insurance company policies explicity exclude paying diminished value in case you are at fault or if the claim is caused by an uninsured motorist. However, in case someone (with insurance) caused damage to your car, you certainly can (and should) file for diminished value.
The faulty party's insurance company will most likely try to deny that they would pay for such a claim, but a little persistence and eventually some pressure will persuade them to accept it.
It is certainly up to you to figure out how much and based on what estimate do you file your claim.
I'm in the same process because back in November someone rear-ended my wife's car. I'm interested where do you get your estimate from - I'm looking for an estimate myself.

 

Some states do not allow diminished value claims at all. FL, GA, and NJ all have anti-DV language in insurance regulatory guidelines and the courts in those states rarely find in favor of the plaintiff. Good luck...

 

I've been told by my attorneys that it's highly unlikely I'll get any diminished value settlement for my car, even though it was only one year old when rear-ended, repairs totalled nearly $18,000, and the other party was totally at fault. Apparently California is one state where DV is very hard to get, even though my car is now essentially worth its weight as scrap metal and not a penny more.