District of Columbia
Diminished Value Overview
In the District of Columbia, a vehicle involved in a not at fault accident may lose market value even after repairs are completed. When another driver is responsible for the accident, D.C. allows you to pursue compensation for that loss in value from the at fault driver’s insurance company as part of your property damage claim.
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01
Statute of Limitations
The District of Columbia allows three years from the date of the accident to pursue a diminished value claim.
02
Third-Party Claims
D.C. recognizes diminished value claims when another driver is at fault, and you can pursue recovery from that driver’s liability insurance.
03
First-Party and Uninsured Motorist
D.C. recognizes diminished value claims when another driver is at fault, and you can pursue recovery from that driver’s liability insurance.
04
Small Claims Court Limit
D.C. small claims court allows diminished value claims up to $10,000.
District of Columbia Diminished Value Law
The District of Columbia does not have reported case law specifically addressing automobile diminished value. However, when an accident is caused by another party, diminished value may still be recoverable as an element of property damage under established tort principles applied in the District.
Restatement (Second) of Torts § 928
The Restatement (Second) of Torts, which is relied upon by District of Columbia courts, provides that when personal property is damaged but not totally destroyed, damages include the difference between the property’s value before the harm and its value after the harm, or the reasonable cost of repair with allowance for any remaining difference in value after repairs are completed, as well as loss of use.